Words That Rule the World | Rabi’ah Fakunle | TEDxSummit University Offa
The speaker, a linguist, argues that intentional word choice is crucial because words carry immense emotional weight, requiring continuous effort to ensure they promote connection rather than division. He suggests adopting small, positive phrases like "we can do it" and "thank you" to model empathy, much like the principle of *Ubuntu*. The core message is to be mindful of language in all contexts, from personal relationships to public discourse, because words can define our reality.
## Speakers & Context
- Unidentified speaker (a linguist).
- Context involves reflecting on an experience from an inaugural lecture titled "Eat and Die by Little."
- The speaker shares personal anecdotes about moments where language has been powerful or damaging, and advises on proactive speech habits.
## Theses & Positions
- Words possess the power to move people and build friendships, sometimes more effectively than actions.
- Intentional word choice is necessary because language carries weight, and casual statements can have lasting, uncorrectable impacts.
- The philosophy of *Ubuntu* ("I am because we are") highlights that human experience is deeply interconnected through shared language and culture.
- The general tendency of humanity is to rule over its words, as what is put in is what is put out.
- The ultimate goal is to preach love and be highly intentional with all spoken words.
## Concepts & Definitions
- **Pragmatic:** Language use that is context-dependent; some words are said with specific intent, and others are not meant to be said.
- **The apparent and the hidden:** Relating to a person's true intent versus their outward presentation in word choice.
- ***Ubuntu***: South African concept emphasizing that "I am because we are," stressing interconnectedness.
- **Verbose languages:** Language used in an overly long or complex manner, which the speaker tries to avoid.
## Mechanisms & Processes
- **Word Impact Mechanism:** Words move people, solidifying relationships (e.g., telling someone not to worry when together).
- **Self-Correction:** Recognizing personal linguistic weaknesses (like using "I'm lost") and consciously replacing them with more responsible phrases like "sorry."
- **Intentional Communication:** The active practice of choosing uplifting words ("we can do it," "thank you") rather than accusatory or definitive statements.
- **Modeling:** The need to use positive language ("How can I help?") rather than framing problems ("I have an issue with someone").
## Timeline & Sequence
- The initial reference point is an inaugural lecture titled *Eat and Die by Little*.
- The speaker recounts learning lessons about speech from friends and family interactions over time.
- The speaker recalls advice from a parent regarding marriage and interpersonal conflict.
- The discourse moves from anecdotes to political/cultural examples (African/foreign settings) and finally to generalized advice for the "cyber sphere."
## Named Entities
- **Alhika University professor:** The professor who delivered the inaugural lecture referenced by the speaker.
- **Euroba:** The speaker's husband's origin or culture.
- **Jonathan:** Mentioned in an example concerning a politician who spoke about not having shoes.
## Numbers & Data
- No specific quantitative data points were provided.
## Examples & Cases
- **Inaugural Lecture:** The topic *Eat and Die by Little* was presented, where the speaker learned that elements consumed could either build or harm.
- **Friendship Building:** Moments where friends offered words of comfort ("don't worry we'll pass") when the speaker was distressed.
- **Parental Advice:** Being told by mother to "put water in your mouth" when hearing difficult things upon marriage to a Euroba.
- **Political Discourse:** Observing politicians using collective language like "we can" or "we shall move together" to show unity.
- **Student Presentation:** The speaker consciously shifting focus to helping students ("How can I help the students?") to manage classroom tension.
- **Personal Acknowledgment:** The speaker admitting they "might be lost" sometimes while reading and needing to use "sorry."
## Tools, Tech & Products
- No specific tools, technologies, or products were named.
## References Cited
- *Ubuntu*: Cited as a cultural concept emphasizing interconnectedness.
## Trade-offs & Alternatives
- **Word Choice Alternatives:** Choosing between words meant versus words unsaid, or between being accusatory versus being empathetic.
- **Communication Strategy:** The trade-off between speaking to impress versus speaking with genuine, simple intent.
## Counterarguments & Caveats
- None explicitly addressed, though the speaker acknowledges the complexity by stating, "Now it all depends on the angle, the time and the space."
## Methodology
- Personal reflection and synthesis of interpersonal experience (friends, family, academics).
- Linguistic analysis of public and private speech to derive general principles.
## Conclusions & Recommendations
- Be intentional about every word used, recognizing that what is said cannot always be corrected.
- Adopt positive phrasing such as "we can do it," "it's fine," and "thank you."
- Practice patience in relating to people, using the principle of deep composure (like holding water in the mouth).
- The ultimate act of communication should be preaching love.
## Implications & Consequences
- The choice of words reflects and reinforces the world one chooses to inhabit; positive words foster connection, while negative words create barriers.
- Care must be taken because words can leave a permanent impression when the speaker is no longer present to defend the statement.
## Open Questions
- What specific actionable techniques can be taught to maintain patience when one feels overwhelmed by difficult words?
## Verbatim Moments
- *"eat and die by little"*
- *"what will happen?"*
- *"He's very sure water has no what's um ill to us."*
- *"Where am I headed?"*
- *"I told you don't worry we'll pass."*
- *"Put water in your mouth and keep saying this water must not just keep the water in your mouth till the storm is over."*
- *"apparent and the hidden"*
- *"we can, we shall move together."*
- *"may your road be rough"*
- *"I'm a kind of person that I sometimes I might be lost."*
- *"I should use it often."*
- *"How can I help the students?"*
- *"Ubuntu states that I am because we are that's collectivism that words culture human are interwoven we are interconnected"*
- *"Word is love."*
- *"I can't talk about love without talking about word. You can't talk about word. without without talking about pragmatics"*
- *"little little words we use like be fine, we can do it."*
- *"you can't give out what you don't have."*