Exploring the Role of Language: Locke Vs. Derrida

Significance refers to ideas and how individuals perceive these particular ideas. A signifier may not always provide the intended meaning, as alterations for each individual tend to affect the uniformity placed on the significance of the word. John Locke’s essential focus is to understand how signs are perceived when referring to a complex idea, surpassing the notion of just a simple word. “Ideas are the signs of real things,” (Locke, 817) meaning that ideas are ultimately the means through which meaning is evoked- not words. Derrida similarly explores differences in language and how ideas are understood through the communication of individuals. Knowledge can only be reached through understanding these complex ideas and the differences through which individuals come to terms with them. Essentially, both Locke and Derrida focus on these complexities in interpreting language for everyday communication.

Each individual has a different perception of a complex idea due to personal experiences and the emotions that relate to this particular idea. It is therefore impossible to truly know which knowledge would be considered “accurate” in signifying a word, as they all tend to differ from person to person. For example, Locke utilizes the example of the word, liquor, stating, “For then they will be convinced how doubtful and obscure those words are in their signification, in which ordinary use appeared very clear and determined.” (Locke, 822) Although alterations play a role in defining a particular idea, people generally assume that all ideas are in unison with one another; Locke refutes this argument. “Our worlds reflecting upon language are the signs of our ideas.” (Locke, 822)  Language is therefore an imperfect means through which we communicate, signaling the barriers in communication due to  personal interpretations. He is also concerned with the gap between the essence of an idea and its actual meaning. What is meant to be understood is altered depending on the individual and situation, thus changing the original perception and intended meaning behind the essence. 

This can relate to Derrida’s notion between difference and differance- diferrance, a French word, meaning “to defer” or “to differ.” While the spelling interrupts the uniform  appearance of the two words, they ultimately evoke the same idea through the use of language. He utilizes this example because difference is a word that everyone is knowledgeable of. Words are simply sounds and patterns in everyday life that individuals make use of to relate a specific idea. According to Derrida, language itself does not interfere with the significance of a particular idea.  He contends that “ideas are generated by difference; they have no substance apart from the networks of differences that generate them as effects.” (Derrida, 278) He then goes on to state,“ Signs represent the presence in its absence.” (Derrida, 284) The present is an ever-moving process, causing language to play a role in the environment through which it is placed. The language, therefore, is defined by the past, building up to signify certain ideas and emotions that are recognized over the course of time, understood in everyday communication. “When we think of anything, we cannot grasp it in the present moment, because that moment is passing away.” (Derrida, 278) It is therefore through these passing moments that language evolves and partakes in an ongoing process. It is identified by the past, but also shapes the future, in which it is later recognized and identified.

“All ideas and all objects of thought and perception bear the trace of other things, other moments, other presences. To bear the trace of other things is to be shadowed by alterity, or otherness.” (Derrida, 278) This belief parallels with Locke’s idea that language is constantly altered, so everyday experiences will hinder a full understanding between people. However, he views language as the means through which words can always interconnect with other forms of the word to reach an understanding; thus, making language the true means through which expression can be met.

Locke tends to have an issue with these complexities in language, as communication and knowledge can be obstructed due to these gaps in significance. However, it is essential to understand language, for this is the means through which we express ideas and communicate- the staple through which we are able to interact with one another and evoke emotion. While Derrida also explores the differences in language and words, he views language as something we should appreciate, in that it encompasses the method through which we understand one another. The word, differance, is essentially the same as difference, which traces back to something every individual has learned, and therefore can interpret due to past experiences. Language is fundamentally the means through which individuals can comprehend ideas that progress over time, rather than defined in one particular moment. 

-Vanessa Coppola