After reading "Saved," one realizes that Malcolm X has an ephiphay, that is, a sudden moment when he realizes the value of words and the importance of education.
According to Marlys Mayfield, " The advantange of having a precise vocabulary to desribe your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more." (Mayfield, 46)
How does Malcolm X’s experience validate the quote by Mayfield ? When was that moment for you ? How do you expand your vocabulary?
Mayfield, Marlys. Thinking for Yourself, 7th Ed. U.S.: ThomsonWadsworth, 2007.
41 comments:
Malcolm X's experience validates the quote by Mayfield because once Malcolm began to learn the meanings of new words, his perspective and view of the world changed. Having a limited vocabulary makes it hard to interpret as well as understand complex material. The more words you learn, the easier it becomes to express yourself, and comprehend information. Brother Malcom started out only knowing how to communicate through using slang. Articulating the way he felt in normal english was foreign soil to him. As he began to read the dictionary and learn new words, his intellectual capacity increased, which allowed him to express himself on an articulate level. Also, the more words he learned, allowed him to understand the true meaning of the material he was reading. Once a person has been exposed to a wide variety of words, the experiences you have when reading and writing expands. You are no longer confined to a box, your mind begins to think outside of the box. That moment for me came when I was 18 years old. I dropped out of school in the 6th grade, so my education was minmal. I told myself that I can do better so I obtained my G.E.D.. Once I started studying, my world began to expand as I learned new concepts, and was shown a different side of life. I began taking college courses and taking english classes. Once my vocabulary expanded, I was able to express myself to any person, and I was also able to experince even more. My confidence in my abilities went through the roof. Now, I am very proficient at expressing myself. I expanded my vocabulary by using a thesaurus, looking up words I do not know, and by reading books.
-Jonathan
You truly are an inspiration to me because I too just received my G.E.D last year. After sreceiving my G.E.D last summer I came to Laney in the fall and I have been here since. Like you, I dropped out of school in 7th grade with little to no education. You're absolutely right when you said, "Once my vocabulary expanded, I was able to express myself to any person..." We must expand our vocabulary in order to communicate effectively and persuasively either to get ahead in life, or to simply communicate intelligently. Malcom X was-is-and will continue to be an inspirational leader for many generations to come. He was an extremly intelligent young man who went from being nothing to becoming an icon in our generation. I see Frederick Douglass in the same capacity as Malcolm X, both men became powerful public figures and influential speakers. One was a slave, the other was a prisoner; both came out on top. Both men were able to soar freely as high to the heavens because they were free in their heart, soul and spirit.
I believe that Malcolm X’s experience of “self-education,” as mentioned in the book really validates Mayfield’s quote. Malcolm X’s hunger for knowledge and understanding when reading a book triggered him to learn new words in the dictionary and by doing this, he was able to read and actually understand what a book was saying. He found this to be empowering, which according to Mayfield, would enable him to “learn and experience even more.” This learning experience for Malcolm X and the fact that he shared his story with us is something we need to learn from and respect…I know I did. I spent my sophomore and junior years in high school skipping class, therefore missing out on my education. When I finally decided that I really wanted to graduate from high school, I took early morning classes, my regular classes, after school classes, and even did some home studies to catch up. This opened a big world of knowledge for me and just like Malcolm X, I was starving for more. I am happy to say that all that hard work paid off because I was able to graduate on time with my friends. I also decided that there was so much more that I still needed to get educated on, so here I am. I expand my vocabulary by using a dictionary and a thesaurus to better understand words and so far I think it’s been working.
As Malcolm began to explore words, words became alive to him. The more he searched and studied, the more intense he became in learning. I believe this might have been the time he experienced this ephiphany. He had a voracious appetite for knoweldge, which propelled him to search for the stars in world of words. He found that nothing was impossible because he had educated himself, and was now becoming like some of the other inmates, who were walking encyclopedias. It has taken me years to come to this point in my life, and return to school. But I realized I am getting older, and I should try to at least try to accomplish something academically. Reading many stories like Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B Dubois and many others that have inspired me a great deal to always strive to learn. Never give up, and continue to motivate myself to learn because education is the key of empowering myself.
To Jonathan and J. Verduzco.
I applaud you both for getting your GED and for realizing how important it is to have an education especially in today’s society where most young adults say they are done learning after graduating from high school. Jonathan, I take pleasure in reading your comments and essay. You know how to captivate your audience. BTW, I’ll take you up on your offer to critiquing my essay. I welcome your feedback and hope someday to be able to express myself as successfully as you.
