An idea about language
I think that it might be that we could significantly improve the human condition by adding another dimension of conjigation to english verbs. The dimension would indicate whether the statement being said was fact, conjecture, or fiction. If children learned a language which had this designed into this from birth, they would always be able to tell when they were speaking truth and when they were speaking fiction, and it would be natural to always include the conjigation in their speech. This would set us free from the curse of ‘unintended lying’ – cases where we speak conjecture and it’s taken as truth, or cases where we tell lies as a defense mechanism because of our fears. (More about this later)
I realize that designing a new language and getting it adopted would be a considerable challenge – consider the difficulty we’ve faced in deploying IPv6, for example – but the improvement in quality of life for all of us could be staggering. Lies (fictions that are taken as fact) are currently emotionally draining to the liar and can be extremely damaging to those who love the one who lies.
It took me a long time to learn to speak without lying when I was afraid. I assume most children go through this, and some of them may have much more difficulty than others. I’ve seen the damage and destruction that lies can do, and I’ve seen the emotional exhaustion that trying to keep up with which story was told to who can cause. I think having markers built into the language would be extremely helpful.
May 31st, 2010 at 1:42 am
This seems to be based on the notion that lying is somehow a syntactic fault of the language itself. It isn’t. Though I do think you’d really enjoy the movie “The Invention Of Lying”, with Ricky Gervais.
Also, lying is necessary. In fact, children who lie better by age 4 end up being more successful in life. Study just came out.
May 31st, 2010 at 2:18 am
Study cites lying by young children as normal sign of intelligence and teachable moment for teaching about truth.
From the article about the study…..
While parents may wonder if their little liar will grow up to be a fraudster, experts say there’s no evidence that this is so. In fact, catching your little one lying should be used as a “teachable moment,” Lee says.
“You shouldn’t smack or scream at your child but you should talk about the importance of honesty and the negativity of lying,” Lee told the Sunday Times. “After the age of 8, the opportunities are going to be very rare.”
Kids under 5 who tell tall tales are engaging in “normal activity,” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. They’re simply blurring the distinction between reality and fantasy, and it’s most likely not a serious problem. When an older child or teenager lies, parents should talk about the difference between make-believe and reality, and the importance of being honest.
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2010/05/17/2010-05-17_youre_kids_a_liar_great_lying_is_proof_of_intelligence_in_young_children_shows_s.html#ixzz0pWYRsvKQ