“I AM GOOD” AND OTHER ABERRATIONS: AN ANALYSIS IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE

Abstract

Language is not just an intrinsic natural capacity given to the human species as a mode of self-expression but also the only means through which the myriads of individual thoughts and opinions could be communicated, that is, made known to the other parties or persons with whom one lives in a society. It is thus an obviously necessary tool both for individual self-expression as well as human interpersonal relationship in the community. Given that both the individual person and the specific human communities are unique, their specific language tools and medium of expression may differ. Consequently, a conventional synergy is always sought for when a heterogeneous group needs to interact or have an interface. At such a mega level, the individual tools, means, and modes are either suppressed or adapted for a more widely acceptable tool, means, or mode of communication. This is what becomes known as conventional language. But unfortunately, in many circumstances as in our world today, this harmonization is not done as many individuals or language groups seek rather to impose or superimpose their micro paradigms on the macro community under the pretext of a private language. This leads only to societal disharmony, communal disintegration, and interpersonal incommunicability.