Sounds and Signs

"For since sounds are voluntary and indifferent signs of any ideas, a man may use what words he pleases to signify his own ideas to himself: and there will be no imperfection in them, if he constantly use the same sign for the same idea: for then he cannot fail of having his meaning understood, wherein consist the right use and perfection of language" (Locke 817).

Compared to everything else we have read and studied this semester, Locke seemed to present the clearest and most-straightforward argument about rhetoric. The above quote, I feel, really captures the essence of what he tries to establish. You must define yourself, and by doing that you will define your parameters and clarify any pressing issues and questions that individuals may have with your arguments. As stated in the text, “words having naturally no signification, the idea which each stands for must be learned and retained, by those who would exchange thoughts, and hold intelligible discourse with others, in any language” (Locke 818).

We must utilize rhetoric in order to find the words that represent our arguments clearest. We must be certain to define ourselves, and support those definitions. For example, if I were to use the word “hyper reality,” it would hold no significance until I explained that it a literary technique utilized to create a believeable world in fantastical literature. Yet even that statement holds no merit unless someone from academia is there to support what I can claim this phrase to mean, and that statement does not get merit unless other members of academia deem it so…It is a continuous cycle just to be able to have one words definition.

This is the crucial part of what Locke is saying: define yourself to the best of your ability so that your train of thought cannot be questioned.