RITA MASCIALINO

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RITA MASCIALINORITA MASCIALINO

THE MEANING OF LANGUAGE THE MEANING OF LANGUAGE

IN THE PERSPECTIVE OFIN THE PERSPECTIVE OF

DYNAMIC SPATIALITYDYNAMIC SPATIALITY


AbstractAbstract1.1. Scientific background of the hypothesis; Scientific background of the hypothesis;

2.2. Hypothesis concerning the spatial analysis Hypothesis concerning the spatial analysis of the meaning of language;of the meaning of language;

3.3. Discussion of the hypothesis by means of Discussion of the hypothesis by means of the analysis and interpretation of the the analysis and interpretation of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to dynamic spatiality intrinsic to Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 by Franz Kafka, including a comparison by Franz Kafka, including a comparison with current interpretations and with current interpretations and translations;translations;

4.4. Conclusions. Conclusions.


1.1. Scientific background Scientific background

- - Broad scientific backgroundBroad scientific background:: Evolution, semioticsEvolution, semiotics

- Specific scientific background- Specific scientific background:: Basic neurophysiology Basic neurophysiology

(unconscious and conscious (unconscious and conscious brain, space processing, brain, space processing, language)language)


Not only a historical perspective upon the Not only a historical perspective upon the meaning of languagemeaning of language

The The historical perspectivehistorical perspective upon language refers upon language refers to the surface of semiosis; to the surface of semiosis;

At the root of semiosis there are the various At the root of semiosis there are the various forms of adaptations to life produced by forms of adaptations to life produced by evolutionevolution starting from the most ancient time, starting from the most ancient time, where no language was there, where other where no language was there, where other animals different from humans were there, where animals different from humans were there, where bacteria were there; as evolution produces bacteria were there; as evolution produces change by building novelty upon the previous change by building novelty upon the previous older structures which are not utterly eliminated older structures which are not utterly eliminated by the new ones, more recent developments and by the new ones, more recent developments and semioses bring with them the trace of their semioses bring with them the trace of their ancient origin which can be identified through ancient origin which can be identified through the various biological sciences and also through the various biological sciences and also through the analysis of the cultural development, the analysis of the cultural development, eminently through the analysis of language;eminently through the analysis of language;

Space processingSpace processing, originating life unavoidably in , originating life unavoidably in an environment, is one of the most ancient and an environment, is one of the most ancient and unfailing forms of adaptation selected by the unfailing forms of adaptation selected by the environment; as such, it is also at the basis of environment; as such, it is also at the basis of any semiotic process since this has to be fit to any semiotic process since this has to be fit to the environment;the environment;


Not only a historical perspective upon the meaning of Not only a historical perspective upon the meaning of languagelanguage

LanguageLanguage is the most recent sign system produced by is the most recent sign system produced by the human brain; sounds, rhythm, words and syntax the human brain; sounds, rhythm, words and syntax build its historical structures; the spatial processing of build its historical structures; the spatial processing of experience carried by language builds its deep experience carried by language builds its deep structures; structures;

The spatial skeleton of semiosis builds itself at an The spatial skeleton of semiosis builds itself at an unconsciousunconscious level; language is eminently there to make level; language is eminently there to make the unconscious level of semiosis the unconscious level of semiosis consciousconscious, in other , in other words: expressing words is the final conscious act of an words: expressing words is the final conscious act of an unconscious brain work of projecting experience as unconscious brain work of projecting experience as adaptation; adaptation;

This most complex intersection of unconsciousness and This most complex intersection of unconsciousness and consciousness which is intrinsic to the most various consciousness which is intrinsic to the most various elaborations of elaborations of semiosissemiosis from the most concrete level to from the most concrete level to the most abstract and symbolic one, reflects itself on the most abstract and symbolic one, reflects itself on language as its basis; this intersection can be caught on language as its basis; this intersection can be caught on an objective niveau by going beyond the historical an objective niveau by going beyond the historical surface of meaning and by identifying the objective surface of meaning and by identifying the objective spatial net carried by language, in other words: by the spatial net carried by language, in other words: by the spatialization of language. spatialization of language.


2. 2. Hypothesis concerning the spatial investigation of the Hypothesis concerning the spatial investigation of the meaning of languagemeaning of language

Hypothesis:Hypothesis:The present hypothesis (Mascialino 1997 and ff.) The present hypothesis (Mascialino 1997 and ff.)

is finalized to provide text analysis with an is finalized to provide text analysis with an objective basis. It centers upon the objective basis. It centers upon the spatialization of any experience as space spatialization of any experience as space processing is considered to be the skeleton of processing is considered to be the skeleton of the objective structures of semiosis, of ancient the objective structures of semiosis, of ancient and evolved sign systems, of language, both at and evolved sign systems, of language, both at an unconscious and conscious level. Core of the an unconscious and conscious level. Core of the hypothesis is the reconstruction of the spatial hypothesis is the reconstruction of the spatial structure of semiosis and experience carried by structure of semiosis and experience carried by words.words.

Key concepts or technical terms of the Key concepts or technical terms of the hypothesis (meqrima 1997 and ff.)hypothesis (meqrima 1997 and ff.)::

““Dynamic spatialityDynamic spatiality”; “”; “Endospatial schemeEndospatial scheme”; ”; ““ExospatialExospatial schemescheme”; “”; “EndoplotEndoplot”; “”; “ExoplotExoplot”.”.


PointsPoints of reference of the keywordsof reference of the keywords The “The “dynamic spatialitydynamic spatiality” refers to the ” refers to the

general spatial skeleton of experience general spatial skeleton of experience carried by language both at a unconscious carried by language both at a unconscious and conscious level, at an explicit and and conscious level, at an explicit and implicit level;implicit level;

The “The “exospatial schemeexospatial scheme” refers to the ” refers to the dynamic spatiality specifically intrinsic to the dynamic spatiality specifically intrinsic to the actions expressed by verbs, subjects, objects actions expressed by verbs, subjects, objects and syntax; and syntax;

The “The “endospatial schemeendospatial scheme” refers to the ” refers to the dynamic spatiality specifically intrinsic to the dynamic spatiality specifically intrinsic to the motions supporting the actions expressed by motions supporting the actions expressed by verbs, subjects, objects and syntax; verbs, subjects, objects and syntax;

The “The “exoplotexoplot” and the “” and the “endoplotendoplot” ” respectively refer to the whole of the exo- respectively refer to the whole of the exo- and endospatial schemes when forming a and endospatial schemes when forming a meaningful context.meaningful context.


3. 3. DiscussionDiscussion: : Franz Kafka’s Franz Kafka’s Aphorism 1Aphorism 1

Original German text ofOriginal German text of Aphorism Aphorism 11 ((Ich irre ab.Ich irre ab.)) Der wahre Weg Der wahre Weg geht übergeht über einein SeilSeil, das , das

nicht in der Höhe gespannt ist, nicht in der Höhe gespannt ist, sondern knapp über dem Boden. Es sondern knapp über dem Boden. Es scheint mehr bestimmt scheint mehr bestimmt stolpernstolpern zu zu machen, als machen, als begangen zu werdenbegangen zu werden..

The linguistic forms highlighted in The linguistic forms highlighted in crimsoncrimson are the main are the main object for the analysis of the aphorism’s meaning. The object for the analysis of the aphorism’s meaning. The bracketed sentence belongs to the original text of Kafka. It bracketed sentence belongs to the original text of Kafka. It has generally been arbitrarily eliminated in all editions has generally been arbitrarily eliminated in all editions concerning Kafka’s aphorisms, therefore the brackets.concerning Kafka’s aphorisms, therefore the brackets.


A preliminary note about interpreting original and A preliminary note about interpreting original and translated textstranslated texts

By a native reader, texts are interpreted on a unique By a native reader, texts are interpreted on a unique linguistic level. The reader can understand them or linguistic level. The reader can understand them or not. not.

By a foreign reader, texts are interpreted on an By a foreign reader, texts are interpreted on an interlinguistic or double level. The reader can interlinguistic or double level. The reader can understand them or not.understand them or not.

