On Heidegger's View Of Language In His Later Years

Language is commonly assumed to be a tool invented by man and used under its control. The reason why this language view has been widely accepted by different generations is that it has its source in the traditional metaphysical mode of thought which claims that there is a subject-object binary opposition. However, Martin Heidegger doubts such a metaphysical view of language. He argues that because of it, man becomes arrogant and conceited, always acting on his own will, and finally finds himself in a living predicament. In effect, language is not subject to man but the subject of man. Only the entry into language enables man to find his authentic existence. Heidegger criticizes the traditional metaphysical view of language, and on the basis of it proposes his ontological view of language. According to his ontology, the traditional view of language on the one hand exaggerates man's subjectivity while forgetting his Being, and on the other hand makes language formalized and implementalized by examining it as an existent Being fettered by logic and grammar.Heidegger considers language from the perspective of the nature of Being. He argues that language is the truth of Being that cannot be hidden from view, that the nature of language is "language speaks", or "Sage". "Language is the home of Being." Language bestows names on things by virtue of words, shaping the things and world, and revealing and maintaining all the objects of being. Man lives in language with Being as his neighbour. It is by thinking and poetizing that man takes care of Being and then realizes his authentic existence. However, within the traditional view of language, the nature of language is covered and neglected, and man becomes homeless, falling into an irreversible destiny. In this sense, the only way to return to...