A reflective essay from an international student pursuing a degree in public relations
The Quote
“Language is the house of Being,” said Heidegger, a German philosopher who wrote the Letter on Humanism. “In its home, man dwells. Those who think and those who create with words are the guardians of this home.”
There are numerous interpretations of this quote, but Heidegger’s three sentences motivate me to this day to hone the fundamental skills in communication — the very reason I decided to pursue Public Relations.
Struggle with Words
Growing up, I was never good with words. The more I tried to hold them on the tip of my tongue, the more they slipped through like grains of sand inside an hourglass. With every opportunity to speak about my thoughts, I regretted the words that mumbled out of my mouth, knowing there always was a better word I could have articulated myself. As my mind swirled with thoughts till the day’s end, I restlessly pondered through the words I misspoke throughout the night.
Sadly, writing did not come any easier. Although I had more tools and time for writing, my problem was the limited yet unorganized words in my head. I say ‘words’ here and not ‘thoughts’ because, ironically, my thoughts are crystal clear. Language is our thoughts shaped into existence from within. When we write them down, our thoughts become statements; when we speak, they become speeches. Nonetheless, the impeded process of transferring my thoughts into words was a consistent struggle for me.
The Concept of House of Being
After reading Heidegger’s quote, I started to imagine each of us with a “house of Being.” We all have one, but their size and tidiness can differ. Unlike an actual home, the “house of Being” cannot be purchased with money or wealth. One might have a mansion acquired through reading and training. Another might have a neat and well-organized house, gained through maturity and life experience. The person with a large house will have options in their vast pool of words to select from. On the other hand, a person with a well-organized house will know when or where to use the right words. A person can be either, neither, or both. In any case, one’s “house of Being” is never absolute.
Often, people say things. Looking closely at these blunt words, we can categorize them into different groups. For example, we can feel the temperament and personality in one’s language. Some may have warmth in their words, while others have frigidity. Words can also contain gentleness, while others can seem assertive. Some words are emotional, while others are logical. In those subconscious groups of words, one can find their perspective on the world. Language is not just grammar or an order of letters we put into speech. Language is the house of Being, a person’s whole world — one’s perspective.
My House of Being
In my house of Being, I have a room as a student, a room as a woman, and a room as a foreigner. The language I use to express these thoughts comes from my perspective. My house also consists of a room for a person who has gone through an abusive relationship, a mother who struggled with depression, and a minority who faces microaggressions every day. No one else can speak for me better than myself, and I aspire to think and create words to share my side of the story.
I find comfort in the thought that anyone could expand their “house of Being.” Studying at the Mount has proven this to be true. Before my studies, my “house of Being” didn’t have a room of leadership, it didn’t have a room of moral clarity, or a room of cultural and gender diversity. When listening without bias or preconceived notions, I began to recognize the subtle appropriateness of the language.
The Prowess of Language
As we master the art of communications or the skills for public relations, I hope we have the openness to understand different perspectives, the courage to speak up for wrongfulness, and the heart to speak for what we believe.
There is a common misconception that we can take back our words. Unfortunately, spoken and written words under any circumstances can’t be undone. The language we speak and write not only can hold one’s perspective, but it also has the power to influence another’s life. What a person may or may not say can make a significant difference. The prowess of language, particularly in the field of Public Relations — where the manipulation of language is a tool to shape one’s perceptions — comes with great responsibility.
Being a Guardian of My House
I dare not forget the sleepless nights when I regretted my misspoken or unspoken words and instead strive to overcome my past as a novice communicator. I want my thoughts to have a clear voice and concrete structure — I want to be heard — to be the guardian of my “house of Being” and the voice that righteously amplifies others that need to be heard.
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This essay was originally written for the Diversity Bursary hosted by Communications Nova Scotia. It has been rewritten for the audience for Symmetry to share the author’s perspective as an international student pursuing a degree in Public Relations at the Mount.
Written by: Sophia Hong
Edited by: Ali Doolan
