Oraliterate Interactive Culture
Whenever someone asks me about my English capstone course, I always hesitate upon answering. I mutter something about "literature and the internet…the culture of information" and then end with "it's hard to explain, but it's really interesting." Immediately I receive the scrunched-eyebrow-quizzical-look, and typically the individual quickly changes the subject in order to avoid some kind of philosophical English debate (which apparently only English and Philosophy students enjoy). However, the occasional student will ask me to further explain (after the quizzical look, of course), and I usually highlight the same aspects in order to best summarize the class from my perspective. I can't possibly fully explain what I've learned this semester, but certain readings do stand out above others because they transformed my thinking the most.
We began our studies reading Metaphors We Live By, which is co-authored by George Lakoff and Mark Johnson. Basically the book points out many of the metaphors we use in everyday language without even noticing. For example, we often use the metaphor argument is war:
- Your claims are indefensible.
- He attacked every weak point in my argument.
- His criticisms were right on target.
- I demolished his argument.
- I've never won an argument with him.
- You disagree? Okay, shoot!
- If you use that strategy, he'll wipe you out.
- He shot down all of my arguments. (Johnson 4)
The language we speak influences our thought processes; in this case we view debates as wars to be won. Therefore, people typically view arguments as hostile and competitive. Imagine, on the other hand, if we used the metaphor of writing to describe arguments. What if we said things like, "His thesis was very concise and to the point." Perhaps then we wouldn't be so focused on winning an argument? Our culture might instead value arguing as an intellectual feat that could draw individuals closer together--not farther apart.
My favorite example of a common metaphor is falling in love. Each week Professor Mandell (a.k.a. Laura) would post a question to our listserv and we would individually respond. The listserv allowed us to think independently while still conversing with other students via their individual emails. Laura's first question had to do with the social effects of using the metaphor falling in love. The responses were amazingly insightful. Personally, I immediately thought of the song Falling Is Like This by Ani DiFranco. I seriously began questioning my views of love, and I haven't stopped analyzing even today. My listserv response for this prompt is one of my personal favorites.