Question

How do words not only represent our thoughts but also represent our values?

Short answer

Words not only represent our thoughts by enabling us to articulate our cognitive processes, but also represent our values as our choice of language can reflect our deeply held beliefs and attitudes. Our language usage subconsciously reveals what we deem important, indicating our values.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Function of Language

Language is a tool we use to communicate our thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It is an expressive mode that can be utilized to portray our inner world to others.

Define Thoughts and Values

Thoughts refer to our cognitions or mental processes while values refer to our deeply held beliefs regarding what we consider important or desirable. These are subjective and can differ greatly among individuals.

Analyze Representation of Thoughts

Words represent our thoughts as they allow us to articulate our cognitive processes. We form our thoughts into words to make them comprehensible for ourselves and others.

Analyze Representation of Values

Our choice of words can reflect our values. The language we use often mirrors our beliefs, attitudes, and what we hold dear. This is observed in how we talk about certain subjects that we deem important.

Synthesize the Understanding

Language, as a communicative tool, bridges our inner world with the exterior. Words act as tokens, carrying not only our thoughts but values as well, indirectly revealing a lot about our personal makeup by the way we choose and use them.