Malcolm X’s experience validates Mayfield’s quote because he realized once his vocabulary improved, he was able to convey what he meant, the world as he knew it started to change right before his eyes. But he changed too. He was drawn to the dictionary to understand the meaning of the words which enhanced his comprehension where his passion for books began. This opened so many doors to a world he didn’t know existed. He grew to where he could engage in a conversation or write a letter with no apprehension.
In my backpack, I carry a dictionary for I am now experiencing this for myself. Attending school for the second time around, my academic goals are different; I want to absorb and utilize the information and engage in the class instead of just passing it. It was during the first week of our class that I realized my limited writing skills and vocabulary is not enough to succeed in life or for my future career. The SAT considered me as average in the verbal section of the test. I struggled when it comes to writing and requires a lot of effort. My strengths are mathematics and I lack creativity. Instead of embracing words, I use to skip over them. Now, I look forward to learning new words and how I can use them to communicate.
Malcolm X's experience validates the quote by Mayfield when he learns to read and write in prison. As this process begins, Malcolm is determined. He decides to copy the dictionary and read his work back to himself. Educating himself in the dark cell, Malcolm became motivated with the power of being able to read and express himself with this new vocabulary to others.
The moment for me was when I got my first job at a bank. I noticed that a lot of the employees were using various english words that I had never heard of in my life. Those various english words, began to make me feel real stupid, as if I just had a basic education by taking remedial and general classes in high school. This made me decide to go back to college and take several courses to enhance my vocabulary and english skills. Reading books in the library on my lunch hour is a big help to learn more. Now when I go to work I can understand some of the big words that were unheard of to me before. I believe that along with Malcolm X, the use of a expanded vocabulary will help me now at work and in my daily life.
"Istead of embracing words, I use to skip over them. Now, I look forward to learning new words and how I can use them to communicate."
Lyric, I think this statement encompasses the experience of those of your peers who have responded up to this point.
Malcolm X felt similarly, his voracious appetite for discovery led him to embrace learning not just words but also live.
How does education give us a different perspective on life?
Jonathan, Jay, Shawn, Maria, thank you for your honest and willingness to share your experiences. They are testimonies for those who are stil making the journey.
How has your life differed since you've re-introduced yourselves to the learning experience?
Malcolm X’s experience really proved the quote “The advantage of having a precise vocabulary to desirable your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more.” From as a person who could only communication with slang language to a public speaker, Malcolm discovered the new world when he started to learn more vocabulary during his prison studies. The more vocabulary he learns, the more knowledge he gains. As Sayson said that “This opened so many doors to a world he didn’t know existed.” Malcolm X’s experience is a good example show us to see how powerful education is. Education is not only means that how many GPA you can get, but also helping discover yourself and open many “doors” for yourself in your life.
As an ESL student, learning vocabulary is always a challenge for me because that is the process would never stop. Like Malcolm says that “When I just skipped those words, of course, I really ended up with little idea of what the book said.” When I read a book which contains many strange vocabularies, I used to skip them; finally, I only get the main idea of book. That’s good reason that I can’t use different word to express my idea and thought although I’ve studied English many years. From Malcolm story, I realize that self-educated is the most important step to get knowledge. Bring my dictionary and check up every word I don’t know that is first thing I need to do.
Ms. Wanzo,
To answer your question, without an education one's world is limited to one’s vocabulary. Education opens many doors and opportunities such as better jobs and promotions. A better job would lead to a different city/state or possibly a foreign country. Altogether, one’s outlook takes a different direction, a better life.
My BS degree opened doors that I know would not be available to me. In fact, work experience in my field is not equivalent to a college degree when I was applying for a job with any employers. It was a requirement to be considered a possible candidate.
Thank you.
Malcolm-X remains as an icon and great example for today society. Even though Malcolm didn’t get a chance to attain formal education beyond the eight grade, he achieved and succeeded by self-education, in the absence of comfortable desks and air conditioned class rooms and the quest to become educated led to a dedication that made him continue to study and learn deep into the nights in the small cell he occupied and at times his reading were done without light. He was able to realize that the dictionary offers the best place to start acquiring new words, as well as build vocabulary and this was what he utilized and made a primary source for prolific articulation of his thoughts and feelings.
