Age+identity


 * Age identity**

“AS we age, we also play into the cultural notion of how individuals our own age should act, look and behave…These feelings stem from an understanding of what age means and how we identify with people from that age” (Martin;Nakayama, 2010). Casual language is a part of the snow sport communities appealing, fun, laid back attitude. However, much of the terminology in general, not to mention the ever changing slang of the mountain community, will be severely misunderstood, making the supporters feel immediately disconnected to the High Fives organization, possibly even offended. As funny and appropriate some of the descriptions may be to the snow sport community, it is important to place yourself in a gaper’s shoes, if you will, and realize they are coming from a whole other community and set of linguistic guidelines. Linguistics is so important because when all is said and done, “ Whenever agreement or assent is arrived at in human affairs, and whether or not mathematics or other specialized symbolisms are made part of the procedure, //this agreement is reached by linguistic process, or else it is not reached”// (Benjamin;Whorf, 1956). Playing it safe with the presentation’s verbiage will put outside company members in an accepting mind state. They will be more able to comprehend points being made, and events described during the presentation. It assures that potential funders initially feel comfortable and able to relate with the High Fives Organization. A afterwards, when having one-on-one conversations with outside company members, one can make personal evaluations of who may connect to the casual lingo of snow athletes, and create a connection with the few who may be also a part of the Snow Sport community.