ABSTRACT
Lorenzo Valla's linguistic analysis dispels the confusion that may arise from the fact that in human acts of signification a hierarchy of meanings can be construed that seemingly tends towards a level of universality that is ultimately all-encompassing but in point of fact refers to nothing that is by itself universal. Valla explores the structure of linguistic reference and uncovers that there is a twofold power in language: on the one hand words or language in general refer to things in a way that is peculiar to the artistic nature of humans; on the other hand it can attain a reality that transcends human reach. From his research into the history and structure of human language Greek and Latin, specifically he concluded that words and their usage gain access to the understanding of the human soul and its relationship to God. Deception of God and oneself is also the topic of the dialogue on religious orders.
