Is it important to use a language correctly? To what extent is it so necessary to master grammar or to have a broad vocabulary? I’ve always heard the importance of language, but after thinking about it, I came to a conclusion. Thinking often involves this; reaching some conclusions. Of course, mastering the language is important, but what is the reason? In my opinion, what is missing is an explanation of why the importance that is given to grammar and vocabulary in teaching language and literature today, and I will try to explain this from my point of view. First of all, I would like to make it clear that I am not an expert in philology and/or literature. Therefore, my opinion should be considered as a reflection of an ordinary person. However, I would hope that the opinion of any person who has thought and reflected on a particular issue will receive the respect it deserves.

Language can be defined as a tool created or developed by man to transmit feelings and thoughts, and/or to give explanations of the events received. If we give this statement as truth (and this is the key of this text), it can lead us to the following conclusion: having a perfect grammar and an immense vocabulary does not serve much if the individual is not able to express what he has inside. Thus, before we teach grammar and vocabulary, we should teach how to explain the feelings or thoughts of each one, that is, to reveal them. Even counting the events received in the most objective way possible. To achieve this, we would realize that grammar and vocabulary would be very useful, and that is why they are so important.

To do this, it is essential to know how to understand our feelings and thoughts, which, like everything, can be learned. To learn, however, one should study somewhere, and unless the locals show it, the school is a good place to assimilate this type of knowledge. At the same time, I also consider it essential to cultivate listening, which is of little use if we are not able to understand what someone else has explained well. To do this, we should cultivate skills such as active listening, thus promoting understanding between individuals. Because that should be the essence of language; the tool for understanding between us. Without understanding it, it will hardly be possible to generate empathy among human beings and ensure a proper coexistence.

Unfortunately, in school, only functional literacy is cultivated, and it is not common to look inside each one, to understand oneself and cultivate the skills to communicate with those around them. We are educated as automatons, forgetting our natural being or reason, while our character is lost somewhere. And as far as children or young people are concerned, I think they should be clearly shown the reason and the logic of all the questions, because without doing so we would be showing them without any criticism.

I am convinced that even with a fair grammar and a limited vocabulary, a person who knows how to understand and convey one’s insides has opportunities to feel more complete and satisfied with himself. But in school and in society in general, it is not a matter of priority, nor of the consideration of Sicilian. Our bodies and minds (which are one) still remain a mere product to act in the interest of others. If we want to create and achieve a free society, I believe it is essential to address this issue, which begins with individual freedom. The intellectual and physical freedom of the individual, strengthening the relationship with those around us and taking care of those around us as well as ourselves. This is how we would break with this society that makes us believe that we are free, where this illusion of freedom that is born in our mind hinders us from seeing the real reality.

The Oak of Arabaolaza