What is Language? “Language is a contingent system of symbols which accidentallydevelops in the human community.” Give your view on this statement with arguments

What is Language?

Language is a complex system of communication used by humans to express thoughts, convey information, and connect with others. It encompasses various forms, including spoken, written, and gestural communication. To explore the statement “Language is a contingent system of symbols which accidentally develops in the human community,” we must break down the concepts of language and contingency and analyze this perspective through several arguments.

Understanding Language

1. Definition of Language

Language can be defined as a structured system of communication that uses symbols (words, signs) to convey meaning. It allows humans to share ideas, express emotions, and coordinate activities.

Key Aspects of Language:

Symbolic System: Language uses symbols (words, sounds) to represent objects, actions, and ideas.
Rule-Governed Structure: Languages have grammar and syntax rules that govern how symbols are combined.
Social and Cultural Context: Language evolves and functions within specific social and cultural settings.

Diagram of Language Components:

Aspect	Description
Symbols	Words, sounds, or signs representing concepts.
Grammar and Syntax	Rules governing the structure of language.
Communication	The process of conveying meaning between individuals.
Cultural Context	The environment in which language develops and changes.

References:

Saussure, Ferdinand de. Course in General Linguistics.
A foundational text on the nature of language and its structure.

Analyzing the Statement

“Language is a contingent system of symbols which accidentally develops in the human community.”

This statement implies that language is not a necessary or predetermined system but one that has developed due to various historical and social factors. Let’s break this down and evaluate it.

1. Contingency of Language

**1.1. *Contingency Defined*

Contingency refers to the idea that events or systems are not predetermined but occur due to specific circumstances or accidents.

Supporting Arguments for Contingency:

Historical Variability: Different communities have developed different languages, demonstrating that language formation is not fixed but influenced by historical events.
Example: The vast diversity of languages around the world, such as English, Chinese, Swahili, and Navajo.
Supporting Text: Crystal, David. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language.
Language Evolution: Languages change over time due to various factors such as migration, cultural exchange, and technological advancements.
Example: The evolution of the English language from Old English to Modern English.
Supporting Text: Haugen, Einar. The Ecology of Language.

Contingency Table:

Aspect	Example	Description
Historical Variability	Different languages in different regions.	Language evolves based on historical and social factors.
Language Evolution	Changes in English over centuries.	Language adapts to cultural and technological changes.

2. Language as a System of Symbols

**2.1. *Symbolic Nature of Language*

Language functions as a symbolic system where arbitrary symbols represent concepts.

Supporting Arguments for Symbolism:

Arbitrariness: The connection between words and their meanings is not inherent but agreed upon within a community.
Example: The word “dog” has no inherent connection to the animal itself; it is a socially agreed-upon symbol.
Supporting Text: Saussure, Ferdinand de. Course in General Linguistics.
Conventional Agreement: Language relies on conventions and shared understandings among users.
Example: The rules of grammar and syntax are agreed upon by language speakers.
Supporting Text: Searle, John R. Speech Acts: An Essay in the Philosophy of Language.

Symbolism Table:

Aspect	Example	Description
Arbitrariness	“Dog” representing the animal.	Words are symbols with no inherent connection to what they represent.
Conventional Agreement	Grammar and language rules.	Shared rules and meanings among language users.

3. Language Development

**3.1. *Accidental Development*

Language’s development is influenced by various social, historical, and environmental factors, rather than being a preordained system.

Supporting Arguments for Accidental Development:

Historical Development: Language evolves based on historical accidents and cultural interactions.
Example: The development of creole languages from colonial encounters.
Supporting Text: Mufwene, S. Salikoko. Creole Genesis, Attitudes and Discourse.
Cultural and Environmental Influences: Language reflects and adapts to the needs and experiences of its users.
Example: The development of jargon and slang based on community needs.
Supporting Text: Gee, James Paul. How to Do Discourse Analysis: A Toolkit.

Accidental Development Table:

Aspect	Example	Description
Historical Accidents	Creole languages from colonial contexts.	Language development influenced by historical events.
Cultural Influences	Creation of new slang and jargon.	Language adapts to the experiences and needs of users.

4. Counter-Arguments to the Statement

**4.1. *Language as a Necessity*

Some argue that language is a necessary aspect of human cognition and social interaction.

Counter-Arguments:

Innate Language Capacity: The theory of Universal Grammar suggests that the ability to acquire language is an inherent part of human cognition.
Example: Chomsky’s theory of an innate language faculty.
Supporting Text: Chomsky, Noam. Aspects of the Theory of Syntax.
Functional Necessity: Language is crucial for complex thought, social interaction, and culture.
Example: The role of language in forming societies and advancing human knowledge.
Supporting Text: Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Philosophical Investigations.

Counter-Arguments Table:

Aspect	Example	Description
Universal Grammar	Chomsky’s theory of innate language structures.	Suggests that language is a fundamental human trait.
Functional Necessity	Language’s role in thought and society.	Language is essential for human cognitive and social functions.

5. Conclusion

The statement “Language is a contingent system of symbols which accidentally develops in the human community” captures a significant aspect of how language arises and functions.

Summary of Views

Aspect	Supporting Arguments	Counter-Arguments
Contingency	Historical variability and evolution of language.	Language as a universal cognitive structure.
Symbolic Nature	Arbitrariness of symbols and conventional agreements.	Language as a necessary component of human cognition.
Accidental Development	Influence of historical and cultural factors.	Language as an inherent and necessary system for humans.

Final Thoughts:

While language is indeed a contingent system of symbols developed through historical and social processes, it also serves essential and universal functions in human cognition and society. The interplay between language’s contingent nature and its role as a fundamental aspect of human experience illustrates the complexity of the language phenomenon.