INTERPLAY OF LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE

Language, verbal or non-verbal, is central to the survival of mankind. Literature is any form of written work which has artistic value or showcases ideas that have a universal impact.

Imam Jaffar Al-Sadiq said, “Literature is a garment which one puts on what he says or writes so that it may appear more attractive”. His viewpoint focuses on Acrostic writing where the drawing is itself the writing. Now one may wonder what ACROSTIC WRITING is. An acrostic is a literary device in which the first letter of every verse consecutively forms a word or message. Animals may not be able to form words, but they can certainly communicate. Birds use songs and calls, and other animals communicate with a combination of sounds. Primates have an advanced system of communication. But nothing surpasses the human spoken word. It gives us an undeniable edge over other species. This ability has transformed the way we live, work and focus on things in general.

Literature helps a person to understand the emotions of the writer. Through similes, metaphors etc. the process of delivering a message becomes deeper & more thoughtful. Roman Jakobson, a Russian formalist famously said, “Literature is organized violence committed on ordinary speech”. Contextually you can look at it in this way. If a child comes to the class, and you say nonsense with a smile, he/she will accept it. On the contrary, if a teenager comes to class, he/she will speak in half sentences. Their thoughts won't be structured. Organized violence means forcing yourself to say things differently in a more formal way. Renowned American poet and critic Ezra Pound claimed, “Literature is language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.” He implied that the usage of symbolism in our writing will make it more sublime. Moreover, it helps readers to interpret a text differently rather than being told what it means directly by the author. We have read writings which have radically transformed society. A case in point is Jean Jacques Rosseau. His writings and teachings inspired the French Revolution. Terry Eagleton, an English theorist and public intellectual proclaimed, “Literature transforms and intensifies ordinary language”. Metamorphic writing is that part which can bring a voluminous change.

As we look at human evolution one cannot consign to oblivion the role of language. Starting from pre-historic times when people just communicated using sign language and noises to the 21st century where we have instituted different types, principles and needs of communication. Language has helped us more than survive. It has taught us who we are.

Conclusively, the interplay of language and literature has helped the world to understand each other and move forward in an unprecedented manner.