Being someone who speaks multiple languages, I have grasped the true importance of communication. The processes of evolution and global developement were greatly intensified after the introduction of literature. However, with communication comes misinterpretation. Languages are a systematic means of communicating that need to be taught, and this is evidence that humans are limited in expressing themselves. Will someone ever interpret something that you say to them in exactly the way that you intend? Would that require the person to experience the exact same sensations towards a string of words as you do?
Languages are an integral part of our existence. Particularly in a world of telecommunications and technology. Our thought processes are directly linked to the words and symbols that we call a language, and it is almost inconceivable to imagine what our world would be like without languages. A renowned philosopher named Ludwig Wittgenstein once said that "if we spoke a different language, we would perceive a different world". This is a plausible argument. With different languages come different expressions, symbols, and ultimately a different way of thinking.
Languages can work both for and against us. Often they can group abstract concepts into words, symbols or expressions such that these concepts become comprehensible to the human mind. However, other times it can lead to misinterpretation or oversimplification and generalisation. Nevertheless, I will continue to try to learn new languages, and following Wittgenstein's philosophy, it will hopefully help me to perceive the world around me in different ways.
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