Words create worlds. What do you think of this?
Do you think that the words you choose in your everyday life are there just to describe the world you live in and your emotions and to help you communicate with others?
Well, at least this is what I thought about words and language until a few years ago. While studying literature theories and linguistics I first read about structuralism.
Structuralism according to Britannica is “one of several schools of 20th-century linguistics committed to the structuralist principle that a language is a self-contained relational structure, the elements of which derive their existence and their value from their distribution and oppositions in texts or discourse”.
One of the main representatives of the structuralism theory, Ferdinand de Saussure, supports among other things that our language does not simply record the world we live in but actually constructs it. He says that the meaning which is given to any object or idea is attributed to the human mind. According to his theory, this meaning is constructed from and expressed through the language and it is not in any way included inside the object or the idea.
If you take a few minutes to process the above thoughts you will understand what I mean when I say that your words create your world. I don’t know about you but to me, it definitely changed my attitude towards language and words, written and spoken.
Science and Convention
“The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.”
Socrates
When it comes to sciences, the definition of terms comes in a way that offers clarity and understanding. It couldn’t happen otherwise. No progress would ever be possible if they weren’t defined this way.
The same stands to a point for the terms used to describe our everyday life. I say to some point because even the most obvious and simple terms used could be the subject of a question.
Dr. Sebastien Christian in his TedX talk uses as an example the definition of a table. One might say that a table is a surface on which we place things. Another would add that it has four legs, and could be of several shapes and heights. But on a table, I might also sit or lie. Would that make it a chair or a bed? There are also tables with three, two, one, and zero legs. However, when we most think of a table we all have an idea about it. And this word “table” offers us some kind of common understanding about what a table is.
Related: Try to fit in this World? Why People Persistently Do So?
How Words Create Worlds
So, more or less about the everyday simple things, it is clear what something means. But what happens when we talk to other people or to ourselves about our ideas, our beliefs, and things we might think or want of them? Is our language able to communicate in clarity all those things to others?
The language itself and words of course can communicate everything no matter how complex or simple that is. But how would anyone be able to use the right words in any case or whether how anyone would perceive these words that is another issue.
One issue is that it definitely depends on the depth of the knowledge of the language each person has. But not only that, previous experiences and personal communication codes that somebody uses could fall under a totally different interpretation from one person to another.
“The limits of my language means the limits of my world.”
Ludwig Wittgenstein
Nicklas Balboa and Richard D. Glaser in their article “Words Create Worlds -How love, consciousness and imagination play key roles in our evolution” state that “One of the most advanced cognitive functions we have is our ability to create, understand and share language. Words, despite their objective Webster definitions, have unique meanings to those that perceive them”.
Related: Perception is Reality – 4 Tips to Help You Alter it
Conclusion on Words Create Worlds
It is important for all us humans to understand that whatever we experience in this world is the subject of our personal translation. There is not only one way that someone can perceive something. From another perspective, everything can be the subject of question and judgment.
The whole world we live we create it mostly inside our minds. The way we see this world we created is what defines the way we act and react, what we dream of, and how we perceive our reality.
“But if thought corrupts language, language can also corrupt thought.”
George Orwell, 1984
Resources – Relative Articles
Peter Barry, Beginning Theory: An Introduction to literary and cultural theory, Manchester University Press, 2009
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/structuralism
https://www.britannica.com/science/structuralism-linguistics
This was such an interesting! So much to take away from it!
Glad you found it interesting Alice. Thank you for commenting 🙂
A fascinating look at the science behind the words we use. Culture plays a big role in language as well.
Definitely culture is important, i guess I somehow thought of it as previous experiences since the culture is something we grow up with. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Language and words are so important, especially if you’re having a discussion about something sensitive to someone close. Fantastic points here!
Glad you enjoyed it Eleanor. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Such an interesting take on this. Words really do create worlds and enhance or unhinge those worlds.
