Every language having a structure, by the very nature of language, reflects in its own structure that of the world as assumed by those who evolved the laguage.  In other words, we read unconsciously into  the world the structure of the language we use.

-Alfred Korzybski

 

language shapes thought

think about how you think.  

how much do you rely on language

to shape your thoughts?

 

Language is a powerful tool not only for conveying information, but also building our minds and creating new neurological pathways of thought.  Sometimes I find a whole new world has opened up to me upon learning a new word or concept (built from language).

 

I think language is only a cage when we do not realize its constraints and rely upon it too heavily to inform our perception; ie when we allow the the tool to wield us, rather than doing the mental heavy lifting to wield the tool ourselves.

 

I find myself least confined to language in abstract or strange dreams, in which my perception of energy and colors seems heightened.  Where language cannot explain the depths of experience.  

 

Language is also beautiful in that it tells the story of how human communication has evolved.  So many words reveal interactions between cultures in which different influences created new words that are a blend of linguistic style (one of my favorite examples is "ojala, spanish for "I hope to God"; Moorish influence on Spain is evident in the Arabic quality of the word's etymology and sound)