Final answer:
Language has the innate ability both to empower and manipulate, shaping identities and cultural attitudes. It is inseparable from power, as it influences thoughts, actions, and societal norms. Understanding a culture's language is key to comprehending its worldview and values.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mr. Momaday’s argument that "words are power" reflects the idea that language shapes our understanding of culture and society, and by extension, it possesses the capability to both empower and manipulate. The power of language is evident in the way it constructs identity, influences thoughts and behaviors, and carries the weight of historical and cultural significance. For instance, slogans like "Make America Great Again" demonstrate how language can encapsulate complex and evolving meanings, impacting societal views and actions.
Language can be powerfully used to empower individuals and groups by offering a medium for self-expression, education, and advocacy. However, it can also be utilized to manipulate through propaganda and shaping societal norms and expectations, as seen in the way certain terms can perpetuate oppression or be reclaimed by communities to shift cultural attitudes.
The inseparability of language and power is further highlighted by Keith Basso, who implies that understanding a culture's language offers insights into that culture's worldview, thus reinforcing the influence of language on how we perceive and engage with the world. Authors and speakers utilize the strategic use of language to persuade and leave an impact on their audiences, underlining the inextricable link between language, thought, and collective knowledge.