Mum's the Word - As is Child

If “words do not mean, we mean by words” (I.A Richards, Lecture 5) then can it be fair to say that it is words that define us, and signify what we hold dear to our hearts? To a certain extent, I believe so, and I also believe that Cafémom illustrates this through the use of significant words such as child, son, daughter, mother father; all words that have significance to members and words that describe people we hold dear to our hearts.

Cafémom serves as a space to be entered to discuss in one way or another issues concerning our loved ones, namely or children. It provides, comfort, advice and belonging. It serves as a bank of knowledge on mothering, and it is through the words exchanged, that a place of significance is created.  For “it may need only a few kind words among friends to change an ordinary kitchen into a bright and happy place” (Tuan, 1991).  

Tuan (1991) talks about language in relation to power, and the right to speak and be heard as a way of empowering oneself. Cafémom is a podium for people to stand upon and be heard. Having the ability to use language they are comfortable with in a space that is safe is what is most attractive about this virtual network. It is the words that make Cafémom, for mothers, “their place – their world – through the casting of a linguistic net” (Tuan, 1991). Unfortunately though, power comes into play when words such as ‘help’, or ‘I can’t,’ and phrases such as ‘I recommend…’ or ‘you should try…’ are used.

When communicating through a virtual network, it is words and language that connects us.Non-verbal communication is non-existent and emotions are secondary to the written word. Therefore the writer is able to 'think before they speak' and thus giving every word significance and meaning.

References

Cherry, K. (2013). Types of Non-Verbal Communication. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/nonverbalcommunication/a/nonverbaltypes.htm

Moore, T. (2011). The Power of Language. Resurgence and Ecologist,(Issue 264)      Retrieved from http://www.resurgence.org/magazine/article3284-the-power-of-language.html

Sanders, S.R. (2012). Importance of Place: Centering down. Retrieved from http://www.importanceofplace.com/

Tuan, Y. (1991). Language and the making of place: A narrative-descriptive approach. In Annals of the         Association of American Geographers, 81(4), 684-696.

Van Luyn, A. (2013). BA1002:Our Space: Networks, narratives and the making of place, Lecture 5: Stories and Places. [Podcast]. Retrieved from http://learnjcu.edu.au

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