Language as an instrument of thought

Language and Thinking

     Language is an important means through which we can share our thoughts, views etc. Speech sounds  are combined into words, words are combined into sentences and combination of sentences gives rise to ideas and thoughts.

     Language is not only a medium through which we can communicate our ideas with others but it also fulfills an important function as an instrument of thought, not being merely its vehicle, but giving it wings for flight. How we express our ideas is really dependant on how well we have mastered our use of language, specially use of words, individually and collectively.

     John Milton Gregory wrote, "Language is an instrument as well as the vehicle of thought. Words are tools under whose plastic touch the mind reduces the crude masses of its impressions into clear and valid propositions. Ideas become incarnate in words".

     It clearly means that language is an instrument and words are the tools. The expression of our thoughts really depends on our command over the language.

     Language is present everywhere, in our thoughts and dreams, prayers and meditations, relations and communications and store house of knowledge. It is an instrument of thinking as well as a source of delight. It is also the maker and unmaker of human relationships. It is the use of language that makes a life better and sweet.

     Thus, we can say that language is the most powerful, convenient and permanent means of communication. Feelings, moods, ideas, information, various expressions- all these can be communicated by the means of language. So we can say that language is the instrument of our thoughts.