Family Language

Nina Raines' play, Tribes, reveals the intimacy of a family for whom language is a weapon. Everyone thrives on damaging comments. By linguistic and intellectual one-upmanship, criticism and judgment abound.

How do families relate without verbal language?  Head and facial gestures reveal likes and dislikes. A grunt or whistle may signal attention or retreat. An upturned lip creates communication.

Body movement translates a gamut of emotions when individuals cannot find the words. Family members also identify, understand or misunderstand through flung phrases and disjointed words.

Creative Write: Describe a family situation where silences speak louder than screaming.  Reveal ways members communicate yet "not hear" anything.  Beyond dialogue, show the struggles in the need for communication and understanding in a family.