When Words Aren't Enough

I have been listened to my pod programs this week and I have been struck by the importance of words.

In one case three quantum physicists were discussing the word "god" and how it meant very different things to different people.

In another, philosophers were discussing the intricacies of translating work from Greek and Chinese and the periodic occurrence of a void in the English language to describe something the other language has a word for.

Add to that the use of "big words" by people. I know a number of friends that would have struggled with some of the interviews I listened to this week. And the quantum conversation had me hanging on by my fingernails desperately trying to figure out what some of the things they were talking about meant. The skill of using "little words" is just as important as that of using the big ones.

At work we need to do a "feelings check" each morning and there is a guide sheet in case you get stuck. Many of the young people don't know "exasperated" or "ambivalent" or some of the other words displayed.

I also consider those who find themselves in an area where they don't speak the language, or have a disability (like deafness), or are in some other way limited.

What I am getting to is that if you don't have words to express an idea, or a feeling, or a need, then what do you do? Likewise, if you don't understand what is being communicated to you.

I remember when I was at school most of the class were struggling to understand the maths the teacher was trying to impart to us but a fear of looking "dumb" stopped them asking questions. I (who got it all quite reasonably) was nominated as question asker because I didn't care if I looked stupid or not. So I asked our teacher to explain things another way, and if need be another way after that. If all else failed I would help those who still didn't understand myself.

I can add another example that when I was little, I was sure "prevent" meant 'to make something happen' so when I saw big billboards asking the public to "prevent bushfires" it was incredibly confusing.

And I have my Scrabble book that is full of words that I have never heard of and wouldn't a clue what they mean.

We all have moments when we struggle, but what about those who constantly struggle?

Despite the importance of body language, tone and the like, our words still convey much of our meaning. If we don't understand words (big or little), or we don't know an adequate amount of words to express what needs to be said, then what?