Although English is my second language, I began challenging my self to gather new words and took the same route like Malcolm-X while I was in 9th grade. It was an arduous task because I had to make efforts not only to process it, but I had to also do the monstrous task of translating it to my mother tongue. Once I developed the ability to use my new learnt words I began to feel elated and euphoric about my developing ability. However, this progress hit a block when my family and I moved to Egypt. My new environment and experience became totally different and took a drastic turn from that which I was accustomed to because I Egypt the primary means of communication is Arabic and even their school system was designed and conducted in Arabic. However, I did not allow the circumstance that surrounded me distract me from the continuous pursuit of learning to read and write English fluently.
I have ever since then subscribe to the school of thought that believe education should not center around getting good grades, but becoming a complete student, one that never stops learning, one that processes new information, transform them into something much more meaningful and hope to utilize it to aid the betterment of humanity. Malcolm-X was someone who was able to stand up and express himself without the fear of being out-lashed more educated individuals, his confidence is a quality I admire and the roots of that confidence is what I anchor myself to.
I believe Malcolm X validates Mayfield's quote by first recognizing that he was having difficulty with writting letters. He further recognized that he could communicate with with ease on the street, but when it came to writing a letter to those with whom he would need to be more formal, he had extreme difficulties. His experiences of reading without comprehension led him to start copying, reading and learning the dictionary. When you have comprension of words, you can understand what you are reading.
My moment came last semester when I realized I was strong in my other studies and I felt extremely inadequate in my writing. I found that I did not read enough and this summer break, I started reading my English 1A book "Dreams and Inward Journey", it is opening my mind to writers and writing styles. It has given me a new courage to write at work, when before I was quite shy and nervous about my writing. How I expand my vocabulary is when I write I use my dictionary and Thesaurus when I am not sure of a word or its meaning.
To Ms. Wanzo,
How does education give me a different perspective on life.
Each semester I stretch the realms of my knowledge and imagination. For example I was pretty nervous to take Critical Thinking, and then when I met you on the first day. You are so knowledgeable and proficient in English and Critical Thinking and Writing, because I want to be a writer, a very efficient writer. What helps is that I see this as the ultimate challenge of my faith, endurance, discipline and potential. I will do all that it takes to get all I can out of this class. Thanks sandye
Hi Shawn,
Congratulations on your return to school. It is an awesome challenge in which you will always win.
I can say from experience it has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life.
When I graduated with an A.A. I am now extremely motivated to get my BA and to do it well!
Education is what we make out of it, I am so happy and excited that we are in this class together. Good luck and God Bless.
A quick note about "Ephiphany"
I believe an ephiphany is when something becomes clear to you, it could be about love, life or work. I love that word because usually if you experience one, you will make some sort of change. There was a point in my life were I was not going in the direction I wanted and it struck me that education would help and perhaps a change in attitude along with good work ethics would seal the deal. An ephiphany can be a life changing event if you heed the message.
Malcolm X's experience validates Mayfield's claim.His determination in quest for knowledge makes his story ever-green. Circumstances that surrounded his learning career were hard task to overcome however, malcolm saw education as they key to success so, he never give up.Such stance empowered him to build up his vocabularies as well boosting his desire to learn more. I think his story brings some kind of inspirations to anyone who is in working hard to educate him or herself.I dropped out from school after highschool.But as time went by, I dicovered the value of education and I made a U turn as Malcolm X did.And now,I can feel the changes in me as I progress. My thinking and vocabulary are no longer thesame as my first time in college.
Malcolm X’s experience validate the quote by Mayfield when Malcolm X decribed he started to learn English, as he was sad, he couldn't even write in a straight line, and he never realized so many words existed and he didn't know which words he needed to learn until he began copying, aloud, read back and written on the tablet over and over from the dictionary. This story really teach me alot and make me have more respect to others, such as Malcolm X. As a English Second Language learner, especially for the English vocabulary. It's really take time to learn each of single vocabulary word. As Malcolm X said "with a little effort, I also could remember what many of these words meant. I reviewed the words whose meanings I didn't remember." The only way that make you remembered some vocabulary is reviewed and reviewed until you remembered, as we have every quiz on Thursday now that we all have to memorized and get ready for it. Dictionary will be your friend when you need help during your free time, not including quiz time. And we should treated our dictionary as a friend, then we can learn some new words faster.
