Blog shared by Mr. Sandeep Singh (Asst. Prof. in English)

 

 

How to Do Things With Texts

 Have you ever wondered what texts actually do in our lives beyond just giving information? Whether it’s a poem in your syllabus, a WhatsApp message from a friend, a social media caption, a classroom notice, or a newspaper editorial, every text performs an action and creates an effect. This idea is connected to an important concept in English studies that suggests language is not only descriptive but also performative—it doesn’t just reflect reality, it helps to shape it. A simple official notice can enforce a new rule in a college; a resignation letter can end a professional relationship; a heartfelt message can heal a misunderstanding; a government circular can change institutional practices; a powerful slogan can mobilise people. In this way, texts influence how we think, how we feel, and how we behave. When we read, we are not passively receiving words; we are actively constructing meaning, interpreting tone, identifying hidden assumptions, and connecting the text with our own experiences and contexts. Similarly, when we write, we are not merely putting sentences on paper; we are making choices about words, structure, and style in order to achieve a purpose—whether to inform, convince, question, protest, entertain, or inspire. Texts also help build identity and culture: literary works preserve memories, represent marginalized voices, and open windows into different worlds; autobiographies and diaries help individuals narrate who they are; religious and philosophical texts guide communities; folk tales and songs carry traditions from one generation to the next. In the digital age, the power of texts has multiplied because our words travel faster and reach wider audiences through emails, posts, blogs, and comments. A single post can create awareness, a blog can start meaningful discussion, and a well-written article can challenge stereotypes and dominant narratives. Therefore, understanding how to do things with texts means becoming more conscious readers and more responsible writers. It means asking not only “What does this text say?” but also “What does this text do?”, “Whose interests does it serve?”, and “How might different readers respond to it?”. When we start seeing texts as tools that act in the world, we become better equipped to use language thoughtfully—so that our words do not just exist, but actually make a positive difference in academic spaces, social interactions, and society at large.