To the left is a
picture of a Neanderthal and me, socializing at the Archaeological Museum of
Asturias, in Northern Spain.
In this article, on page 26, Reid explains that Neanderthals used symbols through cave art to communicate. Now, people use words as symbols to express thought. Reid shows the complexity of language by alluding to Derrida’s theory of deconstruction, on page 33. Derrida’s theory suggests that words are subjective; and content changes, based on the reader’s reaction to a word.
Dr. Jasmine, in his Critical Introduction to Literary Theory class at Dixie State, introduces Derrida's deconstruction by explaining that
words can trigger different mental images. I will have a unique image for bat, perhaps based on the association I used when I learned the word bat. Also, bat could mean an animal or baseball equipment.
In terms of Derrida's concept of binary oppositions that Reid mentions, Dr. Jasmine used the example of a zombie. A zombie would not exist without the opposites, or binary oppositions, death and life. People grasp the concept of a zombie because of the contrast of two words.
Writers have influence, socially and technologically through rhetoric shared through New Media, or the internet. Reid's article is an example of a response to the dialogue about scholarly writing that accumulates because of people's access to the web. Reid says, “We can regulate many of the
external sources of information, though obviously they are not entirely within
our control either (35).” External sources of information can mean the sources people use to research.
New Media creates dialogue among scholars that will clash with other scholars' associations with words. Since language is fluid, based on a Deconstructionist perspective, writers have to make text as simple as possible to communicate something without suggesting underlying meaning. Deconstructionists, and I'm sure Reid, will tear the text apart to explain that the text means something different than what the words say because of the way people cognitively respond to those words. However, New Media provides a way for people to interact with society and act based on rhetoric, whether or not a text is able to have a concrete meaning.
I love the picture you included with your post! Your mention of Neanderthals using cave art reminded me of the contrast between then and now. That contrast isn't something people consider on a day to day basis. I know I hadn't thought about it much until now. You also talked about the different mental images people have in connection with words. Those comments made me understand to an even greater degree how vastly different a person's interpretation of words can be from another person's interpretation of the exact same words. Your post in its entirety was enjoyable and enlightening.
ReplyDeleteHi Jazzy
ReplyDeleteYour post about deconstruction and the symbolic function of Neanderthals is reminiscent of how people in groups device ways to communicate and engage in trade and how they struggle to define these arbitrary symbols (language) into something in which they are not (binary opposition). This point reflects the necessity of language and other codes for a community to thrive and grow despite their fluidity and complexity. What an interesting concept!
Keep sharing your blog posts!
Best,
Dr. B
Hi Jazzy
ReplyDeleteYour post about deconstruction and the symbolic function of Neanderthals is reminiscent of how people in groups device ways to communicate and engage in trade and how they struggle to define these arbitrary symbols (language) into something in which they are not (binary opposition). This point reflects the necessity of language and other codes for a community to thrive and grow despite their fluidity and complexity. What an interesting concept!
Keep sharing your blog posts!
Best,
Dr. B
All responses recorded. ~Dr. B (sgd)
ReplyDelete