Words, Ideas, and Language
Says Tufts University philosophy professor Daniel Denett:
Words are “like sheepdogs herding ideas”
Prof. Dennett is quoted in the August 21st New York Times in regard to the “science of magic.” In noting the role of words on the brain Prof. Denett notes that “Learn a bit of wine speak — “ripe black plums with an accent of earthy leather” — and you are suddenly equipped with anchors to pin down your fleeting gustatory impressions.”
And what if language is not exactly the primary mode of communication, as in the case of my son Charlie?
3 opinions for Words, Ideas, and Language
VAB
Aug 22, 2007 at 1:39 am
It’s interesting, I used to think like Dr. Denett, but when MK started speaking, I found that he could talk about things that happened before he could speak, using vocabulary specific to the situation, which showed that he was processing, categorizing and storing events, objects and ideas without language to support them.
bev
Aug 22, 2007 at 6:35 pm
It might be very interesting to take some of the theory on language and cognition as the foundation for a study on autistic thought processes. Of course, I believe that the term “language” can refer to so many things other than words–mathematics is a language, as is music. I think it is not too much of a stretch to say that color and shape could also qualify as building blocks with the potential to shape, expand and streamline thought.
J Whitney
Aug 28, 2007 at 11:02 am
Language is any construct that allows for communication. Denett talks specifically about words, but language is not limited to words. Actions, expressions, reactions or body movement can all relate ideas and emotions. Your son may not use words to communicate, but if he does communicate perposfully, then however he manages to achieve someone else understanding him is a language. His language perhaps, but he’s taught you to understand it at least.
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