Science Forums 2

[HydrogenBond]

If you look at dreams, they are often based on the internal visual connections of symbols that can be irrationally connected. If one is aware of a dream, they are conscious without words and or the requirement of language structure. The labeling comes later. This sensory connection far more fundamental to consciousness than words. For example, if I put an apple on the table, one can use any of dozens of words, but everyone will have the same visual. One does not need a word to be conscious of it.

Language is important to help us transfer the visual image to another person, but is not essential for individual consciousness. For example, I can show you something you never saw before. You can be consciously aware of it, even if you are not be able to put it too words. That effort will come secondary, as you try to give it verbal structure to you can describe it to another You will need language to transfer this image, so they can get a second hard experience of it. If I was the one who was first to be conscious of this thing, I could call it anything I want. I can pick any of a thousand word, or even make up a clever sounding label. But it existed first in consciousness before the word. The word is for everyone else.

The fable of Rumpelstiltskin tells about the mythology connection between words and consciousness. If you can guess his name, he will spin straw into gold. The labeling of language, gives a sense of control over an object. Without a name, that mischievous Rumpelstiltskin (awareness) seems to have an autonomy and can't be controlled to do your bidding. But once you know his name, he becomes your servant with increased subjective value. The name makes gold from straw.