We have been taught that words validate experience, so we feel inept when we are incapable of describing something that does not require words in order to appreciate it. In fact, we have been taught that verbal language is the only viable means for measuring intellect, and therefore the only salient means for expressing important ideas. However, if our only internal measure for discerning whether something is of value or not is fundamentally a chemical one, then verbal language is just a tool for expression, a way of expressing a physical sensation, and is therefore no more viable or important than other non-verbal forms of communication.
Verbal language uses specific symbols and sounds in order to contract desired information, yet this makes it very exclusive in nature, appealing only to specific groups within society, those groups for whom this form of linguistic code is intelligible and relevant. Verbal language undermines non-verbal forms of expression and communication by virtue of the sociocultural importance that is placed upon it, though in and of itself it is too restrictive to act as a standard, and in this way it can be rendered moot when it comes to cross-cultural communication where there are many codified systems in contention.
An image or piece of music, or indeed a human gesture such as a simple smile is often more mutually intelligible and more widely understood than verbal language alone. Currency works too…
Verbal language then, is too restrictive to be given the high status that it enjoys because it creates prejudicial preferences. Furthermore, as an auxiliary mode of expression it cannot take precedence over instinct, that is to say the way in which our neural cortices and brains already process information, and at incredible speeds without the requirement of words, or the need to communicate verbally. Therefore knowing, understanding or valuing something does not require words or symbols in order to support its validity and importance. The expression and the sharing of knowledge is not restricted to language alone if our most salient currency is chemical in nature. In short verbal language, as it is currently regarded is purely a product of political control that has shaped our particular brand of cultural history, and as such it makes a mockery of us all.
Reblogged this on Today on Earth, Art.
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Here, he seems to be communicating, “I look like my brother.” 🙂 Nice essay and photos.
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Thanks, B. Did the irony of the post come across…?
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That it’s about communication? That bit did.
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That I use very academic and exclusive language to explain my point, juxtaposed with images whose meaning is very obvious and simple. I was being facetious in a playful way.
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Oh, okay.
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Absolutely. More can be spoken with a look than 10,000 words could ever achieve.
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Yep. 🙂
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Although words are a lot of fun… 🙂
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I like them
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You do good stuff with them
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