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The Problems with Language
I know that in part these so called problems may be more a reflection of my own personal communication issues, but I’ll try to keep it brief and illustrate them by simple examples. [This oversimplification is just a guide, you may extrapolate within your own personal experiences.]
There are No Words
The vocabulary of a language is reflective of the shared experience of the users of the language and their need to communicate it. If it doesn’t exist (even in the possibilities of the imagination), then there is no word or term for it. Maybe. Imagination and creativity do expand the language by naming the unknown, but this "unknown" must be possible as a thought or concept even if held by a small sub-group, who then may share with others in the group.
Example Ice to a desert culture (ok, so it’s not a perfect example, but I’m sure you can figure it out).
Words Cannot Express
Language also has non-verbal components that assist, add and extend the act of communicating with others. They do so on specific words, phrases and the entirety of the communication.
Example: A wink, a shrug, hand cues (the Fickle Finger of Fate), facial expressions, voice variations and you have a totally different understanding. Try those on a phone conversation, an email or a written explanation of what you are trying to say.
There are Too Many Words
Sometimes language is a cumulative sum of all the terms used. The imports and borrowings from neighboring cultures (read languages), sometimes result in words from different sources that essentially mean the same, being used interchangeably. Some are used and re-used (with new meanings) while other fall into non-use, though they rarely disappear. A language may In time offer too many different ways of saying the same thing, which might make it a "rich" language. Or too many different words for the same concept, each with "nuances of meaning" and/or use.
Trying to keep up with the latest usage, or meaning of words, slows down the process of communicating. But that is the nature of language, it only reflects those that use it.
There are many example of terms no longer in use, having been replaced by other terms, that do remain part of the language, and when used sound "old fashioned", quaint, or even "high faluting".
Too Many Rules, not Enough Rules
I could go on with many other "issues" and even stray into the meaning of meaning, but I think you get the picture.
And yet we do convey the meaning of what we say.
Sometimes by the convenient and expedient device, of assuming that we all understand what "that" means.
Occasionally by allowing the creative members of our "communities" to take liberties with language, granting a sort of "poetic license" or just recognizing individual freedoms of expression.
Sam
In the Service of Poetry, Art and Community
[email responses and/or comments to: nuyoricanPC@netscape.net) or (nuyorican@mindspring.com; attn:Sam)