Semantics

Two communications within the past week had me thinking how important semantics can be:

I belong to an online group that discusses functional Karate training. Members will share ideas and show videos. Often, the same handful of people will strongly comment how the idea or technique is terrible… it’ll never work… etc. The site moderator challenged these few people to show a better way, not just criticize what was presented. One commented that criticism can be helpful. That’s when I gave my two cents worth - “Splitting hairs: ‘critique’ can be helpful; ‘criticism’ usually is not.”

CRITIQUE is a detailed analysis of something, showing insight pro and con.

CRITICISM is expression of disapproval for someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.

It often comes down to semantics. It’s not only how you say something, it’s how the other person perceives what you say.

A student candidly expressed frustration to me. He felt that I constantly corrected everything he did. Here’s where semantics comes into play. ‘Correction’ is necessary, but can be demoralizing. I assured him that most of what he does is very good, and that a few moves can be improved. ‘Correction’ can have negative connotation, while ‘improvement’ sounds more positive. He seemed to feel a little better that he’s being shown how to improve his techniques instead of being browbeaten with a ton of corrections.

In the ‘old days’, Sensei gave you corrections, push-ups, or worse, struck you to show how your technique was ineffective.  Your reaction, feelings, or response could only be, ‘Hai Sensei’. No, I’m not saying today’s kids are too sensitive, softer than we were, or anything like that. I’m recognizing that we’re in the 21^st century, it’s a different world, and our teaching methods must reflect these modern times. Long ago ‘some antics’ went on in the dojo, today ‘semantics’ can help make the same point.