In with that, indigo.

Language is most effective when it is tailored to its specific function.

Communication is actually a theme of many of our conversations about social skills, behavior, clothing styles, etc. That is, choices about language (or eye contact, or table manners, or transparent-outer-garments-that-display-the-exact-color-and-design-of-your-underwear) are made not only with reference to the self-expression or thinking of the individual generating the communication, but also to those of the recipients. Not that self-censorship or blind conformity is encouraged, but that one should consider whether the message received by one's communication partners will be an accurate reflection of that intended to be sent.

Another way of thinking about this, that aligns better with language arts pedagogical terms, would be that one should generate spoken and written communications with due consideration for one's audience.


...pronounced like the long vowel and first letter of the alphabet...