Page:Mind (New Series) Volume 8.djvu/341

 2. Is represented by a constant recognised (Träger) wielder;

3. As thinking is represented by several, even if not recognised, subjects (purely intellectual stage). Thus we distinguish convention, legislation, science, which in application to the meaning of words we may call—
 * Agreement—Determination—Definition.

Now we must briefly show how to the kinds of meaning which are thus classified there correspond different methods for communicating and explaining the meaning of words and other signs. First of communication, and primarily with reference to words; here we must observe the speaker or writer. At the first stage communication, and correspondingly understanding, is easy under certain primitive conditions.

1. It is easy in proportion as there is intimate mutual affection, sympathy, or even mutual knowledge and familiarity. How easily here every sign is understood, every indication suffices, may be noticed in daily life even where language is fully developed, e.g. between lovers or married people, or among intimate friends, etc. The meaning of the word is here generally allied to and interwoven with the meaning of the sound, therefore with music, the “language of feeling”.

2. It is easy again in wider range, in proportion as the vocal signs approximate to the natural signs (expressive and imitative sounds).

3. It is easy in proportion as they are supported by other signs, especially by gesture language (demonstrative sounds), or again as the merely associative sounds are supported by these and by the two kinds already mentioned. Communication is inversely more difficult, needs therefore the corresponding aids, where it lacks these. Gesture language most commonly appears as a substitute understood by every one where word-language is wanting or defective, or fails owing to organic defects. But in written communication the aids mentioned under 1. and 2. disappear; we can only indicate the desired intonation, partly by special signs, partly by the construction of the sentences. The understanding of what is written may further be facilitated by illustrations—from which writing is derived as articulate speech is from inarticulate—or under some circumstances be replaced by them. At this stage therefore communication is attached to individual and natural conditions. Its language (which is largely understood) is not yet a complete social organ, of which any one, born and bred in this