Language is a structured system of symbols for communicating meaning. All languages have rules that allow us to share meaning with others. Language influences thought, perception, and behavior by framing how we see the world, by labeling bits of that world, and by provoking strong, sometimes hair-trigger reactions to the words chosen to describe our world.

The power of language can produce several problems. We can have serious misunderstandings regarding the denotative meaning of words. Connotative meanings can ignite signal reactions. False dichotomies can frame our perceptions into two extreme opposing choices, leaving no room for flexible responses and negotiation. Mislabeling can stigmatize and scar those who are incorrectly labeled. Dead-level abstracting can confuse us or trivialize what might be important learning. Inferential errors can produce unequal treatment, and jargon and euphemisms can confuse and conceal the truth. We need to resist signal reactions to words by adopting semantic or delayed reactions. When presented with a false dichotomy, we should seek other options. We should identify and correct mislabeling. We should use our language flexibly to avoid dead-level abstractions. We should check for the accuracy of important inferences by relying on plentiful and high-quality information. We should use jargon only sparingly and define it clearly for those unfamiliar with the terminology. Finally, we should use euphemisms infrequently and cautiously.