Language is an integral part of how members of a community build solidarity with one another and, according to most sociologists, it often constitutes the basis of any community. Through the use of language, each member of a community is able to express their identity, cultural heritage, origins and thoughts. The effects of language are so powerful that it is capable of unifying and diversifying individuals in a community. When all members of a community use the same language and vocabulary, there is a sense of camaraderie. Yet people can still feel excluded or unwanted in a community, especially in a place with xenophobia, such as the United States. Ultimately, this essay explores how sharing knowledge, slang, and jargon creates a sense of community among its individuals. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Additionally, language contains a kind of shared knowledge within a community that helps its individuals create connections. For example, all members of a community, regardless of race, religion, or wealth, are connected to each other by speaking the same language. This is very important for individuals within a community because although we may all have our own opinions and views on life, everyone can still be unified through language. Even if we don't recognize it, we unconsciously feel a sense of belonging to our community when we go about our daily activities. For example, when we leave the house every day to go to work and run errands, we are filled with billboards, people and signs, all spoken or written in English. Subconsciously, our body feels comfortable and welcome in the environment through the familiarity of language. Conversely, if one decides to enter a new city or foreign neighborhood such as China Town, he or she may not feel welcome because everyone and everything that is spoken or written is in Mandarin. It is common for all individuals entering a foreign community to feel like an outsider; However, this should not be a problem for anyone because we all have our own community that makes us feel at home while others feel left out. For example, immigrants, when entering a foreign country, can sometimes feel a sense of exclusion for months or even years until they are assimilated. Many immigrants also face discrimination and threats from existing natives who feel that having a language other than English is un-American and disloyal. For many Americans, English is equated with patriotism and is more than just a language. Many Americans even face xenophobia, some openly and others less so. To illustrate the country's xenophobic phenomenon, author Nicole Guidotti-Hernandez wrote an article in 2009 containing comments from parents whose children watched the popular children's television. show, Dora the Explorer. In the article, Hernandez quoted: “Dora was a good show. Now I don't let my kids watch it. There's too much Spanish in there. While another comment said: "It's a shame that even our cartoon programs have gone as far as teaching our kids Spanish as much as they have." I think if you live here you should speak our language. Otherwise, leave.” The goalDora the Explorer's primary purpose is to teach Spanish to English-speaking children; Yet many American parents refuse to let their children watch the TV show simply because they don't feel comfortable with the language. These American parents feel a sense of exclusion when they listen to cartoon characters speaking Spanish and therefore do not allow their children to watch the TV show. This is an immature and inappropriate way to handle the situation, as parents should foster learning and curiosity for their children rather than abolish them. Additionally, parents should encourage their children to learn a new language whenever the opportunity is given to them, such as in Dora the Explorer, so that their children do not feel a sense of exclusion while growing up in a crowded society. of diversity. Additionally, the use of slang allows each member of a community to communicate their social identity and connections around common interests, knowledge, and culture. In today's world, slang terms are often very ephemeral and constantly evolving to suit users of each generation. It can therefore be very difficult for older audiences to understand. Especially when coalescence takes place, we are able to see how words such as "gotta" and "waddup" make speech informal and help the conversation flow between speakers. Words such as "chillax" and "guestimate" also make the user appear creative and intelligent until they become out of fashion in society and are replaced by newer words. Using these words in a community can make one feel either welcomed, thanks to the familiarity of the language, or excluded. In this case, older people will most likely feel excluded if those around them say these words, because they generally view these words as immature and unintelligent. While the younger generation will feel a sense of inclusion as these words are very trendy and common in this generation. Additionally, with dysphemisms becoming common in pop culture, adolescent males now use words such as "slut" and "whore." instead of the word “girl”. For some people, men use these terms because it is "cool" to demonstrate their dominance over women; Yet in reality, these words dehumanize and disempower women, making them feel offended and excluded. It is clear that women will not feel welcome in this case because they will not be treated with respect and dignity. Even in a school setting, there are children every day who decide to establish close contact with a good friend when they realize that they are not being treated with respect. An example of this can be in the children's novel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid. In the novel, the protagonist, Greg Heffley, is a social climber and stops treating his best friend, Rowley Jefferson, with respect and consideration once they both reach high school by mocking and belittling him. After Rowley no longer feels a sense of belonging with his lifelong friend, Greg, he decides to finally stand up for himself and end the friendship once and for all. The audience notices, once again, how language can either strengthen, or in this case weaken, friendship. Furthermore, the use of jargon reinforces and defines a member's belonging to a community. By containing special words and expressions used and recognized only by exclusive people, the outside audience does not share the same knowledge or interests as the community, which in turn establishes membership and affiliation of the community..