This is the kind of stuff I think about when I am lying in bed instead of sleeping. Language seems to develop organically once a species consciousness reaches a certain threshold of development. The increased complexity of thought leads to culture which necessitates a means of exchanging information and evolution does the rest. It certainly is not confined to just humans, animals just have no need to write their thoughts down, but I bet whales are 100% as advanced linguistically as humans. I am inclined to agree with Chomsky on this one. My ego is not big enough to try and one up the greatest linguist on earth anyhow.
It speaks right to my lifelong fascination with language and the concept of linguistic image of the world.
And yet, I often wonder what our life could look like if we didn’t speak the languages we grew to take for a basis of our existence as humans.
Would we be then, perhaps, closer to ourselves? Looking more inward, and then into the essence of other humans and beings we share this world with. Perhaps without the constant attempts to lay out our thoughts and inner experiences and get others to understand them (without understanding them too well ourselves), we would actually focus on them, and deepen our intimacy with what cannot be grasped by language anyway.
I find it interesting how people can still find ways to communicate even if they don’t speak the same language. Non-verbal communication and hand gestures in many cases is all you need to find ways to connect with different cultures. Fascinating read!
It would be a complete fallacy to think we humans have a monopoly on language, when the world speaks so fluently around us and to us..... this piece you wrote speak to me - its why i called my book on the One Living System - Life's sacred language and our collective journey - we forget what language is around us and the conversation it is sharing with us daily - I also make note of how the definition of language doesnt really allow for nature - and the definition of nature doesnt include humans ... the separation began a long time ago
I love this whole post and the contemplation of the nature of language. This is why I think I keep turning to poetry because it is an attempt - at least for me - to explain the explainable -- with images, metaphors, and the yearning to connect to the place in me that is before and beyond words... with words - spoken, written, read and sung...
" I’d love to invite you to a creativity and yoga retreat I’m co-hosting in Maine this September. It’s September 12-16, and there will be plenty of time to work on your art and writing in a beautiful seaside setting as well as daily yoga and meditation classes, kirtans, song circles, and much more." I will most likely be traveling (in my van with my fam), but would love to offer you printable version of some of my yoga poems for you to share during more contemplative yoga practices - if that calls to you:)
This is the kind of stuff I think about when I am lying in bed instead of sleeping. Language seems to develop organically once a species consciousness reaches a certain threshold of development. The increased complexity of thought leads to culture which necessitates a means of exchanging information and evolution does the rest. It certainly is not confined to just humans, animals just have no need to write their thoughts down, but I bet whales are 100% as advanced linguistically as humans. I am inclined to agree with Chomsky on this one. My ego is not big enough to try and one up the greatest linguist on earth anyhow.
I so much loved this essay, Eden!
It speaks right to my lifelong fascination with language and the concept of linguistic image of the world.
And yet, I often wonder what our life could look like if we didn’t speak the languages we grew to take for a basis of our existence as humans.
Would we be then, perhaps, closer to ourselves? Looking more inward, and then into the essence of other humans and beings we share this world with. Perhaps without the constant attempts to lay out our thoughts and inner experiences and get others to understand them (without understanding them too well ourselves), we would actually focus on them, and deepen our intimacy with what cannot be grasped by language anyway.
Would love to hear your thoughts!
I find it interesting how people can still find ways to communicate even if they don’t speak the same language. Non-verbal communication and hand gestures in many cases is all you need to find ways to connect with different cultures. Fascinating read!
It is a fascinating read! I agree!
It would be a complete fallacy to think we humans have a monopoly on language, when the world speaks so fluently around us and to us..... this piece you wrote speak to me - its why i called my book on the One Living System - Life's sacred language and our collective journey - we forget what language is around us and the conversation it is sharing with us daily - I also make note of how the definition of language doesnt really allow for nature - and the definition of nature doesnt include humans ... the separation began a long time ago
I love this whole post and the contemplation of the nature of language. This is why I think I keep turning to poetry because it is an attempt - at least for me - to explain the explainable -- with images, metaphors, and the yearning to connect to the place in me that is before and beyond words... with words - spoken, written, read and sung...
" I’d love to invite you to a creativity and yoga retreat I’m co-hosting in Maine this September. It’s September 12-16, and there will be plenty of time to work on your art and writing in a beautiful seaside setting as well as daily yoga and meditation classes, kirtans, song circles, and much more." I will most likely be traveling (in my van with my fam), but would love to offer you printable version of some of my yoga poems for you to share during more contemplative yoga practices - if that calls to you:)