In Language in Thought and Action, Hayakawa tells us that we are not directly taught the definitions of most of the words we use.
We learn most of our vocabulary by hearing and then reading words used in their usual contexts.
We acquire much of our working vocabulary in this way, by osmosis. This is why
the best language training courses include 'immersion' -- students live for
extended periods surrounded by native speakers of the language they want to learn.
When asked, each of us may define a given word or set of compound words slightly differently, but
most of the time there is enough of an overlap that we use language and successfully communicate.
Werner Erhard found a way to use this against us. He created a new context
for the abuse of language but made it resemble an ordinary teaching situation.
An LGAT looks reassuringly normal. It doesn't have gaudy flags or screaming
leaders in silly uniforms.
The real action is invisible.
We learn most of our vocabulary by hearing and then reading words used in their usual contexts.
We acquire much of our working vocabulary in this way, by osmosis. This is why
the best language training courses include 'immersion' -- students live for
extended periods surrounded by native speakers of the language they want to learn.
When asked, each of us may define a given word or set of compound words slightly differently, but
most of the time there is enough of an overlap that we use language and successfully communicate.
Werner Erhard found a way to use this against us. He created a new context
for the abuse of language but made it resemble an ordinary teaching situation.
An LGAT looks reassuringly normal. It doesn't have gaudy flags or screaming
leaders in silly uniforms.
The real action is invisible.