ABSTRACT
Language is a universal means of expression. With language we can communicate our experience, our thoughts, and even our aspirations to others. Language, however, is not only for communication. Words allow us to classify objects in the world. By the use of language we make sense of our experiences in a very structured and elaborate way. We can ‘class’ objects together and we can make subtle distinctions between them. We can predict certain qualities that may be found in an object by comparing our own experience with the internal list of objects that fits the same class as the object being observed. For example, a child’s first confrontation with a puppy may result in a variety of experiences. If the puppy is friendly and quiet and allows the child to play or cuddle it, the child’s first experience will, in the main, be a pleasurable one. If, on the other hand, the puppy barks or growls or even bites the child, the outcome will be quite different. Whatever the outcome the child will probably add to his or her growing vocabulary either the word ‘dog’ or ‘puppy’ (or perhaps ‘Rover’, ‘Shep’, ‘Snapper’ etc.). On the second occasion that this child comes into contact with a dog, the child will most probably remember the first experience. It is likely that the child will utter the appropriate label, ‘dog’ or ‘Rover’ although the experience may well be of a different dog altogether. What is important is that the child has started to classify his or her experience and by so doing can start to predict the potential outcome of the encounter and to act accordingly, either by attempting to play or by moving away in fright. The word ‘dog’ helps to classify differences; for example, ‘cats’ are often like puppies in appearance but do not fit the same class.
