Keelemängud

Keelemängud, often translated as "language games," is a philosophical concept primarily associated with the work of Ludwig Wittgenstein. In his later philosophy, particularly in his book Philosophical Investigations, Wittgenstein argued that the meaning of words is not derived from their reference to objects or ideas, but rather from their use within a specific context or "language game." These games are not necessarily formal or structured like actual games; they are simply the various ways in which language is employed in social interactions and activities.

Wittgenstein proposed that language functions as a tool, and like any tool, its purpose and meaning are determined by how it is used. For instance, the word "game" itself has different meanings depending on whether it's used to describe a board game, a sporting event, or a strategic maneuver in politics. Each of these uses constitutes a different language game, with its own rules, participants, and purposes. Understanding a word or a sentence means understanding the rules of the language game in which it is embedded.

The concept of keelemängud challenges the traditional view that language operates through a fixed set of meanings and logical structures. Instead, it emphasizes the dynamic, practical, and context-dependent nature of language. By focusing on use, Wittgenstein aimed to dissolve philosophical problems that arose from misunderstanding how language actually works, arguing that many philosophical puzzles are linguistic confusions stemming from taking words out of their ordinary contexts. The idea encourages attention to the diverse social practices and conventions that underpin our linguistic communication.