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Question: What is the importance of a rich vocabulary in one's thought process!?
If language is a means of translating our internal/mental experiences into a code of sounds, I suppose there can be a backward procedure!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I would think the richer the vocabulary, the better you are able to formulate complex thought into language!. Simply put, you have more tools!.

However, if you use your rich vocabulary to communicate to others who do not share the same vocabulary, there may be communication problems!. For example I could say, "I have a great deal of sensitivity due to my fractured femur!." Or I could say, "I broke my thigh and it hurts!." Pretty much anyone will understand the second sentence!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I think a rich vocabulary would be beneficial in essay writing, poetry and in novel-writing!. Communication is more complete, and the use of good description in novels make events seem more real!. It is a pleasure to read beautiful prose and verse written with an appreciable level of vocabulary!.

However, i notice that many great leaders and speakers do not use pompous or colourful words, considered a rich vocabulary, to make their point in delivering a message clearly and convincingly!. It is important, as a simple style ensures better communication to an audience where the majority may possess only a superficial vocabulary!. Most Americans tend to speak in a simpler and clearer manner with moderate vocabulary!. Your question could be clearer if 'thought process' could be replaced by 'communication' and use of 'code of sounds' and 'backward procedure' could be expressed in a different way-- just a little point for illustration purpose!. Cheers! :-)))Www@QuestionHome@Com

I personally believe our vocabularies show a degree of intelligence!.

We have several vocabularies: Our oral ones, the words we say as we speak to others; our written ones, the way we express ourselves when we write to others; then our "extra" one(s)!. In my case, it's my Scrabble vocabulary--words I've learned through playing Scrabble (both in clubs and competitively), words that I will never use either orally or when writing!. But there are a lot of words that I know from Scrabble that I recognize when other people happen to use them in my presence or when playing my favorite game!. I've also found that most Scrabble players are very intelligent, hence my earlier comment about our vocabularies showing our intelligence!.

My opinions only!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Knowing more words can help you share different nuances of meaning with others and yourself!. But sometimes, no matter how many words you know, there are no words that encompass certain feelings or emotions!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Understanding words says many things, but most of all, it shows the base of words, there roots!.Www@QuestionHome@Com