ABSTRACT
Language can play an important mediating role in the exercise of personal power. For example, language may be used to help monitor and control actions and ensure that they are co-ordinated and directed to a particular end. Language is a powerful instrument for influencing other people. The power of mass communication in modern society is self evident. Children who fail to master communication at a pre-verbal level are likely to have difficulty in communicating with language: the linguistic skills they do acquire may stand out as being awkward and used in socially inappropriate ways. Language and communication are too often treated as subjects to be taught or skills to be learned. The task of parents and teachers is to provide social and educational opportunities which enable children to acquire personal powers and to exercise those powers in ways which are considered socially and culturally appropriate.
