In a message dated 1/26/2016 1:55:22 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
jejunejesuit.geary2@xxxxxxxxx writes:
What does the word "language" mean?
Well, 'language' is a derivation of 'lingua', and 'lingua' is 'tongue'.
Tongue is a human part. So I suppose we have a 'figure of speech' here; i.e. a
metaphor.
We define a function by the part of the body that performs it. (as when we
say "Nail" to "scratch" -- Geary may think of other examples).
This poses a problem for Geary: "What about parts of the body that serve
MORE than one function?"
Indeed, the tongue does. Hence the need to distinguish between the 'lingua'
and the 'languaGE'. It's not possible to do this in all cases for all body
parts -- nail, nailage; etc.
It may be argued that a conceptual analysis of 'language' for a population
can be reached. Indeed it has been reached by C. A. B. Peacocke in the
"Truth and Meaning" conferences held at Oxford and edited by G. Evans. Not all
were convinced by Peacocke, though.
Cheers,
Speranza
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