Class Barriers vs. Intertextuality - WEBCT POST #2

Class Barriers vs. Intertextuality
Language is largely symbolic and subjective. Mikhail Bakhtin addresses this, and several other issues in his work, Discourse in the Novel. Bakhtin explains the existing barriers of specialized language amongst social groups through literature and other means of communication (Rivkin 674). This essay reminds me of the power of the written word, and its continual evolution. While various dialects and sophisticated forms of language exist, through intertextuality it seems possible in the 21st Century to convey very complicated concepts in relatively simple terminology. It seems to me that in the past, more elevated speech patterns and syntax were promoted to engage in class disparity. Bakhtin, however, seems to understand the potential for the deconstruction such class disparity with regard to literature and the dissemination of information.
Bakhtin writes, “… at its very core literary language is frequently socially homogeneous, as the oral and written language is frequently socially homogeneous, as the oral and written language of a dominant social group, there is nevertheless always present, even here, a certain degree of social differentiation, a social stratification that in other eras can become extremely acute” (Rivkin 675). Bakhtin continues by explaining the potential for exploitation that can arise from such “differentiation” and “stratification.” I believe that it is extremely significant that Bakhtin brings this to the public attention through his studies and writings. Understanding these concepts can help a society to transcend such barriers, if desired by the particular society. Sources such as Wikipedia, and reference books made for “dummies” serve as two examples.
In addition to addressing social stratification, Bakhtin helps to reconceptualize literary language by studying the interconnectedness of all words. It seems to me that our understanding of words comes from our understanding of other, related words. What becomes fascinating to me as a reader and writer is when there is an attempt to capture abstract concepts and emotions with words. Being that words are merely symbols for meaning, it is oftentimes difficult to communicate the entire truth of a particular subject – especially when the subject is abstract.
Bakhtin’s focus on the concept of literature as intertextual is encouraging to me, as a writer. At times it is difficult to feel inspired to create, when one is reminded that “everything has already been done, or said.” Through Bakhtin’s concept of intertextualism, I am encouraged to pursue my ambitions as a creative writer and thinker. Through my education, I have come to realize and appreciate that with regard to the human condition, there exists a plethora of literature and art. At the same time, we always exist in a unique time and space in which a universal truth can be said in a poignant and timely manner. Intertextuality allows and encourages this.