Verbally Constructed Reality and Alternative Realities through Communication – An Exploration

Abstract

Science tells us that reality as we experience it and ultimate physical reality are different. It also tells us that we can imagine other physical possibilities, and that perceptions of reality can differ. However, much of our everyday reality is constructed verbally or by other semiotic means-not just perceptually. What can our knowledge of language tell us about the language/reality relation? Can we conceive of different experiences of reality constructed by verbal or other semiotic means? How can such thought experiments help us to understand language as it exists? Small model languages and imaginary semiotic means are used to explore the issues and some possibilities for changed communicational parameters leading to alternative views of reality are considered.