"Linguistic games" in the philosophy of Wittgenstein

Abstract

According to a certain frequent interpretation, the concept of 'linguistic games' splits language up into absolute, finite areas. Thus Wittgenstein falls into the error of linguistic relativism. Opposing this poor interpretation, the article defends the theory that the linguistic game must be understood in three different senses: 1) As the functioning (game) of language; 2) as the entire complex of elements which come into play; 3) as a primitive and simple outline which we resort to in order to bring out, by contrast, the authentic functioning of a more complex process. 'Linguistic game' means, therefore, a way of reflecting on language: from its movement, from its complexity, from its simplification. It never designates a unique pattern for classifying reality.