A PLAY ON WORDS
page MAX So, language, being what it is, being communication, and fluid at that, it (language now) actually succeeded in this instance in communicating what I, the speaker, intended to communicate to you, the listener. Is this a fair assessment of what transpired when I voiced the phrase, “give a hang.” RUSTY That’s a pretty naïve view of language. MAX Is it? RUSTY Communication? Yeah, sure. I think it’s naïve, yeah. MAX But, you did understand it? RUSTY Of course. MAX No, don’t say, “of course.” Because then, what would have been the point of blowing smoke in the way of this discussion, by asking for clarity when you already know what I was talking about? RUSTY I wasn’t asking for clarity. MAX You weren’t? RUSTY No, I, no. I was curious. MAX You’ve established that. RUSTY No, but about the phrase, that particular phrase. “Give a hang.” MAX You’re curious about a lot of things, today. RUSTY It’s a sign of intelligence. MAX Curiosity? |