By a reader of translations, texts are interpreted on a By a reader of translations, texts are interpreted on a unique linguistic level, that of the reader’s language:unique linguistic level, that of the reader’s language:

a)a) If the translator has understood the original text, the If the translator has understood the original text, the reader can understand the text of the translation or reader can understand the text of the translation or not; not;

b)b) If the translator has not understood the original text If the translator has not understood the original text he has translated, the reader cannot in any case he has translated, the reader cannot in any case understand the meaning of the original text. In this understand the meaning of the original text. In this case, the activity of translating foreign texts will case, the activity of translating foreign texts will make no sense.make no sense.

Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 by F. Kafka is an example of how a text can by F. Kafka is an example of how a text can be misunderstood: Its meaning seems to be simple be misunderstood: Its meaning seems to be simple only if one does not understand the problems it only if one does not understand the problems it harbors, as we are going to see. harbors, as we are going to see.


Analysis of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the Analysis of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the meaning of meaning of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1

First premise: Dynamic spatiality of the “true way”First premise: Dynamic spatiality of the “true way”

Basic Basic spatiality of the “way”: spatiality of the “way”: 1.concretely1.concretely, , a way has a spatiality of connecting places; a way has a spatiality of connecting places; 2.metaphorically2.metaphorically, a way has a spatiality of , a way has a spatiality of connecting concepts or abstract qualities; connecting concepts or abstract qualities;

Basic spatiality of the “true way”: Basic spatiality of the “true way”: metaphoricallymetaphorically, the true way leads to the , the true way leads to the abstract quality of truth; abstract quality of truth; grammaticallygrammatically, , the true way is the subjectthe true way is the subject of the sentence, of the sentence, i.e., the walker who accomplishes the i.e., the walker who accomplishes the action of going to truth is metaphorically action of going to truth is metaphorically and grammatically the true way itself.and grammatically the true way itself.


Analysis of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to Analysis of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to Aphorism Aphorism 11

Second premise: Dynamic spatiality Second premise: Dynamic spatiality of the of the “rope”“rope” Basic spatiality of a “rope”: Basic spatiality of a “rope”: 1.concretely1.concretely, it , it

essentially has a spatiality of constriction essentially has a spatiality of constriction and of hindering motions of things as well as and of hindering motions of things as well as of living beings; it can be a sign for ‘No of living beings; it can be a sign for ‘No thoroughfare’, or can be an obstacle to be thoroughfare’, or can be an obstacle to be jumped over, or can be used as a hidden trap jumped over, or can be used as a hidden trap for tripping over, or can be a tightrope for a for tripping over, or can be a tightrope for a tightrope walker; tightrope walker; 2.metaphorically2.metaphorically, it can be , it can be all this on the abstract level of thought, in all this on the abstract level of thought, in the specific context it has the spatiality of a the specific context it has the spatiality of a trap on the true way, i.e., on the way to truth;trap on the true way, i.e., on the way to truth;

Basic Basic spatiality of the “rope”: spatiality of the “rope”: 1.1. concretelyconcretely, , it has the spatiality of a rope put it has the spatiality of a rope put transversally on the true way in order to transversally on the true way in order to make stumble; make stumble; 2. metaphorically2. metaphorically, it has the , it has the spatiality of a moral stumbling; spatiality of a moral stumbling;


Linguistic expressions Linguistic expressions of of AphorismAphorism 1 1 which carry a which carry a complex spatialitycomplex spatiality

The linguistic expressions which are The linguistic expressions which are considered to be more relevant to the considered to be more relevant to the meaning of the piece and which will be meaning of the piece and which will be therefore analysed in this presentation therefore analysed in this presentation according to their dynamic spatiality are according to their dynamic spatiality are the following ones:the following ones:

1.1. geht über ein Seilgeht über ein Seil 2.2. stolpernstolpern3.3. begangen zu werdenbegangen zu werden4.4. ((Ich irre ab.Ich irre ab.))


Dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the meaning of the Dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the meaning of the linguistic form highlighted in linguistic form highlighted in crimsoncrimson

1. geht über ein Seil1. geht über ein Seil [The verb [The verb gehen über gehen über + acc. represents a motion from one place to + acc. represents a motion from one place to

another by passing over or across something: the two places another by passing over or across something: the two places expressed by expressed by gehen übergehen über + acc. in the context are the two parts into + acc. in the context are the two parts into which the true way is divided by a transversal rope; the action of which the true way is divided by a transversal rope; the action of gehen übergehen über + acc. means the walker, specifically the way itself which + acc. means the walker, specifically the way itself which is the subject of the verb, is going from one half of the way to the is the subject of the verb, is going from one half of the way to the other by advancing across or over or beyond a transversal rope; other by advancing across or over or beyond a transversal rope; gehen gehen überüber + acc. Does not and cannot mean + acc. Does not and cannot mean to go alongto go along.].]

Goal directed motion: Goal Goal directed motion: Goal directed action: directed action:

endospatial schemeendospatial scheme exospatial schemeexospatial scheme

TRU

EWAY

ROP

E



2. stolpern2. stolpern [[stolpernstolpern means means to stumbleto stumble, , to trip overto trip over, in the case at issue: , in the case at issue:

to stumble over a transversal rope; metaphorically, in the to stumble over a transversal rope; metaphorically, in the specific context of general moral principles such as truth and specific context of general moral principles such as truth and deception, good and evil, deception, good and evil, stolpernstolpern means also to commit means also to commit something wrong; walkers including the true way itself can something wrong; walkers including the true way itself can stumble over the rope.]stumble over the rope.]

Goal directed motion: Goal directed motion: Goal directed action: Goal directed action: endospatial scheme endospatial scheme exospatial scheme exospatial scheme

TRU

EWAY

ROP

E



3. 3. begangen zu werdenbegangen zu werden [The verb [The verb begehenbegehen + acc. is the transitive form of + acc. is the transitive form of gehengehen, , to goto go. .

Consequently, the basic dynamic spatiality of Consequently, the basic dynamic spatiality of begehenbegehen is that is that of a transit through a place and within a place without any of a transit through a place and within a place without any obstacles and in any direction, e.g.: “obstacles and in any direction, e.g.: “Der Weg ist begehbarDer Weg ist begehbar”, ”, “The way is transitable”, i.e., one can transit or go on and over “The way is transitable”, i.e., one can transit or go on and over it; metaphorically, the spatiality refers to feasts which are it; metaphorically, the spatiality refers to feasts which are celebrated, to crimes and sins which are committed, this in the celebrated, to crimes and sins which are committed, this in the spatial original sense of a spatial original sense of a trans-gressing trans-gressing intendedintended as a as a possible and free transit into crime and the like; possible and free transit into crime and the like; begehenbegehen does does not mean not mean toto go alonggo along as a motion parallel to something as a motion parallel to something..]]

Goal directed motion: Goal directed motion: Goal directed action:Goal directed action:

endospatial scheme endospatial scheme exospatial scheme exospatial scheme

TRU

EWAY

ROP

E


Dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the meaning of the linguistic Dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the meaning of the linguistic form highlighted in form highlighted in crimsoncrimson

4. 4. ((Ich irre ab.Ich irre ab.)) [[abirrenabirren is a verb composed by is a verb composed by irrenirren, , to wanderto wander and the and the

preposition preposition abab, which means separation, therefore the , which means separation, therefore the meaning of deviating, of separating in the sense of meaning of deviating, of separating in the sense of interrupting the advancement on a way in order to take a interrupting the advancement on a way in order to take a different direction; metaphorically, different direction; metaphorically, irrenirren means means to be to be mistaken mistaken according to the spatiality of not knowing where to according to the spatiality of not knowing where to go, and go, and abirrenabirren means to separate oneself from a direction means to separate oneself from a direction and to wander without knowing the direction, i.e., and to wander without knowing the direction, i.e., to loose to loose the waythe way, , to leave the rightto leave the right wayway, concepts coherently linked to , concepts coherently linked to the spatiality of the spatiality of stolpernstolpern and of and of begehenbegehen.].]

