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One can hardly deny that our language may be quite ambiguous, may sound vague and metaphorical speech can often be misunderstood. Same words in different combinations may convey the different sense and sometimes the initial meaning of the phrase can be misinterpreted only because of a different mentality and sense perception. Of course, the selection of words much depends on the situation, the speaker’s background, his or her traits of character, level of education and even the current mood of the speaker. If we look from the point of view of language and linguistics, the word itself does not have any strength; I believe that its power is determined by the speaker. 

But the right words, accurately picked and properly spoken, can have a huge impact on every sphere of our life. In this case, we can surely consider the word to be a great invisible power ruling our world, being both a weapon and a cure for the soul. This power is capable of changing the world through people’s minds.  We admit and perceive the influence of word in every aspect of our life, every day. We begin to feel the power of words in childhood when we hear our mothers talk to us and speak our first words, even as children we realize the importance of words: even when we are not of conscious age yet, we already know that we must speak and ask if we want to get something. 

We all know the famous citation from the Bible: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”(The Bible) This indicates that the word was an initial power from the very beginning of the words. Needless to mention that it is the human being who is in control of this ultimate power, it is we, the people who have the power of words, disposes of it and can turn it either into good or into a dangerous weapon. Either written or spoken the word is powerful.

So what is the power of word? First let us look at it from the universal point of view, in the aspect of personal communication. One could state that personal relations mainly depend on people’s actions. And that statement would be rather reasonable because quite often it is the deeds that form our attitude towards the person. But nevertheless, it should not be omitted that word we communicate play an essential role, too. For example, the simple I-love-you phrase can raise a human soul to the cloud nine; at the same time, an offensive rudely spoken word can make a person feel distressed and unhappy. Remember what an enormous influence do the words of approval and encouragement have? Or let’s just remember how precious the words of comfort or good advice are. The power of the word is proven every day on the level of each person. But, of course, there is another side of the coin. Taking all this into account, people should learn to use words with care as they can not only produce a good impact but can also discourage, offend and even break heart. And the scars the words leave cannot be removed. 

If to speak about the word as an ultimate weapon, one can easily refer to politics, where words make up the political ammunition along with money and arms. Generally, to my mind, words, money, and weapons are the main leverages in politics. Every politician knows that he must choose every word with care as his words may have an unpredictable effect and consequences. The secret of success for those who yearn for power is to say what people what to hear, be able to convince them in everything. There are plenty of examples of how subtle orators can capture peoples’ conscience. Thus, the power of the word in this respect cannot be underestimated, ‘cause a carelessly spoken word could even start a war. No wonder that there is even a special job of a speechwriter. These are specialists who deal with the speech texts for high-ranking officials, businessmen, heads of states etc. I think there would be no such profession if the words these people speak were insignificant and had no crucial impact. In respect of social and political relations I cannot but add a couple of words concerning interpreters. Interpreters serve as a buffer between the speaker and the recipient, and it is extremely important WHAT word they use to interpret this or that statement. For example, a wrong word used during international negotiations can spoil diplomatic relations, trigger scandal or war or – at least – cause misunderstanding between the parties. 

And here is one more aspect of the power of words – it is their educational and esthetical functions. And literature is a perfect instrument for the fulfillment of these functions. Writers have an opportunity to speak their words to the whole world through books in which their words – if perfectly picked - rise and reach human minds, make people think, feel, learn, and love. As a great English poet Lord Byron wrote, “A drop of ink may make a million think.”  I find this expression to be absolutely true. Spoken words possess a huge power, and written words are much more powerful as they can outlive their authors and serve to many more generations of people as a guiding light. For example, the Bible is the oldest scripture of mankind containing the basic notions of moral, virtue, goodness. This book has survived till nowadays and it still stays topical and teaches the believers principal rules of life being the basis of the Christian religion. 

Speaking of the esthetical effect of words, I can provide poetry as an example. Poetry is an instrument that helps people express their emotions and put their feelings on paper. Samuel Taylor Coleridge spoke about poetry as “the best words in the best order” (Coleridge). Actually, the literature itself implies the power of words. No wonder the talented authors get recognition all over the world and their works and their glory continue existing even after their death. Reading imaginative literature we perceive the words and dive deep into the images the whiter wanted to show us. But, of course, it takes skills and a unique sense of language. 

To sum up I would like to say that words have exceptional power in this world and it is impossible to overestimate that impact that they have on every day of our existence. We should always use them with care and respect not to abuse them and put then to evil ends.