- šLifeLemons
- Posts
- š Why You Should Learn More Jargon
š Why You Should Learn More Jargon
This is issue #113 of LifeLemons. š View the rest here.
Why You Should Learn More Jargon
Every time I delve into a new hobby, Iām swarmed by new words and concepts that Iāve never heard before.
When studying cinematography for my Youtube videos, I came across the term āshort-sidedā compositions.
A short-sided composition means that the subject is looking out of the frame, instead of into the frame.
Why didnāt they just say that?
I found it annoying because they could have used plain language, but instead, I had to jump through the hoops of googling numerous more terms just like it.
Recently, I came to understand ājargonā in a completely new light.
Jargon: āspecial words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.ā
Why We Need Jargon More Than We Donāt.
Why do we create specialised terms that only a few of us can understand?
Is it to block out the āothersā? To be uninviting? Or is it part of a culture to complicate things so that we feel like we have all the āinside knowledgeā?
It took me a while to wrap my head around the bigger picture.
As a medical doctor, Iāve been taught to avoid jargon when speaking with my patients. However, Iāve never been encouraged to think about the benefits of using jargon with my peers.
Saying that someone has ātuberculosisā instead of just an āinfectionā carries much more meaning, clarity and precision. From that single word, my peers and I are able to understand the exact nature of the infection, the symptoms at hand and even how to manage it.
Jargon is necessary where complex ideas and concepts need to be indexed through words.
It allows groups, communities and professions to instantly package these ideas into small, conversational gifts of understanding.
For those who frequently visit the same ideas in conversation, jargon saves them the time and energy from having to repeatedly deconstruct their thinking into their own words.
When a community decides to label and index those ideas into a structured library of terms, they save every consequent member from the burden of miscommunication and misunderstanding.
Jargon doesnāt hold outsiders back, it allows insiders to thrive.
Have a great week,
Faisal.
š Are You Enjoying This Newsletter?
Hit and leave a š emoji if you read this far, it's nice to notice my regular readers!
Alternatively, tell me how to improve or share your thoughts with me. I'd appreciate it just as much!
š Quote of The Week
āI imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.ā
ā James Baldwin
Iām creating a series of meaningful video projects on Youtube (self-improvement, philosophy, productivity, intentional living etc.)
Theyāre short, packed with value and always getting better.
š Join 2320+ Subscribers on Youtube by subscribing here.
š¤ About Me
I'm Faisal, a Doctor working in the NHS who writes online and makes Youtube videos on self-development, intentional living and doing the things that matter.
I love writing, storytelling, filmmaking, entrepreneurship and innovating in medical education spaces. If you'd like to go down the rabbit hole and find out more about me, the links below are a good place to start:
Links: Gear | Book Recommendations | Book Notes | Skillshare Classes |My SFP Book | CST Interview Course
Disclaimer: I use affiliate links in this newsletter (always honest recommendations). They give me a small kickback with no extra cost to you.