Have you ever heard someone say how difficult the English language is to learn and then asked them why they think that? I have and many times the person usually says it is because our words have multiple meanings and spellings. Take for example the word red there is also read which can be pronounced two different ways. The context the word is used in helps us understand the meaning.
Now consider words and their meanings in relation to the experiences people have with words. For instance, if I say the word “car” what did you think of? Perhaps you thought of your favorite sports car, or maybe you thought of the car you drive, maybe you thought of the car that cut you off in traffic, or perhaps even the car you are contemplating about purchasing, or maybe you just thought it is a mode of transportation. The point is we all have personal experiences with words. I can say a word within its context and you could interpret a different meaning of what I said because your experience with that particular word is different than mine.
Languages are one of the ways we communicate. Within the language we use symbols (words) to get across the message we want to communicate. With each of these symbols we relate it to an object or an experience which then is stored in our memory.
All of these elements need to be in place for complete understanding. Here is a question for you: who decides the meaning of the word? Does the sender (this is the person doing the talking) or does the receiver (this is the person receiving the message)? I am curious as to what you think so let me know and stay tuned in for the answer!
Idea (Memory)
Word Object
(Ogden and Richards)
Ogden, C. K. & Richards, I. A. 1923. "The Meaning of Meaning." 8th Ed. New York, Harcourt, Brace & World, Inc.