Standing Outside of Language
Developping Thoughts on Learing, Literacy and Communication
The saying "We are shaped by language" emphasizes the profound influence of language on our thinking and our identity. But is it possible to step outside of this defining language so that our thinking, literacy and identity can achieve a new level of freedom? A way of achieving this might be found in the boundaries of language, to open the realm of inclusive literacy based on neurodiversity, synesthesia, asemic writing and more. In these writings I present my developping thoughts on this subject – which find their way into my artworks.
Stolte's notebook from school, 1990
The Ubiquity of Language
Language is the backbone of our communication and the mirror of our minds. Every thought and emotion seems to be trapped in the words and sentences we choose. Our identity is interwoven with the language we speak, and our culture is expressed through the words we use. But can we break free from this deep-seated connection between language and self?
When French psychoanalist Jaques Lacan says, "we are thrown into language," he means that from the moment we enter the world and start engaging with it, we are immersed in an already existing linguistic and symbolic system that fundamentally influences our perception of reality, our sense of self, and our desires. We are continually grappling with the limitations of language and the elusive nature of our desires, and this struggle is at the core of human subjectivity, according to Lacan's psychoanalytic framework.
This struggle is apparent in today's polarised world. We see a hightened expression of emotions, while at the same time, emotions are not always easy to express and understood. People are in need of new cues to enhance the conveyance of emotional states. When describing experiences or objects, we wish for more vivid and immersive descriptions so that our communication reaches a holistic understanding. We are in need of diversifyng channels in communication to make information more accessible, to include, learn from, and celebrate, neurodiversity.
Stepping Outside of Language
We need to expand the communicative field to enrich information and emotions, offering more nuanced ways of expressing and perceiving experiences. While language is a powerful and versatile tool for communication, it has its limitations. The possibility of stepping outside of language and liberating our selves from its influence may seem like an impossible task at first glance. However, there are some indicators that it is possible. An intriguing experiment in this context is asemic writing. In asemic writing, characters and symbols are created without any concrete meaning. It's like a free fall into the realm of language where meaning completely disappears.
Life in the Folds – Carlos Amorales, Mexico Pavilion, Biennale Arte 2017, Venezia. Photo © Lorenza Cini
Although asemic writing may seem devoid of content, it raises important questions about where language ends. It challenges us to contemplate the boundaries of meaning and whether the meaning of words is truly essential for communication. This experiment takes us into the realm of abstraction where language loses its traditional role as a communicator but redefines its function as means of expression.
Looking at asemic forms, we try to find other cues to decode. It forces us to expand our view on what is being communicated. It becomes an act of consideration ('monere' – monuments) instead of information transfer ('docere' – documents) Flüsser. In that perspective, literacy has to gain a broader function in our daily lives. Typically literacy is defined as the ability to read and write in a specific language, but it needs to encompass a broader set of skills and competencies, not only related to understanding and using written, printed and digital materials.
Synesthetic Literacy
An alternative view of literacy is based on neurodiversity and synesthesia. Neurodiversity acknowledges the variety of cognitive and neurological functions within human society. Synesthesia is a neurological trait in which the senses mingle, allowing people to see colors when they hear sounds or taste flavors when they read words.
Glyphs – Rob Stolte, letter parfum, 2020
There is some evidence that people with synesthesia may find it easier to learn to read and write when using iconographic script rather than traditional alphabetical script. Iconographic script consists of visual symbols that have direct associations with meanings, unlike the abstract nature of letters in the alphabet.
Exploring synesthetic literacy does not mean we have to replace traditional script. Instead, we can create space for different forms of writing and reading, taking into account the diversity of human experience. This includes developing educational approaches that consider neurodiversity and synesthesia, so that everyone can benefit from a literacy approach that fits their unique perceptions.
Inclusive Literacy
The quest for inclusive literacy is an ongoing process that takes into account the full diversity of human cognitive and neurological traits. It means pushing the boundaries of what is considered "normal" and embracing alternative ways of thinking and communicating. It also involves creating educational and cultural environments where people with diverse neurological traits can thrive.
Developing synesthetic literacy and exploring alternative forms of writing can play a crucial role in promoting inclusive literacy. This approach encourages us to look beyond the limits of traditional language and aspire to a world in which everyone, regardless of their cognitive traits, can fully engage in the rich culture of communication and expression. As we journey along this path, we realize that in a world of colorful perceptions and thoughts, language is no longer a chain but rather a rich source of expression and understanding.
There is some evidence that people with synesthesia may find it easier to learn to read and write when using iconographic script rather than traditional alphabetical script. Iconographic script consists of visual symbols that have direct associations with meanings, unlike the abstract nature of letters in the alphabet.
Exploring synesthetic literacy does not mean we have to replace traditional script. Instead, we can create space for different forms of writing and reading, taking into account the diversity of human experience. This includes developing educational approaches that consider neurodiversity and synesthesia, so that everyone can benefit from a literacy approach that fits their unique perceptions.
Inclusive Literacy
The quest for inclusive literacy is an ongoing process that takes into account the full diversity of human cognitive and neurological traits. It means pushing the boundaries of what is considered "normal" and embracing alternative ways of thinking and communicating. It also involves creating educational and cultural environments where people with diverse neurological traits can thrive.
Developing synesthetic literacy and exploring alternative forms of writing can play a crucial role in promoting inclusive literacy. This approach encourages us to look beyond the limits of traditional language and aspire to a world in which everyone, regardless of their cognitive traits, can fully engage in the rich culture of communication and expression. As we journey along this path, we realize that in a world of colorful perceptions and thoughts, language is no longer a chain but rather a rich source of expression and understanding.
A is for Ox, 2018
Neuroplasticity, a property of the brain referring to the brains ability to change, create new neural pathways and lose those that are no longer in use, is an ongoing process that is always active, there are ways that one can stimulate the process of creation of new neural pathways. Such ways include learning (language, instrument, skill), traveling, creation, mindfulness meditation and reading. Doing whatever is outside your comfort zone/outside the “normal” for you.
Picture thinking, a preference for most dyslexics, is about mental imagery. It is thinking with any of the senses (sound, smell, taste, feeling, visual) in our imagination.
After all, we all experience and communicate with the world around us in different ways. This calls for recognition that diversity in brains is just as enriching as biodiversity. And so it's about the time we embrace neurodiversity and start experiencing letters in a whole new and different way!