Hello Ms. Wanzo:
To answer your question, Yes, my life indeed has begun to change for the better ever since I returned to school. Do you know a speaker name Ariana Huffington? She was on one of those cable channels either "hard ball," or "Geraldo" promoting her book, which I forgot the name of. It was about the voices in our heads. One of the voices was called the "obnoxious roommate," that is the negative voice in our heads telling us how stupid we are and how we will never amount to anything and other negative quotes. I was one of those people who believed that lie, hook, line and sinker for many years. Ever since I have been in school it seems like my views of education, life, and the world are starting to change. I have discovered a new side of myself through this learning process of education.
I, as well, am very excited about your class and hope to learn more about writing techniques and critical thinking. My favorite part of class have been are our classroom discussions.
Malcom X's experience most definitely validates Mayfields quote. While being incarcerated Malcom had a life changing experience realizing the value of higher education after he began to communicate with Mr. Elijah Muhammad this was a hard for him because he couldn't use the words he used to convey his message to his friends who were hustlers and drug dealers when he was communicating with Elijah Muhammad. Also he starts to read the dictionary and understood the words he went futher to read books this took his mind of being inprisioned as he read he felt like that was his way of escape to freedom. My moment of discovery came when I was in middle school i began to explore the thesaurus because its intresting to see that there are a variety of words that has the same meaning and this is how I expand my vocabulary.
Hi Shawn congratulations to you on futhering your education. Shawn you gave me very helpful feedback on my first essay during peer review I just want to say thank you and see you in class.
In this society, we have informal language and formal language. And both of them are very important. As Mayfield says, there is no doubt that “having a precise vocabulary to describe your experience … enables you to learn and experience even more.” I believe that we learn slang by talking to people, hang yourself on the street and we learn formal language by reading dictionary and as many books as you can. Malcom X surely experiences that. As he said, he was the most articulate hustler out there in the street, but he wasn’t even functional when he just tried to write simple English. However, after being in the prison, he had done so many reading and even copied the whole dictionary. Then he found ease to communicate.
Malcom X really reminds me the experience of being in Mexico. When I immigrated to Mexico seven years ago, I did not even know a word in Spanish. The frustration and unhappiness because of inability of expressing almost killed me. Then my aunt, who lived Mexico for a long time, put me into an elementary school. Since then, a Spanish-Chinese dictionary became my best friend. Whenever I read the Spanish textbook, I had to look out every single word. Then I would copy the words for more twenty times for better understanding and memorization. Similar to Malcom X, a year later, although I still could not write and speak perfect Spanish, I could communicate and have fun with the Mexicans without any trouble. I graduated from elementary school in a year and half and got into a very good middle school. There I continued my education.
I am very happy and exited to see that all the people in this class have a very good attitude toward education. It seems to me that although some people dropped out their middle or high school, they finally realized the importance of education and get back to school to continue their goal. For sure, language should be the first goal for everyone even if you are not majoring in English. Learning new words and use them precisely is a very important step.
Since I am an ESL student, I agree with Jonathan that "Once my vocabulary expanded, I was able to express myself to any person..." even though I am still not in the level of understanding any person or being able to expressing myself to any person. I really like when J. Verduzco said, “We must expand our vocabulary in order to communicate effectively and persuasively either to get ahead in life, or to simply communicate intelligently.”
Malcolm x validate quote said,” The advantage of having a precise vocabulary to describe your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more” (Mayfield 64)
When he started to grow from the studying the word in the dictionary. Even through he had a hard time at first.” I believe it took me a day. Then , aloud to myself, I read my own handwriting…. I woke up the next morning, think about those words immensely proud to realize that not only had I written so much at one time but, I written words that I never knew were in the world…”pg69 Malcolm x seventh additional) .
I had a simpler experience like Malcolm X; however, I’m still at the beganing stages of building my vocabulary. With learning new vocabulary I myself have grown in the way that I personally expressmy point of views. As of right now my world is open to new ideas. I can see were I have grown into a different person with a deeper understanding of life.
Hi, Jiale yu
Wow ,That was a amazing story that you told Jiale. I can't imagine what that must have been like for you.Living in Mexico and not knowing how to speak the lauguages
Malcom's experience validates Mayfield's quote because by first recognizing that without understanding what even one word in a sentence means, you are being cheated of the true enjoyment or understanding of the peice that you are reading. He farther suports it by learning the meaning of new words and incorporating them in his writings because only then could he truly relay his thoughts. I beleive that moment for me was when I was in the fifth grade in an English class. I had turned in a paper to my teacher and the comment she wrote was no where near what I meant in the reading. I expand my vocabulary by reading different types of books and when I don't understand any of the words I stop and look them up in the dictionary.
