Week Eight- Phenomenology and Reader-Response Theory

Heidegger’s essay on language repeats a few essential things: Language is language, and language speaks.  However, what is that supposed to mean? Heidegger notes that “speech enables man to be the living being he is as a man”.  To speak, essentially, is to be defined as a man.  Speech is the mark of a man, a mark of humanity.  Language is an identifier of humanity.  Language is what defines a man and what separates man from animals.
Heidegger also discusses what speech is.  He notes that speaking is expression as well as an activity of man.  It is overall a human expression, and a human expression is a presentation and representation of the real and the unreal.  Speech is a reaction, an expression, and the life experience.
Heidegger essentially links speech to humanity, but that somewhat begs the question of communication.  He heavily weighs the importance of language, implying that language is something that is ever-occurring and is a force we cannot stop.  It’s a train that’s out of control.  It’s the bus in ‘Speed’ and Keanu Reeves is nowhere to be found. I think you get the point now.
I do however feel that not all works of speech or language are as significant as Heidegger implies. Yes, there is weight in language. Eloquence is what separates man from the animals and words may change lives. However, not all words are important and not all words are as crucial as Heidegger implies. I believe that Kanye West's twitter account best sums up my point.

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