Juxtapose

I've always had trouble with this word, well, when I say always it's only since I've been going to art college that I was actually introduced to it. The thing is, I never really fully understood it and it seems to be one of those art speak words that get bantered around a lot!!

I have looked it up in the past and asked what it means but, until now I didn't get it. I think I've finally come to grips with it and could possibly even use it to make sense!

This is what it says in dictionary.com
jux·ta·pose /ˈdʒʌkstəˌpoʊz, ˌdʒʌkstəˈpoʊz/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciat[juhk-stuh-pohz, juhk-stuh-pohz] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –verb (used with object), -posed, -pos·ing. to place close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast.

It got me thinking how certain people groups have different ways of using language that sometimes can seem quite insular and people outside of that sphere may find it difficult to relate to how these groups communicate. To name but a few: Artists, Doctors, Actors and my personal favourite...Christians. I'm not knocking any of these, being two myself, nor am I saying it's wrong, it just made me realize how isolating it can be for those not in that community and perhaps even daunting.

Sometimes, I guess we use certain language in different groups in order to blend, feel connected and accepted. Other times I suppose it's the best way we feel we can describe and communicate whats going on.