In this chapter of the handout, entitled Culture, Meaning and Knowledge, Barker explores language, culture and how they intersect with each other on a daily basis. Barker says, "Languages is the privileged medium in which cultural meanings are formed and communicated. Language is the means and medium through which we form knowledge about ourselves and the social world."

In contemplating language as our vehicle for self expression and explanation, I take measure in how it has evolved both in our daily lives and in the media. Political correctness is a term we've all heard a lot. It is this idea of what is "socially or culturally acceptable" to say in certain settings. I will admit that I sometimes filter what I say depending on where I am, who I am with and in what setting I find myself. Barker presents several theories in this chapter which parallel the concept of language as a "signifier." Foucault presents that idea of regulation and the idea that the meaning changes and is defined and "regulated" by context and situation. I'm not writing this to make a plug for verbal freedom in any and every situation. Sometimes you need to censor what you say depending on audience. But look at our cultural evolution in what is allowed to be said on TV, the radio, the internet, the list goes on. Our language can have a direct effect on perceptions of us when used in the wrong context. Although a little off topic, here is an example of a poor choice of language in a very poor setting making for one very pissed off America.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxHKSHvMRWE