Shaping Realities: The Power of Language and Choice of Words
Discover more from Code Uncovered
Shaping Realities: The Power of Language and Choice of Words
Join us as we delve into the transformative role of language, shedding light on how the strategic choice of words can fuel tech innovations and cultivate new ways of perception.
Hello and welcome to the first edition of Code Uncovered, your deep dive into the world of cultural significance and meanings—sent out every Cuesday*.
Today we will talk about a topic that is extremely important in creating the future that we would like to see, which is something around us yet often overlooked in its power: language.
Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is the creator of our reality, the definer of spaces, the sculptor of ideas, and the key to innovation. As Nathaniel Hawthorne put it,
"Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them."
Language and our use of words can create, define and shape the things we see, perceive and think about in a way that changes significantly by our choice of words and language proficiency.
Therefore, it is vital to think about what concepts and keywords we will use when working on a brand, innovation or new social, cultural or scientific space. How we talk, write, and communicate about things is extremely important for how people will understand, perceive and act on that knowledge that is novel to them. How we create something, in our words, will determine what kind of a future they will have.
Therefore, it is essential to consider the meaning of a new concept, word, definition, or even product or service before we start talking about them, and it is vital to choose our words wisely.
Let's look at how language creates an impact by demonstrating a few inspirational examples:
From "free software" to "open source."
A shift in terminology can reframe an entire concept, opening up new possibilities for collaboration and innovation.
In a fascinating revelation from the founder of the open-source movement, Tim O’Reilly, we've come to understand the transformative power of language. The shift from the term "free software movement" to "open source" was not merely a name change. It was a semantic evolution that clarified the complex software development landscape.
The term "free software" stressed price and availability, unintentionally leading to misconceptions. "Open source," on the other hand, illuminated the heart of the practice: the freedom to inspect, modify, and distribute source code.
This linguistic pivot aligned with the movement's core philosophy and enhanced understanding of the concept. It beautifully demonstrated how language can shape our reality and how precise terminology aids in understanding the world.
From "web3" to "onchain."
Just as "free software" evolved into "open source," the discourse of web development is shifting from "web3" to "onchain." The term "web3" initially communicated a novel, decentralised internet. Yet, its semantic scope needed to be improved in depicting the nuances of blockchain-based applications and systems.
"Onchain," on the other hand, better embodies the idea of secure, decentralised networks using blockchain technology. By focusing on the critical role of blockchain in these new web paradigms, the term "onchain" provides a more comprehensive understanding of how transactions, data storage, and applications are seamlessly interwoven within the blockchain infrastructure.
This linguistic shift once again proves the potent role of language in moulding our perception of technological innovation.
From "Virtual Reality" to "Spatial Computing"
A new term creates a new category, revolutionising our interaction with technology.
Apple has recently launched its VR glasses, Apple Vision, but refrained from using conventional terms like "augmented reality," "virtual reality," or "mixed reality." Instead, the tech giant has introduced an obscure phrase: "spatial computing." In a marketing masterstroke, Apple aims to mould our perception of its latest innovation through a unique linguistic approach.
Advertising expert Marcus Collins explains that by using a term unfamiliar to many--spatial computing--Apple capitalises on our curiosity, prompting us to seek a deeper understanding of the product. This tactic echoed their past strategy when introducing the term "apps" instead of "software programs."
Ultimately, however, we, the users, decide if this new terminology will endure or vanish into the annals of tech jargon. Will "spatial computing" become widely accepted in our technology discourse? Let's wait and see.
Conclusion
These transformations are not trivial. They redefine how we perceive and engage with the ideas and systems they represent. As Noam Chomsky said,
"The structure of a language determines not only thought but reality itself."
But what does this mean for us? For innovators, entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to make a difference in the world?
It means that the words we choose, the concepts we define, and the way we talk about the future have a real, tangible impact on what we're able to create. Our language doesn't just describe the world. It constructs it. This is why we must be meticulous when defining new spaces such as blockchain, web3, sustainability, or even diversity and inclusion.
By refining our language, we refine our ideas. And by refining our thoughts, we can spur innovation and build a better future.
Key Takeaways
Language is more than a tool for communication; it is a fundamental building block of our perception and understanding.
Strategic shifts in terminology can redefine concepts, opening up new spaces for innovation.
Creating new terms can be a powerful marketing strategy, sparking curiosity and driving engagement.
Finally, I invite you to join us every Cuesday*—and share with your friends and colleagues to subscribe and join us—as we continue to uncover the hidden codes in our culture and language.
Let's redefine our reality and shape our future, one word at a time.
Until next Cuesday*, please remember:
"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
Ludwig Wittgenstein