Language
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By: Paul S. Cilwa |
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Page Views: 4,563 |
| How our choice of words helps form, limit, support and expand our world view. |
| Estimated reading time: 3 minute(s) (615 words) |
Since language began as sounds that mimicked natural sounds, when we create combined
sounds or tones to represent an idea, concept or tangible object, we are adding more
information and experience into our lives. These sounds, these words, incorporate colors,
shadings and connotations that make their meanings even more full. We can even create new
words from the root meanings of known, accepted words. We flavor and texturize our
perception of the world by our choice of words. For example, lime-green,
velvety-soft
or red-hot
express more than just colors; they imply
an experience as well. It's been shown that in languages that do not include
green
as a distinct color, speakers of that language do not perceive green
as a distinct color band in the rainbow. It is clear, then, that words are not only our
way of describing the world we experience; they also contribute to our experience
of the world. As we extend our vocabularies, then, our ability to experience is enhanced.
And, when we coin words to describe experiences for which words previously did not exist,
we open up the possibility of that experience to others.