Many argue that mathematical symbols, hence mathematical language, are the most efficient way of communicating, because of their universality. However, it is not true entirely. Even in this matter, different countries have their own interpretations of certain symbols. An example of this would be the notation of decimal numbers, where a decimal point is used in countries such as the US, but a decimal comma is used in Slovakia. So even though it may seem that mathematics needs no translation, it is not completely true and it can lead to confusion sometimes. One would think that since it is a language created especially for the one and only purpose, and its existence is fundamental for the mathematical system to work, making sure it is clear for everyone would be a priority.
In history we always rely on something said, written, photographed or a painted by another person. We are never there to see it for ourselves. Therefore when speaking about language in this area, it has to be considered as of great significance. Style, especially the choice of words, is always analyzed in historical sources. Many questions are raised as to why certain words are used and what implications do they have. The language that is used to describe a certain historical event always steers our view of that event toward a certain opinion that insinuates. It is almost impossible for a report of any given incident or experience to be unbiased. This does lead to the distinctions between reliable and unreliable sources, but even two reliable sources can have completely different takes on one event. Looking at historical events of a conflict we find that there are “two sides to one story” – each side using a fully distinct vocabulary than the other. Considering the Crusades as an example, there is an obvious difference of opinion about the events that happened in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The Europeans called it “a liberation”, whereas the Muslims saw it as “an invasion”. Sources originating form Europe try to convince whoever reads them of the European rightful course of action, using cleverly persuasive language, and the other side does naturally the same, defending their own truth. Language in historical texts can be very distinctive and swaying in gaining knowledge from them. But the knowledge does not come only (if at all) from being convinced by the sources, but by learning to consider and question the motives of their authors because of the language they use.
The arts is one area of knowledge, but it contains two separate fields that are very different in ways – particularly when discussing the role of language. It includes visual arts and also literature. In this sense these two are diverse, and the answer to the titles question can be completely different altogether. When thinking of visual arts, such as painting, sculpture, photography, language as a part of them does not come to mind at all. It would seem that in this case language doesn’t play any role, because they are purely visual and we only perceive them. But the works of art, which ever kind they are, do attempt to communicate some message or an idea even though it is not through the language of words. So is it really correct to say that language doesn’t play a role? One could say that it is just as in the case of mathematics – the visual arts have their own symbols, which are depicted in the works. Picasso’s simple drawing of a dove and nothing else, is a clear symbol of peace, his encouragement of the world to live in peace, even though it doesn’t include any words. So if we were to say that this is a language, many times it is however still very ambiguous for interpretation.
Literature on the other hand is a very clear representation of language and it would seem that it is really the one area where language plays a truly important role – because it is based on language (of words). In this area language is exceptionally significant, and it also depends on what language it is. Literary works that have been translated have at least a slightly different inference than they did in the original language. Changing the language alters the work and therefore produces a new one, because it is no longer the original, even if it may seem like it. Just as in the area of history, but even more, literature has various styles that can be interpreted in numerous ways. This is where the similarity between visual arts and literature lies, and why it is categorized in the same area of knowledge – it is equivocal. Some might see a whole new meaning in a poem whose themes were evaluated differently by a literary scholar. But that is the beauty of it. It is not like in history where the assumptions made from sources conclude our view of world history. The knowledge that we gain form literature and visual arts, the whole area of arts, is different form the others. Because it is knowledge about ourselves – how we understand the books we read or the paintings we see, and what that says about us. The language that the arts represent doesn’t necessarily always communicate something to us but from us.
Although it might not seem that way, all areas of knowledge are made up of an important component, language, which defines what they are. Even though it may not always be the language which uses words to express claims, but rather something else more characteristic of that area. Whether the roles of language are equally important in each, is hard to decide because of the variety of the languages, making it hard to compare them. But it can definitely be said, that in each of the areas discussed language does play an important role, and there is not one are which would be complete without it.
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Natalia Tothova
3. IB A
TOK
