Language is the way we take ideas from inside our own minds and internal universes and place them in this material realm. When we speak language, we literally vibrate our internal thoughts into a sound wave in this material universe. When we write language, we physically mark matter with an idea that was first in our minds. When we type language, we transform our thoughts into electronic signals and colors on a screen in this physical plane. Language is quite literally magick. It is the transformation of intangible in to tangible. It is the manifestation of thought into action. The power and mystery of language is understated, undervalued, and underappreciated in this day and age. Among my fellow Americans at least, there seems to be a general lack of interest in language even among the intellectual communities but especially among the spiritual, philosophical, and theological communities. This is particularly evident and manifest on social media as the vast amount of communication happens in text. Now, we all know an internet grammar Nazi type that goes out of their way to correct others just to make themselves feel superior for a split second. Perhaps many of us have even been that person at times. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you likely have more than one person on your social media feeds that makes an effort to misspell words, use incorrect grammar, and incorporate the latest popular slang into their posts. The same is more than likely true of your daily lives outside of the internet. You probably know some people that speak properly and even correct others when they don’t and you also probably know some people that speak some extreme dialect of slang and improper grammar. Where am I going with this and why is this being posted on a spiritual/scientific page? Well, simply put, our ability to use language has lead us to the evolutionary path we are on now. We owe our very existence to our ancestors developing and using many languages. The great mysteries that we now toy with and ponder are brought to us by language. The cities we live in were built on communication. The monuments our ancestors left almost always carry symbolic meaning and therefore speak to us across space and time via the language of symbolism. We understand the world through language and even our internal, mental voice reflects via language. Everything we do is based on language of some kind. Mathematics, symbolism, geometry, chemistry, road signs, shopping centers, governments, and almost everything else you can imagine relies heavily on language and communication to be successful. Language is one of the most important tools that humans have. As great of a tool as it is, language is still limited by the understanding the observer of the language has of it. If you don’t speak English, then if someone tries to communicate with you in English you will not understand any of it. If you are not the best with mathematics then you will only get confused looking at a complex physics equation. With this obvious fact in mind, how do we communicate internally with ourselves? How do we learn and understand things? We, of course, rely on our own inner use of language. The voice(s) in your head probably speaks the same language as you. If you primarily speak English, your thoughts are in English. So then, can you see the relevance of having a mastery and understanding of language as well as a large vocabulary can greatly improve your ability to introspect and communicate internally as well as to learn and understand new things? Not only does this mastery allow for better internal communication and education, it allows us to better understand others. It allows us to better understand what we read and what we hear (as long as the writer/speaker knows how to use the language correctly themselves). This is one of the key issues of language. If all parties involved in the communications have a good understanding of the language and vocabulary, then the communication can be more precise and accurate. However, if any party involved in the communication is lacking in understanding of the language then the complications can stack up quickly. Imagine explaining a complex mathematical principle using the languages of English and math to someone who speaks French as has never taken a single course in mathematics. Successful communication is unlikely at best. Now we can address how this REALLY affects the spiritual and philosophical communities, especially on social media. Since language is not respected and appreciated as it used to and should be, there are many issues with communication that arise during discussions. People misuse words or misuse grammar leading to disagreements based on misunderstandings; people fail at successfully communicating valid ideas between one another; people have a hard time discussing complex ideas and deep knowledge because they have neglected their language and vocabulary. Often, conversations amongst spiritual and philosophical people descend into talking in circles. All parties keep saying the same things over and over because the others haven’t understood it yet or they perceive that such is the case. All of this stems directly from breakdowns in communication. These breakdowns can be avoided by using precise language and vocabulary. However, that requires that all parties involved have the understanding required to receive the language. Of course, not everyone operates the same way and not everyone can understand language as quickly as others. Language is always going to be limited by this fact. However, if we as spiritual seekers wish to communicate better amongst ourselves then it would be wise to develop our language skills to a high degree. If we wish to be understood as well as to understand others, we would be wise to develop our vocabulary and expand our use of the languages we utilize. When you hear or see a word you do not know, look it up. Most of us have internet access almost all of the time right in our pockets. With a dictionary on hand 24/7, there is little excuse not to improve our vocabulary if we are truly on a path of self-improvement. Is that not the aim of ALL spirituality? To improve the self or to improve humanity as a whole? The whole only benefits if its parts become stronger. We should at least make an effort to use the languages we use better. There is no down side. There is no negative effect. You will only find that you can communicate better, read faster, understand faster, and even think clearer as your understanding of the languages you use increases. However, it is important not to let a superior understanding of language(s) allow us to look down on others or belittle them. Don’t be a grammar Nazi to assert your own intellect but rather lift your brothers and sisters up by helping them understand the language if you feel moved to do so. Do not go out of your way to offend others for their lack of language mastery. If someone is not able to communicate on the level that you are, then you are fighting a losing battle to begin with. You are only setting yourself up for failure and to create a possibly negative situation. Language can be continually improved. It is highly unlikely that anyone could ever completely master any language at all. This is a source of continual improvement. Since language is the basis for almost all other human activity, surely we can agree that we should all improve our abilities in this area. We owe it ourselves if we truly are spiritual seekers. Again, is not the entire purpose of spirituality almost always self-improvement? If we desire to be a peaceful species then it is imperative that we learn to communicate as precisely and accurately as possible. We must seek to eliminate breakdowns in communication and misunderstandings. If we want to improve humanity then one of the most important first steps is improving our ability to communicate. With the influence of social media these days, our ability to understand and use written languages is more important than ever.
Again, and in closing, there is no down side. There is nothing to lose and much to gain by simply improving our skills with the languages we use to communicate with our fellow humans. The resistance to the proper use of language must become a thing of the past. The contentment for a half-assed understanding of language must not remain.
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March 2017
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