522. We say: if a child has mastered
language – and hence its application – it must know the meaning of words. It
must, for example, be able to attach the name of its colour to a white, black,
red or blue object without the occurrence of any doubt.
there is no ‘mastering ‘ a language – there
is just its use – effective or not
‘to know the meaning of words’ – is to be
able use words according to an accepted practise
what counts as accepted practise – while it
might be stable in certain contexts –
is never fixed – it
is always at base – uncertain
you can attach a name – with the occurrence of doubt –
the world doesn’t end
and if you don’t doubt –
this doesn’t mean that the use is beyond doubt –
only that you have not questioned what you
are doing
children in my experience – if they are
given a go –
are the best questioners –
the best doubters
greg t. charlton. 2010.