Language is considered as the primary method of communication for Man in the world throughout time. It is the primary method of expressing thoughts and its clarity is very important, if not sometimes critical in various situations. Ambiguity in language, I think is a not something which could possibly have consistent enough to be considered a positive aspect, but rather a major defect which may have bigger ramifications in the world.
Knowledge, which is defined as justified true meaning, is what is generally attempted to be communicated through language, hence the “true” part and the even the “justified” part is put to question because of ambiguous cases and unclearness in expression. In fact, because of these, a statement made say about the weather for example might not be true or applicable to the situation it describes. On the other hand, this vagueness might describe another situation to which this would be true, thus the “fluke” putting to question the general idea of “justification” in knowledge claims.
Vagueness much related to ambiguity would not be related fully to the language itself but more in the manner of expression, hence of the chain of thought of the person. The more vague the language and the manner of expression, the more vague and unclear the meaning, which for example in the case of a diplomatic event would be very problematic.
The expression of emotions for example is also affected by ambiguity, someone saying he or she is sad for example might be the conveyance of a totally false state of mind, which also plays a role in medicine for example, suitable treatment to a patient could be bypassed due to misunderstanding in a persons interpretations and then communication of his or her symptoms.
Going across languages might also create similar problems, as seen in translations of books, which are used and studied, a vague or unsure translation would hence convey false “knowledge”. This is however an ambiguous case in itself since translating a book in a different language is in itself not a 100% accurate.
Language is a very important tool in the world and should not be underestimated, hence the purpose of English classes in all schools which have some level of academic standard, critical in TOK as well to build and understand knowledge issues as well as knowledge claims. Image may be NSFW.
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