Austin was an English born philosopher who was not much known for he published little of his philosophical works during his short lifetime. One of his most prominent works was
True to his works, words have a different appeal according to the way one says it which on the other hand may differ in definition and context to the one who hears or reads it. This is very much evident when it comes to translation where a common phrase in English when translated to other languages may sound bad not because it was meant to be but simply because the said set of words do not have equivalent meaning in another language. Say, try translating a set of phrases from English to Japanese or into the Thai language and you’ll end up with a totally meaningless set of phrases and words.
Much is the difference in language that even cultural, religious and social factors affect the words we speak and write. This calls for more intensive study into the said areas where a better means of understanding and translation must be developed. Many a prominent scholars do not pay attention into the importance of such details and just do what they do without a better understanding of other cultures and the implications they may have on others who might read them. People should always consider the thoughts and importance of culture to allow a better understanding of the world around their closed doors where opportunities are only just beginning to bloom where information is exchanged without restrictions and control.
That is why the focus of his work was the ordinary language, for that is what defines a society on the worldwide theater.
Originally posted on June 7, 2007 @ 10:06 am