Today in class we talked about the most comman word (if you can call it that) in the coloquial english language. This word of course being: um, uh, or like. Wow. I am very guilty of over-using all of these apparent "space-fillers." O'Connor, however, brought a study to light. The number of these words you use has a direct correlation to ones intellect. The most intelligent and educated people are the most frequent users of these terms. Why? I mean, really, they don't make one sound smart.
Personally, I think this study makes sense. And of course I find it believable, I mean, after all it was researched at Stanford of all places! But, I think the main reason I resort to what my father calls "Valley girl" language when I overuse "like" is that I talk way too fast for my brain to catch up.
These thoughts led me to think of the phrase, "think before you speak." Do I really control everything that comes out of my mouth? I am doubtful of this. I mean, if I was asked to explain how to talk I'd be speechless. I don't know where half the stuff I say comes from. This is admittedly a bad quality. But honestly, how did I pick up the usage of "um, uh, like...." Did I pick it up from the affluent community I live in? Is it inherent with the developement of speech? I do not find myself consciously choosing to use these words. I found a link that claims to have the key to stop yourself from using these common terms. http://digg.com/news/science/How_to_Stop_saying_Um_and_Ah_during_a_speech
So many friends make fun of me and count how many times I say "like" and it can be annoying. But with this study in mind, Why would I try to get rid of them if they mark my intelligence? Will this study lead to an influx in usage?
I have no idea, but know one thing for certain, if the usage of these uh fillers suggest higher intelligence, I'm like a total genius.
Carolyn-
ReplyDeleteNot going to lie, our discussion in class and this post make me relieved. I use the 'words' like and um at least all the time. My mom hounds me for it saying I sound uneducated but if the study is true I guess I proved her wrong! Another reason that O'Connor brought up as a possible reason for the use of these words is that they are an indication that you still want to talk. When finding the right word, one says these words to not allow others to easily interject. I think that that makes a little bit more sense than having them be just space fillers. Like you I tend not to think a lot before I speak. As I search for what I want to say while it comes out of my mouth I use these words so people wont jump in on me. I guess you could call it selfishness or just the way I (and many others talk) but I believe that this is the main reason we say like so much.