Insight: Language is Limiting

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” ~ Ludwig Wittgenstein

We, humans, put heavy emphasis on language because, without it, we would never have advanced globally, foster international consensus, or come to understand state borders and national differences.

Even on a micro perspective level, we use language in learning. I still hear about public speaking contests, schools press conferences, and the likes that require the proficient use of oral and written language among contenders as young as grade-schoolers. The use of language is practical. But I have radical sentiments on the statement above.

It is dangerous and rather blinding to trust so much in language. When we regard language as the sole means, say, in the pursuit of development or advancement, it falls short in practicability because it is not enough. I have learned even in my early career in a government agency that language is limiting if our orientation is focused on it only.

For example, where I work now concerns itself with information dissemination. With the economy hampered by the unfolding health crisis, public relations and information for publicity can only do so much. Sure, language bounds our identities. But it is action across the board that is permeating for changes to take place.

To turn to the statement of Wittgenstein, I hold that the world is of limitless possibilities, and language is just a component of it, perhaps the biggest of chunks, but it is not all that there is. If we look at our compasses, language is the orienting arrow. It helps steer us closer to our pursuits, whatever it may be. Nonetheless, it cannot dictate our limits as individuals and global citizens.

We can communicate even without language because we cannot not communicate, after all. This is when nonverbal cues prove useful. Customarily, we use them all the time, unconsciously or not. When we run out of words to say, and intentionally when words cannot anymore describe what we intend to communicate, we turn to nonverbal communication.

As argued, we communicate nonverbally at least 93% more[1], which objectifies our thoughts and makes the work of investigators, and the like often exciting. This is the function that exposes our humanness and rightfully extends the limits language holds.

Finally, I dare say it is the language with action that transpires our limits. Both unlock a whole new world of possibilities, and their integration is what I call purposeful communication in nature. I cannot overemphasize how communication is the catalyst for real change. It is the force that strikes change in a magnitude of ways. And, of course, language is just a portion of it.