Use of Language
So here we begin the third tool in the Mindset tool kit…
What is it?
Language is the way the humans communicate with each other; this applies equally to one human engaging and another and the conscious mind of a single human communicating with itself or its counterpart unconscious mind.
Language can be broken down in to both verbal and non-verbal communication. The concepts described in this tool can be applied to both forms of communication, but for simplicity we are going to focus on verbal communication.
Words – What do they mean?
Words convey meaning. They are agreed shared descriptions or labels for things that humans perceive. This means that if communication is not clear, it may be that the shared description for a particular word is not equally understood by both parties.
Words are what make up a language, and many languages are spoken across the world. Language is closely tied with culture as not all words have equivalents in all languages. A well-known example of this is that Inuit people have 50 words for snow. Snow in all of its subtle forms is really important for them.
What this variability in language patterns also uncovers is the fundamental different in meta physical understanding of the universe between different cultures.
Regardless of the words we choose to use; words are not reality; they are just what humans use to describe reality.
The description is not the described.
– J. Krishnamurti
Why does this matter?
From the days of our childhood and fairy tale stories, we all have heard of “casting spells”. Well, there is a reason why writing words correctly is called spelling.
Words have a powerful influence on both the person using them and the person receiving them. This tool is about developing an awareness of the phenomenon and learning to use it to your advantage.
How does it work?
Revisiting the concept that words are simply labels for things that we perceive, let’s explore the label of behavior.
I know for me, the word behavior would carry a definition centered around the physical way that someone is acting, this could include movements of their body as well as the things being said both verbally and non-verbally. This definition though is very much about the perception of what is going on externally.
Even looking at the Google definition of the word, there is a bias towards external interactions:
It is only really in the description of a machine that the concept of function kick in.
External behavior is really only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to human behavior, the true root of our behavior is in our thinking patterns; and the way most humans think is using internal dialogue – language.
So really, the word behavior applies equally to the way we conduct ourselves internally and externally.
Behavior as we know, is something that can be changed through developing awareness of our habits and patterns, then making choices to change them.
This tool is all about developing awareness of the different phenomena which manifest as a result of our use of language so we can start to make conscious choices to positively influence our behavior.
The lines blur between thinking strategies and use of language, so I will do my best to keep the insights focused. For me though, discovering some of these concepts for the first time was a revelatory experience so I may just get carried away a little bit…
Let’s make a start… in 4k UHD please 😊
What is next?
In the next post we will begin to explore the core of this tool and look at some insights that you can apply immediately to your life.
Enjoy, for now.