The Hidden Language

What language is used by all nations, races and people groups? French? Don’t be absurd. Spanish? C’mon now. English, of course! Pshh, no. The language I’m speaking of is one that all of us use every day, whether we realize it or not. Still don’t know what I’m talking about? Sarcasm, duhh! This language is all about tone, making it nearly impossible to detect through text. It is very subtle and can easily be missed. Through sarcasm, people relay messages that mean the opposite of what they say. It can be funny, witty, and creative, but it can also be disrespectful, spiteful, and hurtful. Oftentimes we use sarcasm to point out the silliness or error in something someone said, like if your teacher asks you if you’ve started your paper that’s due in a week. “Oh of course! Finished it the day you assigned it,” you reply. But what you’re really saying is “HAHA! Yeah right. I’m suffering from severe senioritis and probably won’t start it till the night before.” Sarcasm gets your point across without actually having to state what you mean. It keeps things more light and fun, especially in a serious conversation in which you wish to lighten the mood. However, we sometimes use sarcasm so loosely that we forget that it can be a means of such biting remarks. Often our words take on a life of their own when they reach the listener’s ears. What we may have meant as a joke may come across as offensive or demeaning. So when we’re using sarcasm, let’s think twice. Double check if what you’re saying will be taken as a joke or an insult. Remember that our speech is an important part of our Christian witness, and is not something to take lightly. Sarcasm can be a witty way to get your point across, but let’s make sure that it does not surpass the bounds of humor into hurtfulness.
By: Anne Lehan