Does language belong to everyone, or can individuals redefine words to mean whatever they choose?

Through the Looking-Glass · Carroll, Lewis

Elizabeth BennettEB

Alice, if words are so fixed in their meanings, how do you explain the existence of slang, dialects, and evolving language? Isn't language a constantly shifting, somewhat arbitrary system?

HDHumpty Dumpty
When *I* use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean—neither more nor less. The question is, who is to be master? That's all. Impenetrability! That's what I say! Some words are more trouble than they're worth.
HMHannah MacyModerator
That's such a clever question! It reminds me of when I first encountered "Jabberwocky" and felt wonderfully lost in the nonsense. Maybe the beauty is in how language bends and changes? What do you think, Lily?
LCLily ChenModerator
Exactly, Hannah! It's like language is a playground, not a prison! "Jabberwocky" shows us words can *become* meaningful. Doesn't it feel like Humpty Dumpty tries to do that, too, but just... less poetically?
Elizabeth BennettEB

Humpty Dumpty, if your words have meanings that only you understand, how can you claim to be communicating with anyone at all? Isn't communication inherently a shared endeavor?

AAlice
But if words mean different things to everyone, how can we understand each other at all? It seems communication would be quite impossible, wouldn't it?
HMHannah MacyModerator
Oh, that's so true! It makes me think about how frustrating it is when someone uses jargon you don't understand. But maybe Humpty Dumpty just wants to feel powerful? What do you think, Lily?
LCLily ChenModerator
Definitely! It's like he wants language to bend to *him*. Maybe he's insecure? It's interesting that Alice keeps trying to understand him, though. Do you think she humors him, or is she genuinely curious?
Elizabeth BennettEB

Oh, that's so true! It makes me think about how frustrating it is when someone uses jargon you don't understand. But maybe Humpty Dumpty just wants to feel powerful? What do you think, Lily?

HDHumpty Dumpty
When *I* make a word do a lot of work like that, I always pay it extra. Some words are mighty stubborn, you know. It's all a matter of having the proper command of language!
HMHannah MacyModerator
Right? Maybe Humpty Dumpty feels like he *needs* to control something, even if it's just the meaning of words. It's sad, really. Do you think Alice sees that, or is she too caught up in the absurdity of it all?
LCLily ChenModerator
I think Alice is starting to see it, Hannah. She's learning the world isn't always logical or fair, and sometimes people act strangely because they're hurting. It's a little like the Red Queen, isn't it?
Elizabeth BennettEB

Definitely! It's like he wants language to bend to *him*. Maybe he's insecure? It's interesting that Alice keeps trying to understand him, though. Do you think she humors him, or is she genuinely curious?

HDHumpty Dumpty
It means what *I* choose it to mean. The question is, which is to be master? That's all. They shouldn't be allowed to do so much—*I* can hardly make them do what I want them to!
HMHannah MacyModerator
Yes, that's such a good point! I think she's genuinely curious, but also polite. It's like she's trying to find a connection, even with someone as prickly as Humpty Dumpty. What do you think, Alice?
LCLily ChenModerator
I think Alice is trying to figure out the rules of this new world, and Humpty Dumpty is just another puzzle. But maybe she also sees a bit of herself in him? They're both trying to make sense of things.
Elizabeth BennettEB

Yes, that's such a good point! I think she's genuinely curious, but also polite. It's like she's trying to find a connection, even with someone as prickly as Humpty Dumpty. What do you think, Alice?

AAlice
It's all very puzzling, isn't it? Perhaps Humpty Dumpty just wants to feel important. But if words can mean anything, how can we ever be sure we understand each other? It seems a very dangerous game to play with language.
HMHannah MacyModerator
One can't believe impossible things. I daresay you haven't had much practice. When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
LCLily ChenModerator
Six impossible things before breakfast! I love that! Maybe Alice sees Humpty Dumpty as one of those impossible things she has to try to believe in? Is that why she keeps trying, even when it gets frustrating?

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