Malcolm X's journey when learning how to write is clearly validated by Marlys Mayfield." I became increasingly fustrated at not being able to express what I wanted to convey in letters I wrote..."(Mayfield pg.68)Due to lack of Malcolm's ability to wirte, self-motvation,and being uneducated he struggled to express himself. It is a known fact that language barriers affect our ability to advance and/or progress with society. English is my secondary language, therefore, I also struggle to maintain with society. My high school junior teacher always told me that it is very important to carry a dictionary where ever you go. Since that day foward, I carry my pocket dictionary with me everyday.
Hi Sandye! I really commend you on returning back to school. It is not easy to start all over again. It takes determination, patience and time to get through it all. Aside from alredy having a good job for so many years you decide to strive for more. That says a lot about you. My personal opinion about that is that you do not settle for less. I wish you the best. I know that you will achieve the goals you have set for yourself.
Yeah, this subject is kind of on the lines of what I wrote my essay on for this class. My essay was about how I chose not to pursue any form of higher education after high school. It was a terrible decision to make, but I was young and stupid and I'm making up for it now. Well, deciding to go back to school was my epiphany. I had a realization similar to what the quote by Mayfield expresses. I realized that there was a huge importance of education. I wouldn't say that is was exact moment though, it was more of a progressive feeling that was triggered by my surroundings.
I think Malcom X's experiences were validated by Mayfields quote because that is basically what happened in his life. I know he had a rough youth that lacked direction, and I also know that once he pursued knowledge and education he began to define himself as a successful human being. Knowledge and education was the catalyst for his life to change in a positive direction.
I can truly related to Judy's experience. I was born in San Francisco, then I went to Nigeria with my maternal grandparents when i was 9 months old. I spent 2 years in Nigeria and returned to the United States when I was 3. Although English is spoken fluently in Nigeria, and the first language I learned to speak, I found it difficult as a young child transitioning into speaking english fluently. It wasn't until I was about 6 or 7 that I was truly comfortable speaking English. I was able to do so through the use of a dictionary, and watching shows like
Wheel of Fortune. I believe that reading reading frequently and constantly challenging myself mentally allowed me to further understand the English language and also become a more critical thinker.
Malcolm X's saved further validates and strengthens Mayfields quote "The advantange of having a precise vocabulary to desribe your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more." (Mayfield, 46)Because writing, reading and articulation are very powerful communicating tools. If you need to get precise information out to to a group of people, you need to know how to convey your information in a way that can be
understood by many. Everyone will not understand everything all the time, but if you have the mass majority they will help make it more plain for the ones who may not have understood.An example of this is the local newspaper, most local newspapers are written on about an eight grade level. This is done to make sure the mass majority can understand and retain the information the read. If you cannot understand and/ communicate well with others your life will be full of misunderstandings and confusion and in my opinion that makes life that much more difficult.
Malcolm X's experience validates the quote by Marlys Mayfield because anyone can read something, but if you cannot understand exactly what you're reading, there is no point in reading it at all. When Malcolm X started to use the dictionary and began to understand the meaning of the words, it helped him because he was able to write and be understood by others. Malcolm X being able to speak the hustler slang and communicate with people on the streets, but not being able to read and write, reminds me of people these days. It's funny how you hear of people who can count money and sell the correct amount of drugs, but when it comes to basic addition it's hard for them. For me, I began to expand my vocabulary by using the thesaurus, dictionary, and online sources. When I began reading challenging books in middle school, I often skipped words that I didn't know or recognize, but as I continued to do it, I realized that I was wasting my time because it was hard for me to understand what I was reading, especially when I didn't know the words. Then, I began reading with a dictionary next to me, so I could look up the word then and there and be able to encorporate it as I was reading. This has helped me expand my vocabulary because I learned new words and well as gained more knowledge.
I also agree with what Joy Forte was saying because I too began using the thesaurus and dictionary in middle school, when it became important to understand what I was reading and writing. I also found it interesting when using the thesaurus because I was able to see how one word had several other words that had the same meaning. I think a lot of people agree that the dictionary and thesaurus has helped us all in our writing and how we communicate with others because we all have expanded our vocabulary in some form or another.
