As
simple as human communication is perceived to be, the logic of indirect speech
is a complex subject matter. In his book, The
Stuff of Thought, Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker explains why speaking
plainly may not be all it's understood to be. He compares examples from pop
culture and uses a metaphor to underline the misleading, important details of
language.
In this
essay, Pinker references the movie Tootsie
and the TV show Seinfeld to display the
complexity of communication in sexual relationships. He writes, “It is in the
arena of sexual relationships, however, that the linguistic dance can be its
most elaborate. In an episode of Seinfeld, George is asked by his date if he
would like to come up for coffee. He declines, explaining that caffeine keeps
him up at night. Later he slaps his forehead: “‘Coffee’ doesn’t mean coffee!
‘Coffee’ means sex!” The moment is funny, but it’s also a reminder of just how
carefully romantic partners must always tread. Make too blatant a request, as
in Tootsie, and the hearer is offended;
too subtle, as in Seinfeld, and it
can go over the hearer’s head.” This example clearly captures Pinker’s main
idea: words usually have implied meanings that can complicate our thoughts and
actions.
Pinker
also creates a metaphor to emphasize the importance in understanding the
various meanings of language. To conclude the essay, he writes, “Language is a
window into human nature, but it is also a fistula, an open wound through which
we’re exposed to an infectious world.” This comparison beautiful summarizes his
main idea by addressing the advantages and disadvantages that come along with
language. It allows us to communicate with one another, but it also poses a
threat of negative consequences. The details that Pinker includes to examine
this aspect of language makes his essay interesting and effective.
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