Talk, talk, talk

By Robin Rhee

Everybody does it. They talk.

Verbal and written exchanges play many different roles on a variety of levels throughout our lifetimes.

Most people gab, yak, chew the fat and chat with their families and friends. Those who talk incessantly on their cell phones while riding on public transportation, in restaurants, and while walking from place to place may be called “chatterboxes.”

Should those who tweet about anything and everything be called “tweeterboxes”? Maybe.

A couple in love may exchange sweet nothings, but their relationship will sour rapidly if one of them begins to complain, nitpick and nag.

Some individuals gossip. They make it their business to know everything and report everything. They are blabbermouths. Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "When our life ceases to be inward and private, conversation degenerates into mere gossip."

Spiteful gossip spreads rumors which damage the reputations of their targets beyond repair.

Some criminals rat out their partners in crime in exchange for immunity or a shorter prison sentence.

It is risky to share your innermost secrets, even with your closest friends. Benjamin Franklin put it this way: "Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead."

A significant number of people tell fibs and little white lies, most of which are harmless. Habitual liars talk out of both sides of their mouths and speak with forked tongues. Since they can't keep all of their tall tales straight, most will get caught in their own lies.

Politicians, it is often said, flap their gums, talk to hear themselves talk, and rant and rave against their opponents in an attempt to gain votes. They are long winded and talk until they are blue in the face. Their supporters hope they will stop talking long enough to breathe deeply, lest they pass out.

When physicians, attorneys and engineers meet and begin to talk shop, outsiders understand little of what they are saying, for each profession has its own specialized vocabulary and jargon.

Individuals who are invited to attend receptions in honor of a person or to celebrate an event are usually on their best behavior. They mingle, meet and greet, and limit their conversations to small talk and chitchat which would never ruffle other guests' feathers.

The most important talks are those which occur between heads of state when they meet and attempt to resolve their differences. Whether the talks end in success or failure, it is certain they will head the list of topics to be reported by the media and seriously discussed around the world.

The writer (rrkoram@aol.com) is a former weekly columnist for The Korea Times and currently resides in Centerville, Ohio.