Quote from: Epimetheus on May 31, 2012, 07:53:01 AM
That's it's job. Luckily, language also features the statements "I understand" and "I don't understand." As long as two people are confident that they have cleared up a concept and understand each other, why would you assume they really don't? Ideally, the conversation won't end with a single one-way transmission. There will be back-and-forth clarifications which would take care of any noise. No, that ideal doesn't always happen. The point is to get as close as you can.
you bring up some good points, especially in saying that conversation isn't a one way signal. I can concede that language can allow enough communication to allow accord on some matters. I guess my point was that semantic noise still manages to creep in and can influence interpersonal communication in subtle and perhaps significant ways.
Quote from: Epimetheus on May 31, 2012, 07:53:01 AM
Regardless of your explicit hopelessness about communication, you're still trying to communicate with me, in the belief that we can reach mutual understanding. I hope you realize that.
I don't think that there is necessarily dissonance with my position and the fact that I am utilizing a form of communication with others. I think we can achieve a degree of mutual understanding.