Glad you found it interesting Jamie. Thank you for commenting!
That is fascinating! Unspoken and unconscious words create our worlds, too, if they are in the form of limiting beliefs or perceptions. Also, this reminds me of the work I used to do with a client in my healing practice who was very good at remembering her dreams. I would ask her to define or describe the things that populated her dreams as if she were talking to an alien.
Exactly Jeanine! unspoken and unconcious words are also powerful. Interesting experience the one you had with your client. I am glad you liked it. Thank you for commenting 🙂
This was so interesting Eri! I was fascinated by the table example and how many different definitions there are for just one word.
The world of words, philosophy and psychology are fascinating to me Vourneen. I am glad you found it interesting. Thank you for commenting!
Interesting read. It’s cool to know about the science of words. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for commenting Fadima!
Very interesting post. How we perceive our reality is such an important point and the words we use inwardly to ourselves have such power.
I am glad tou found it interesting Dorothy. Thank you for commenting ❤️
Our words have power for ourselves and others. Each thought, story, article or book creates a new world. Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Lisa
Exactly Lisa! Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
That’s an interesting perspective on the words we use. Must say that words are powerful & should be used well.
Thank you for reading snd commenting 🙂
Thabk you for commenting Jodie 🙂
I’ve never heard of Structuralism before but it makes a LOT of sense and I love the idea that our words and language can construct our world. Words are so powerful, I’ve always known that and I think that’s why I’ve always been such a keen reader and writer.
Writers and readers are perfectly aware of the fact that words create worlds in so many different ways Jenny. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Great post. I love the idea that words are so powerful and I totally agree with you. It’s also important to understand we all bring our own viewpoints and look at life through our filter.
Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
I really enjoyed this read! Thank you for showing me a new perspective.
https://planebeauty.co.uk
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Very good point this Wanda! My main language is Greek and there are some thing I feel I cannot communicate them the way I want to always in English. Bad thing but I think in Greek and try to translate in English. Thank you for commenting 🙂
This is such a thought provoking post — words truly are powerful and it’s incredible the impact they can have (both good and bad). Thanks for sharing this, you’ve given me a lot to think about!
Good to know you found it interesting Molly. Thank you for commenting 🙂
Words pay such a huge part of my life – this post has given me much to ponder on. Merci from France.
Thank you for reading and commenting 🙂
Deep and interesting… Our words create worlds not only by description but also mutual understanding. Whenever we interact with other people, we build a bond from which our mood, motivation, and environment depend on. So much to take away. Thanks for sharing!
https://lifebeginsattwenty.com/
I am glad you liked it Monique 🙂 thank you for commenting!
Words are really important and we need to be careful what we say and what coms out of our mouth.
Thank you Fransic for commenting 🙂
Love this perspective. It makes sense that our experiences shape our use of words. Thanks for sharing!
That’s interesting
Thank you
I’d definitely agree with Ludwig Wittgenstein, that “the limits of my language means the limits of my world”. My limited ability with language due to my dyslexia has shaped everything I’ve ever done, having a negative impact on my life and abilities across the board.
I would love to see the theories behind this applied to how populist leaders manipulate people with their words and how words like ‘alternarive facts’ have shaped people’s view of the world
This is something that is definitely interesting. I will habe it in mind for a future post. Great idea! Thank you 😊
Very good post regarding words and language interpretations. You made some great points. Our words definitely impact us and those around us. Thank you for sharing. ☺️
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
Thank you for reading and commenting Natalie!
Thanks for sharing such an insightful post! Really made me think about words I use.
If you think about the following ideas for a few minutes, you’ll see what I mean when I claim that your words build your environment. I don’t know about you, but it transformed my perspective on language and words, both written and spoken.
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for reading and commenting!
This was such a thought provoking piece because without words things wouldn’t be possible! I love the quotes you have used throughout the post. Thank you for sharing this interesting blog post.
Thank you for reading and commenting Lauren!