The Magic of Words…

We know some words, we know of some words, there are words we don't know, and we even make up words…

The blind can feel words, and words can conjure up associated smells and tastes, so words aren't just something you hear and see…

To truly understand a word is something very special, and I wonder if we can actually understand anything without using words in some way…
To test this you can try going about without using words, but I think you'll find this incredibly difficult… What you may find is that you hold back the word, but it's still there ready to use, and indeed is kept ready, though your mind may feel silent…

There are a few good ways to be more intelligent, and one of those is to learn more words. Just the exercise of reading a dictionary (or ‘lexicon') can help you here. I guess if you can get through the Bible or the Complete Works of Shakespeare, you can get through a dictionary… (Some things I plan to read someday)

But what is a word, and, how does it work? I take a stab at these questions but there'll most likely be more you can add…
Words exist as a short process of sensation (like a sound, a still vision, or like a sensation of bumps as felt in Braille), these sensations get transported to somewhere where they can interact with other sensations.
Once the sensations are linked they can be associated together, such that when you remember the sensation caused by the word together with the memory of the other sensation, you can then call upon this association.
This association then allows you to use the word for the object of the second sensation.

One thing you would need to note is which sensation is to be seen as the ‘word' and which sensation is seen to be of the ‘object' of said word, as they both exist as sensations (because if you think about it, the two linked sensations are supposed to relate to the same thing).

In the absence of words we still do something that is like using words, one thing is objectifying. Objectifying in the sense that I use the word would mean that you focus on some object or set of objects, though the sensation may be self-defining, as in, you would use the memory of that sensation to call upon the sensation. (Your memory may not be as complete as the sensation in portraying the object)
For example, looking at a picture of a boat, and instead of thinking to use the word ‘boat', you just memorise certain things about the picture, which may include shape, colour, etc. You would use the qualities obtained from your memory of the picture to trigger your memory of the more complete picture.
You objectify, as in use the object itself (as much as possible), in order to call upon a way of bringing the relevant sensation up at the relevant time.

What is so magical about words, though?
Perhaps it is the ability to abbreviate things so much by shortening what is needed to refer to something within known, and assumed, memory. You may have noticed that when a word does not exist for something directly, it is named by the words that describe it. When a word exists, it could be just a couple of syllables, and you get the point across. For example, consider the words ‘internet', ‘frying-pan' or ‘frog'.

Let's not forget the power of what makes a word what it is… characters. The letters of the alphabet, the dots in Braille, etc. Once you have mastered an alphabet, how much easier is it to spell...
Let's not forget also, the power of pre-fixes and suffixes… How much easier is it to understand and make up words with such structured rules for word arrangement…

There is another question I have, although it is slightly off the topic…
What things are behind the power to remember?
Is it just words, objectifications, and associations? Or is there something more to it?
One thing to note is that memory works partly through one sensation matching another, when you remember something like a sound, the same sound may trigger the memory of the event where you have heard the sound before. One of the tricky things with this kind of memory is that you may have heard that sound many times before, and identifying the particular time you have heard it before may be a great challenge, especially if there was nothing outstanding as unique about that particular time. Also, things may be so closely related that the memory of one topic gets associated with another such that there may be confusion as to what it is you are trying to remember.

My last question is how do you get yourself to remember a particular event, or an extended event, when mostly what you remember is a short grab of something that was outstanding in some way?
What would help is if you can place yourself as closely s possible to that particular event, by using as much of the available memory as possible. What day was it? What time was it? Where were you? Were you with anyone? If so, who? What were you thinking about? What was happening around you? What made this time special? Where were you in regards to cognitive development, and spiritual development?
Also, what could help is closely relating the reason for remembering why you wish to remember this particular time, in order to be very focussed, rather than being too passive.
Memory is a challenge, but with a determined attitude and a focussed mind, you can remember the words, the good times, and sometimes things you didn't know you knew…

Also of note is, this thread probably relates to many other posted threads, especially those that deal with memory and the use of words…

Words are just a symbol for something else. The word chair (whether spoken, signed, written, drawn, photographed, sculptured), it is just an association of that thing.

When we learn that that thing is a chair, we associate not only how the word looks or sounds or to a deaf or deaf-blind person how it is signed or felt but also every subsequent memory or sensation involved with 'chair'; how it feels to sit down in a chair, what other things fit or link to the category of chair, e.g. stool, sofa, rocker, swing, cushion, bum etc. etc.

Every human form of expression through language, art music, science, etc. involves making such associations (including and most importantly emotions and sensations.)

Words don't have to be spoken or written, they can be felt.

I believe that is what makes words so magical and why words are so powerful (magic is usually represented through chants and spells and incantations because they are so powerful - what about hypnotism? It is through the spoken word). They evoke strong associations through feelings and emotions, memories and of course dreams.

And of course words constantly link to other words, we never only think in singular words. Even when we say one word our memories automatically make some form of association - eg chair - sit - bottom!

That is why music is so powerful and art and literature, that is what makes humanity so powerful, the ability to use symbols and language to link us intellectually with the physical world.

As for understanding without words, yes I think so, because emotions can be a way of communicating - through a peice of abstract art or music we can understand what the artist is trying to convey - think of cave art or tribal dance - spoken language may have been primitive but everyone could associate meaning throughits expression and their own subsequent emotions.

Instinct in animals can be like words, it is another form of communication, think of the dance of the bee - it conveys direction and the exact location of pollen! Fantastic.

God is great! Thank you Lord for creating me and giving us the power of the spoken word. Amen.
(prayers and curses -- another example of the magic and power of words)

Yet more, this time on inventing and changing emphasis on words...
Not only does a word change with the emphasis used , but new invented emphases emerge...
New emphasis happens all the time with news and revelation...
Old emphases can also be slightly changed with how they relate to current emphases...
So you can see how this would affect word usage...