Situated Language and Learning: Chapter 1

The main challenge in this book is that "people learn new ways with words, in or out of school, only when they find the worlds to which these words apply compelling" (Gee, 2004). When the author refers to "ways with words" he means exactly that. It's how we use words and their meanings in a language. Simply stated from the quote above, if we like the subject then we are more willing to learn about it. From my experience in working in a physical therapy office I've learned to use their jargon of diagnoses, exercises, and body parts. I could say that a patient was diagnosed with lumbago, but to simplify it I could say they have low back pain. 
According to the author, people learn a specialized variety of language best by relating the words and structures of that language to experiences they have had. A person can very easily say that they understand a concept. But if they have actually come in contact with that concept it will have more impact/meaning for them. In the author's opinion, in order to become successful in today's society, you must be open to having diverse experiences. When you do this, you can "transform and adapt" to the fast paced status of our lives. 
When the author states that only learning academic language will not be enough for success in modern society, I half agree and half don't agree. I believe that people can be as successful as they want to be. If to them reciting the language they learned from the book in school is successful, then that is precisely what they are. On the other hand, if someone takes their academic language and sets forth to make first hand experiences out if it, then they are just as sure to be successful as well. This author used his "ways with words" extremely well. He didn't speak in such a way to confuse his readers with "fancy language". What he did was use his words to help people understand the main point in his book by giving examples and using analogies.

Resource:
Gee, J. P. (2004). Situated language and learning: A critique of traditional schooling. New York, NY: Routledge.