Language game (philosophy)

Lore & Background

Wittgenstein rejected the idea that language is somehow separate from and corresponding to reality, and he argued that concepts do not need clarity for meaning. Wittgenstein used the term 'language-game' to designate forms of language simpler than the entirety of a language itself, 'consisting of language and the actions into which it is woven' and connected by family resemblance (Familienähnlichkeit). The concept was intended 'to bring into prominence the fact that the speaking of language is part of an activity, or a form of life,' which gives language its meaning. Wittgenstein develops this discussion of games into the key notion of a language-game. He introduces the term using simple examples, but intends it to be used for the many ways in which we use language. In one language-game, a word might be used to stand for (or refer to) an object, but in another the same word might be used for giving orders, or for asking questions, and so on. The famous example is the meaning of the word 'game'. We speak of various kinds of games: board games, betting games, sports, 'war games'. These are all different uses of the word 'games'. Wittgenstein also gives the example of 'Water!', which can be used as an exclamation, an order, a request, or an answer to a question. The meaning of the word depends on the language-game within which it is being used.

Reader's Guide

The concept of language-games is central to Wittgenstein's later philosophy, as presented in Philosophical Investigations. It challenges the idea that language has a single, fixed essence or that words have meaning by corresponding to objects. Instead, meaning arises from use within specific activities or 'forms of life.' The term 'language-game' is used to refer to fictional examples of language use simpler than everyday language, simple uses with which children are first taught language, specific regions of language with their own grammars, and all of a natural language seen as comprising a family of language-games. These meanings blend into one another, as suggested by family resemblance. The analogy between language and a game demonstrates that words have meaning depending on the uses made of them in the various activities of human life. The classic example is the 'builder's language' from §2 of Philosophical Investigations, where builders use a primitive language of words like 'block,' 'pillar,' 'slab,' and 'beam' to coordinate actions. Wittgenstein's concept has influenced later work in semiotics, speech act theory, and neopragmatism, though it is not meant to suggest that language is trivial or 'just a game.'

Did You Know?

• Wittgenstein introduced the term 'language-game' to designate forms of language simpler than the entirety of a language itself.
• The classic example of a language-game is the 'builder's language' from §2 of Philosophical Investigations, using words like 'block,' 'pillar,' 'slab,' and 'beam.'
• Wittgenstein argued that the sentence 'Moses did not exist' is meaningless unless used in a particular context.
• The concept of language-games is connected by family resemblance (Familienähnlichkeit).