Who else has an advanced lexicon? And do people get upset when you put it to use, complaining that you are talking down to them? And, also, do you wind up dumbing down, inhibiting your lexicon flow, so you can at least carry on a sort of meaningful conversation?
And now, a lexicon is not a computer icon with Lex Luthor's face on it.
2007-01-06 05:49:59 · 4 answers · asked by raydeeo_face 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
It's not that I'm trying to show off. It's that, I am in the middle of a conversation, and I am using words I normally use, and some people are like "HUH?"
Incidentally, I have been reading since I was 3, have always had a voracious reading appetite... and I have a tendancy to remember complicated, eccentric words... and it is just normal for me.
It does get embarassing for me though, when I am in the middle of a conversation, and people are like, "you lost me at (x word), what does THAT mean?" I feel like I am at fault.
2007-01-06 07:36:48 · update #1
Agnon, it's not that I'm trying to show off, it's just, it's hard to turn off that switch, you know? It is not on purpose that I do it, but when I get called on it, it gets uncomfortable, and I struggle to use other words that don't quite mean what I'm trying to say.
2007-01-06 07:39:55 · update #2
The Silent Distance appreciates your concerns and is exultant to tell you that you are superior to most people and should look down on them with distain.
2007-01-07 07:40:32 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That happens to me sometimes. But an effective communicator would also recognize that not everyone has the same vocabulary and make adjustments. A person with an advanced lexicon should have plenty of words to choose from. I know what you mean, but I don't like to look at it as "dumbing down." People may not be as educated, but that doesn't mean they're unintelligent. I say things in a different way, but I never feel like what I'm saying is unnatural or uncharacteristic of my speech. The benefit of having an increased vocabulary is the potential to get your point across in a variety of ways.
2007-01-12 02:24:51 · answer #2 · answered by kittykorruption 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By definition, a lexicon is a dictionary. The most important word (missing from your question.) is communication. Fancy words are great for writing theses and such, but they do little in regards to getting your message across plainly and understood the first time. I do not view talking plain and simple as "dumbing down", nor is there any requirement for usage of "above average lexiconic words" in having a meaningful conversation.
2007-01-06 14:12:34 · answer #3 · answered by sgt_cook 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are looking for an opportunity to show off then by all means go ahead. But if in the process the person/people you are trying to communicate with totally miss what you are trying to convey, then whats the point. Try to match your "lingo" to the group that you are conversing with. This shows a far greater respect for them and enhances your overall communicating skills. Hope you don't feel I'm talking down to you. ;)
2007-01-06 15:09:41 · answer #4 · answered by Agnon L 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