Classification: Sketchbook
Prompt: Interpret the quote "The limits of my language means the limits of my world." Both in what the author might mean by it, and what it means to you.
"The limits of my language means the limits of my world." This quote could be interpreted as meaning your language limits your ability to understand people around the world, since you don't always speak the same language. This statement could also be referring to a fantasy world in your writing. Your language ability can limit how well you describe your world, how people picture it, even what the world is entirely.
While I do agree with that last interpretation, I do not agree with the first one. Your language may limit your ability to communicate with people in other countries, but it does not limit the wonder and expanse and awe of different places and areas, rural and urban alike. My language consists of English and French. This allows me to understand people in many different countries, however, language is not simply words, vocabulary, grammar or expressions. Language can be visual such as ASL (American Sign Language) or emojis. It can be physical such as body language. Some cultures dance to tell stories, humans used to paint on walls and make massive totem poles to document their history. Helen Keller a blind and deaf woman, had to trace letters on people's palms to communicate, before learning braille and eventually how to speak from her tutor. Some people communicate better through certain types of analogies. Others communicate better in a written form than audio form. And some communicate and express their deepest thoughts and feelings through music, dance, art and stories.
My world consists of my school, my friends, my job and my home. My friends influence my vocabulary as I learn new slang and expressions. Through reading I learnt how to put my thoughts down on paper. My language has never defined my world, my world defines my language. My favorite books define much of my vocabulary and the types of analogies I use. My friends define the types of expressions I use. My life defines how I choose to represent my make believe worlds, and the stories I write. I use poetry and music to express my innermost, deepest, and most confusing feelings.
It makes me realize that language can also be a safeguard. Like a glass case surrounding a precious artifact. You can see it but you can't fully experience it. People use language to shape how people interpret their words. One could say "I hurried to class so as not to be late." which could imply waking quickly and taking shortcuts and also doesn't specify if the speaker was on foot or in a car or even on a bike, however, one could also say "I ran to class so as not to be late." which could be interpreted as the speaker ran through the halls to get to class, infers that the speaker was on foot. This way of speaking can be used to tell half truths (AKA bending the truth/lying.) It could also be used to add details to stories, make the imagery clearer and help the reader in their understanding of what's happening.
Word Count: 509
#of Pages: 2
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