Goal directed motion: Goal directed motion:

Goal directed action: Goal directed action: endospatial scheme endospatial scheme exospatial scheme exospatial scheme

TRU

EWAY

ROP

E


First schematic meaning of First schematic meaning of Aphorism 1 Aphorism 1 according to its according to its dynamic spatialitydynamic spatiality

1.1. The true way is the way of and to truth; truth is The true way is the way of and to truth; truth is generally considered a main value as well as a generally considered a main value as well as a difficult goal in human life; this implies the difficult goal in human life; this implies the presence of some not easy tests to be faced by presence of some not easy tests to be faced by humanity on the way to truth; on the contrary, in humanity on the way to truth; on the contrary, in Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 the true way does not harbor any the true way does not harbor any obstacles, but only a hidden trap to stumble and obstacles, but only a hidden trap to stumble and fall; fall;

2.2. Being the true way the subject of the verb Being the true way the subject of the verb gehen gehen überüber, it is the true way itself which can stumble , it is the true way itself which can stumble over the trap it harbors in itself and by so doing it over the trap it harbors in itself and by so doing it does not advance to its goal: the place where truth does not advance to its goal: the place where truth stays, i.e., truth;stays, i.e., truth;



3.3. Possible walkers who stumble and fall, including Possible walkers who stumble and fall, including the true way, want to reach truth, but they do the true way, want to reach truth, but they do not get aware of the trap and can stumble; thus, not get aware of the trap and can stumble; thus, because of the stumbling, they cannot transit to because of the stumbling, they cannot transit to truth; nevertheless, having not seen the trap, truth; nevertheless, having not seen the trap, they obviously do not deviate because of the trap they obviously do not deviate because of the trap and so, after stumbling, they do not reach truth, and so, after stumbling, they do not reach truth, but remain on the true way; but remain on the true way;

4.4. As to the walker who wants to reach truth and As to the walker who wants to reach truth and gets aware of the deception, he does not want to gets aware of the deception, he does not want to stumble and fall, therefore he avoids stumbling stumble and fall, therefore he avoids stumbling by deviating; so he abandons the true way and by by deviating; so he abandons the true way and by so doing he not only renounces to truth, but he so doing he not only renounces to truth, but he is also excluded from the true way; is also excluded from the true way;

5.5. As the spatiality of the metaphorical verb As the spatiality of the metaphorical verb abirren-toabirren-to deviate from the direction-to loose the deviate from the direction-to loose the right way right way shows, the deviation of the walker is shows, the deviation of the walker is considered to be a fault; considered to be a fault;



We have got now a first approximated We have got now a first approximated understanding of the meaning of understanding of the meaning of Aphorism Aphorism 1. W1. We could be satisfied with the meaning of e could be satisfied with the meaning of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 as it is officially understood. But as it is officially understood. But if we see the very complex problems that are if we see the very complex problems that are in Kafka’s text and which do not find any in Kafka’s text and which do not find any clarification in the level of spatialization clarification in the level of spatialization achieved till now, we cannot be satisfied achieved till now, we cannot be satisfied with a meaning which seems to be too banal with a meaning which seems to be too banal for it to be a meaning produced by Kafka. for it to be a meaning produced by Kafka. Therefore, we must spatially go more deeply Therefore, we must spatially go more deeply into the text in order to clarify the into the text in order to clarify the mentioned problems we have seen, and this mentioned problems we have seen, and this is what we are going to do. is what we are going to do.


Exegetic problems in Exegetic problems in Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 by Franz Kafka by Franz Kafka

The main exegetic problems intrinsic to the interpretation of The main exegetic problems intrinsic to the interpretation of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1, refer , refer to the spatiality of the verb to the spatiality of the verb a.a. begehenbegehen, of the verb , of the verb b.b. stolpernstolpern and of the and of the verb verb c.c. abirrenabirren, which all three imply the meaning of fault;, which all three imply the meaning of fault;

