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Journal Entry 2: Gloria Naylor COLLAPSE In the opening paragraph of The Meanings of a Word, Naylor writes that she considers the written word inferior to the spoken. In what ways does she demonstrate the superiority of the spoken word in this essay?

Naylor introduces her ideas by comparing the inferiority of the written word to its spoken form. She references how a word or phrase can be present all around us, but to hear something, with meaning, is context based. She discusses how intention combined with emotion, and inflection add true context to a word or a phrase, which is something that one cant always distinguish in a written form. She demonstrates the superiority of the spoken word by showing how it can convey more emotion, distinction, and cultural significance than the written word.

Naylor describes how her exposure to a certain word began with specific intention, vocal inflection, and facial expression, and how it was viewed from a perspective of approval, endearment, and in specific cases, disapproval. Without knowing the previous substance and significance of the specific word and how it was a slur towards her identity that was reclaimed, she explains a later exposure to the same word, with a noticeable feeling difference.

This exposure, combined with differing intention, vocal inflection, and facial expression, changed the meaning of the word for Naylor. This experience represents the power spoken word can hold. It shows how our ability to communicate verbal language can change the meaning and context of words. With the notion of reclamation, we can see how powerful spoken words can be. In written form, a word can only have context within specific parameters, versus its spoken form, capable of displaying fiercity, complexity, and depth.