The Power of Words – Do We Use Language or Is Language Using Us

The Power of Words – Do We Use Language or Is Language Using Us

From SAMVAD (Together In Conversation) by Sunil Rao

October 25, 2025 · 6 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the influence of language on our lives and how attention shapes our experiences.

Namaste, Welcome to SAM-VAD (Together In Conversation). Last week, I shared an excerpt titled – ‘ Do Arguments Resolve Anything ’ from the book titled ‘ The Argument Culture ’ by Deborah Tannen. In this episode we drew attention to the fact that when you’re having an argument with someone, you’re usually not trying to understand what the other person is saying, or what their experience leads them to say it. Now, SAM-VAD (Together In Conversation) to the ones paying heed, is where we try to draw your attention to things that matter and the importance of your attention, because , ‘Our life’s experience would ultimately amount to whatever we had paid attention to’. Attention: is as fundamental as food; and we go blundering about, seeking ways to assuage the craving, instead of learning how to provide ourselves with what we need, sensibly and calmly. Once our attention is drawn to the mechanism of why and what we give attention to, it is as if a veil has been stripped off and we become freer in our action and choices. And that is our endavour. This week I bring to your attention an excerpt titled – ‘ The Power of Words – Do We Use Language or Is Language Using Us ’ from the book…

People in this episode

Host: Sunil Rao

Topics covered

  • language
  • communication
  • attention
  • arguments
  • self-awareness

Keywords

  • language
  • attention
  • communication
  • Deborah Tannen
  • The Argument Culture

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Georgetown University

Books & works: The Argument Culture

More episodes of SAMVAD (Together In Conversation)

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the SAMVAD (Together In Conversation) podcast page.