Words

Functioning at All Levels

It is easy to think of words and language as only existing at the highest Levels:

  • handling distinctive objective references to things (L5)
  • allowing for social discourse: conversation and argument (L6)
  • permitting subjective awareness and thought processes (L6+L7)

But neither words nor language can be restricted in that way.

The use of words at all levels explains

  • why they are wholly unsatisfactory as a THEE-name for any Level
  • why much writing on communication is so confusing.

In linguistic and communication texts, you repeatedly see sentences like: “«cat» is a verbal symbol—not the actual animal”. Thank Heavens the author warned us!

From THEE's perspective, I wonder: how does the author or reader know for sure that «cat» is the verbal term (PH5L5) for a category of animal? Quasi-philosophical academic statements miss the essential situational and purposive quality of psychosocial reality. Whether or not «cat» is indeed a verbal term for a category of animal depends entirely on:

  • the immediate context of the communication
  • the specific intention of the communicator
  • the language and culture in which the word is used

Practical Example: «Cat»

We will now look at «cat» and other words Level by Level so as to demonstrate that «cat» may not refer to an animal even for an English speaker. You have a chance to think about this for yourself. Develop your answer before you click for each level to see the examples

If you prefer to see it all in an abbreviated Summary Table rather than puzzle it out or read text,

See the above .


Originally posted 27-May-2011; Last updated 25-Sep-2011.