Words & Reality?

Jennifer Johnson

Disclaimer: MJ, I started to do this as the typical “8th grade paragraph” then got off on a tangent that I think was important, so it kind of strayed from the way it should be, I hope that’s ok, I still put CDs, then explained them. I just added a lot of commentary.


I think this breakdown occurs in the adequacy of our system of language more so then our inadequate understand of reality. Language is dynamic. It is always changing, the meanings of words are extended, twisted, and fit to what people need them to mean. Call it postmodern, i could care less, it is the truth. Though that seams somewhat pathetic, you have to deal with it. Language isn’t just one set answer—time changes, social usage changes, and untimely meanings can change. For example, as discussed in class the word “thing”... What exactly is a thing? It is such a vague word—a “thing” can be anyTHING. There it is again! We have an inadequate system of language to depict reality. But also, there are some things that just cant be described anyway. These thoughts, feelings, and emotions are real. They are apart of reality, there is just no way to possible express them in words any further then the basics. This as well points to our inadequate understanding of language and how it is used, or should be used. I believe that people can communicate withOUT language, though it is helpful, it isn’t necessary. Think about it, people use actions, body language, and their eyes to communicate some of the most important and necessary truths in life. When I was in Romania I didn’t need to know the language to tell these kids that someone loved them... me, and Jesus. They knew... they knew that just because I was there...holding their hands, dancing with them, and laughing with them that I cared. That someone loved them. That they had a reason for being on this earth, their reality may not be comprehendible to them, they question their very purpose for being born but they do realize that they are here, and they have to chose to embrace that. The breakdown of words is in language, not in reality...because we feel that what we cannot express

Its still there, we just don’t have the words that describe, or show what we feel sometimes.