Language

Language, what is it? Is it something you just learn overnight? How long does it take? Are there any specific criterion? What kind of barriers are there? How is it transferred?

One definition of language as quoted by the dictionary is, “a body of words and the systems for their use common to a people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition.” Another definition used is that language is, “communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds gestures, or written symbols”.

Both of these definitions are great, but do they necessarily cover every aspect of language? With these two definitions we can come to the conclusion that language is primarily between humans and that it can be spoken, heard, written, or read; sometimes maybe even seen. However as you get to know something or someone there is a language that goes excommunicated in a way. You can just sense the language. This may sound like a crock but if you take time to think about it and really pay attention to it you may understand what I’m trying to say. 

Language is not something you learn over night. In fact you never stop learning. Language is constantly changing. You are taught the basics of language all through school, and when you are done; you think you have a good handle on it. However, what you know is just a small piece of what’s out there. What you know is a compilation of environmental growth and organism interaction. Just like any other aspect of life, language depends on how and where you were raised and the amount of interactions you have with other organisms, be they dead or alive. 

The organisms you interact with the most will usually dictate the criteria, other times you, yourself will dictate the criteria you use to communicate. From carpet to chalkboards, bacteria to humans, there is a language that can rub off on one another and intermix. Barriers can be overcome because language can be modified, it can be changed. The more in tune with organisms one is, and the actual willingness to learn allows a vibrant language to come through. 

This only happens when the organism allows it. For example with humans, they talk and write a certain way. The people you communicate with most often will affect how you continue to use your language. Friends, family, and teachers are bit influences. Another form of influence is reading. In one instance to become a poet, one thing to do is to read a lot of poetry. If you read a lot by a particular poet, you slowly start to adapt their writing to your own. By doing this you create a style that is totally unique to you. 

Language is shared by all organisms, and it is constantly changing. The only barrier is a closed mind and severe lack of organism interaction. We constantly change our style to fit us as we change, and this is how our language is changed. It is then passed down and changed from generation to generation of organisms. Just think around 100 years ago we were using words such as thee, thou, shalt, and other such proper terms. Today we use words such as ain’t, gonna, widyadidya, and so on. Language is unique and meant to be shared and learned. It’s just a matter of doing it.