LANGAUGE AS A WAY OF KNOWING Introductory thoughts, questions and ideas for exploration

Roles of Language (some) ■We think using the symbols of language as tools for thought ■We interact socially, connecting with other through greeting and conversation. ■We give factual reports ■We express our emotions ■We create, using language for literature or for humor. ■We persuade others. ■We give instructions, make requests, or otherwise affect actions around us. ■We change our lives, for example by pronouncing marriage vows. –OTHERS???

LANGUAGE IS A ‘SOCIAL CONVENTION’ ■Communities of people CREATE language ■As a SYMBOLIC system, its possibilities are infinite ■Body language is also incorporated in this social construction ■Physical, tonal, verbal…etc aspects shape meaning ■Wittgenstein and the “Language Games’ ■Things can easily get ‘LOST IN TRANSLATION’

INFLUENCE OF GEOGRAPHY "Translation is always a shift not between two languages but between two different cultures" ( Eco Umberto). ■Different groups open their eyes on different geographical conditions. ■The translation ‘gulf’ grows with the effect of geography on the way people live in the world and all that follows in their culture.

GENDER ■Some languages divide their words according to gender? ■Some languages dictate words that are only appropriate for one gender to use. ■Does the gender division affect how people think or feel about their objects?

STRUCTURE OR POLITENESS ■There are several levels of formality that affect the structure of some languages. ■Conjugations, specific words and clear hierarchies are supported

BLAME ■Use of varying phrases, techniques and commonalities perpetuate blame (or absolve on of blame) ■Distinct connections with RKS’s exist here as well

SACRED TEXTS ■Its a matter of interpretation ■Language carries interpretation ■We quickly encounter ambiguity, A lack of precision that allows differing interpretations ■Connotation, denotation, metaphors ■Suggestive power of symbolism that cannot be rationally explained.