I have a great deal of respect for Malcolm X when I think about how he essentially was a self-taught man. I knew before reading the piece that he had read the entire dictionary in prison. I more than applaud his dedication to educating himself, and when I think of him sitting in a prison cell night after night reading without internal constraints, I am mystified and inspired. There is a moment in hi writing in the book where he tells us that "months passed without my even thinking about being imprisoned. In fact, up to then, I never had been so truly free in my life." When I read that specific sentence, I felt chills because clearly he was able to motivate himself in a confined environment and thereby he set himself free. No one can take from us our own personhood contained within our physical or spiritual bodies, and Malcolm X embodies this as a vital truth to live and work toward each day of our lives. I value this writing, and I encouraged to read his autobiography.
After reading Malcolm X's Saved, I truly believe that enhancing one's vocabulary is one of the major steps required towards becoming a fully educated individual. Malcolm X entered jail as an illiterate, uneducated, and aimless individual. He began to read and further educated himself, " The advantange of having a precise vocabulary to desribe your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more." (Mayfield, 46)In my opinion developing a strong vocabulary not only strengths one's speech, but it also presents a strong image of that individual. Having a large vocabulary allows you to use multiple words with the same meaning interchangeably, giving a portray of a very well educated individual. In my opinion when I was a young child I would often read the encyclopedia to further my knowledge. We would often play trivia games in class and because I read the encyclopedia it seemed as if I was extremely smart, when in all actuality I was just as smart as anyone else. Reading a lot and developing a large and precise vocabulary can only benefit you in the long run. Having a plethora of words to use, also allows you to become a much more fluid writer, and critical thinker.
Hi Clarice,
I hear what you are saying with regard to being able to communicate clearly no matter who you are talking to. If I want to be clear in being able to get my point across, I must have an understanding of the language I choose in order to do that. If I do not have a wide range of vocabulary in which to express myself, I am limited in how I will be able to commune with those around me no matter the distance.
Vocabulary is one of the most important, effective and powerful tools that we as human beings posess. Mayfield was right on by pointing out the necessity of vocabulary to further yourself. We can use this ability not only in our education but also in everyday life.
Many of us have read a book or spoken to someone only to have them say a word or two that we don't understand. Often times we can figure out the meaning of the word simply by analyzing the sentence it was used in. If you aren't able to do this, and you aren't able to look the word up, then you are going to be missing part of the conversation. It could be something minimal, it could be the whole point of the conversation. By being able to grasp the words, and ideas, we are able to expand our knowledge even further.
I've found that the best way to expand vocabulary is through reading. While the dictionary is an obvious book for learning new words, any book should do. I can't remember the last time i completed a whole book without pulling out my dictionary.
Even though it is 3:02, I realize that I did not talk about how I expand my vocabulary. I have had a lot of opportunity to expand my knowledge of words by introducing myself to others from a variety of cultures other than my own American way of life. By having spent the last 3+ years on Peralta's community college campuses, I have had the great fortune to expand and expound on what others have taught me based on their experiences and how they encounter life here especially when being born outside of the United States. I am grateful to live in an area of the world where diversity is part of my daily life and I get to choose the venue. The actual moment when I had a kind of epiphany was in 1994 and I moved to bay area without knowing anyone. I spent the first year in San Francisco and fell in love with the Castro district where there is a large gay community. I realized early on from my exploring the city that I could take a deep breath and let myself express who I am each day without holding back. I could become a part of a community and broaden my horizon by drinking in the words and experiences of those that came before me; I too could be free to tell the world what I believe in and how I feel without restraint.
San Francisco had a great impact on my coming out of my shell, coming from the midwest where we were closeted and quieted by fear no longer had a hold on me.
Malcolm X’s experience validates Marlys Mayfield quote “The advantage of having a precise vocabulary to describe your experience is that it enables you to learn and experience even more,” by showing that when Malcolm X broadened his vocabulary he understood more. He was able to better express himself, and it motivated him to learn. Strengthening his vocabulary opened new worlds. In the essay “Saved,” I noticed that Malcolm was very articulate. In certain parts of the writing he was better able to share in his experience based on the way he used his vocabulary.
I don’t know when I had that moment. I can remember my dad telling me to read the paper everyday when I was younger. If I had a problem with a word I couldn’t ask him what the meaning of the word was. He would make me get a dictionary and look the word up. This is how I expand my vocabulary today. If I have a problem with a word I will take the time out to look it up.
I agree with Phillip when he say’s that “developing a strong vocabulary not only strengthens one's speech, but it also presents a strong image of that individual.” A person can say a lot and not say a lot. A person’s conversation and vocabulary helps people make judgments of the person speaking.
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