a. a. The common meaning of The common meaning of begehenbegehen is that of transiting over a place but also is that of transiting over a place but also that of committing something wrong or of celebrating a feast; in the that of committing something wrong or of celebrating a feast; in the context of the aphorism, passing over the rope to reach truth coincides context of the aphorism, passing over the rope to reach truth coincides with a transgression, as though aiming to truth were a transgression and with a transgression, as though aiming to truth were a transgression and were a transgression to be committed: The rope has the aim to be passed were a transgression to be committed: The rope has the aim to be passed over/trans-gressed, but seems not to be there to be passed over, to be over/trans-gressed, but seems not to be there to be passed over, to be trans-gressed or make commit its trans-gression as it should be, but seems trans-gressed or make commit its trans-gression as it should be, but seems to be there to only make stumble; to be there to only make stumble;

b. b. The verbThe verb stolpernstolpern metaphorically refers to committing a fault and the metaphorically refers to committing a fault and the committing a fault by stumbling avoids prosecuting on the way to truth, committing a fault by stumbling avoids prosecuting on the way to truth, and by so doing it also avoids committing the trans-gression of or passing and by so doing it also avoids committing the trans-gression of or passing over the rope, therefore: over the rope, therefore:

We are in front of something which has a contradictory surface: the We are in front of something which has a contradictory surface: the stumbling is the effect of a fault which avoids passing over the rope or stumbling is the effect of a fault which avoids passing over the rope or committing the fault of going over the rope, and the possible walkers committing the fault of going over the rope, and the possible walkers should also commit a fault if they would pass over the rope without should also commit a fault if they would pass over the rope without stumbling, this because the rope is there to be transited/trans-gressed; stumbling, this because the rope is there to be transited/trans-gressed;

c. c. The verb The verb abirrenabirren means means to deviateto deviate, , to loose the directionto loose the direction, but metaphorically , but metaphorically also also to loose the right wayto loose the right way, so that the deviating walker, who would go , so that the deviating walker, who would go over/trans-gress the rope in order to achieve truth, but does not want to over/trans-gress the rope in order to achieve truth, but does not want to stumble and fall, i.e., does not want to commit the fault of stumbling, in stumble and fall, i.e., does not want to commit the fault of stumbling, in any case commits a fault, that of deviating, of loosing the right way;any case commits a fault, that of deviating, of loosing the right way;

Thus, there are a three faults: Thus, there are a three faults: b.b. that of stumbling, that of stumbling, a.a. that of passing over that of passing over the rope and the rope and c.c. that of not wanting to commit both faults of stumbling and that of not wanting to commit both faults of stumbling and passing over the rope by deviating; latter seems to be the greatest fault passing over the rope by deviating; latter seems to be the greatest fault because it excludes the protagonist not only from truth, but also from the because it excludes the protagonist not only from truth, but also from the way to truth.way to truth.


Solutions of the problems intrinsic to Solutions of the problems intrinsic to Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 by by Franz Kafka according to its dynamic spatialityFranz Kafka according to its dynamic spatiality

Resuming: As passing over the rope to reach truth is Resuming: As passing over the rope to reach truth is trans-gressing the rope, i.e., committing the fault trans-gressing the rope, i.e., committing the fault concerning the will to achieve truth, it is to concerning the will to achieve truth, it is to understand understand 1.) 1.) why the will to truth can be a fault:why the will to truth can be a fault:

1.)1.) Truth is the main goal of intelligence and Truth is the main goal of intelligence and knowledge, and intelligence and knowledge have no knowledge, and intelligence and knowledge have no moral values in themselves, it is the use of truth, moral values in themselves, it is the use of truth, intelligence and knowledge that can be moral or not, intelligence and knowledge that can be moral or not, therefore the will to truth as a goal of intelligence therefore the will to truth as a goal of intelligence and knowledge can be put on the same level or and knowledge can be put on the same level or equalized with a will to power which is separated equalized with a will to power which is separated from any moral value; the achievement of truth in its from any moral value; the achievement of truth in its absoluteness, i.e., truth as the place to which the absoluteness, i.e., truth as the place to which the true way leads, requires a behaviour which does not true way leads, requires a behaviour which does not make compromises, i.e., a behaviour which never make compromises, i.e., a behaviour which never stumbles and falls, i.e., which has an elegant stumbles and falls, i.e., which has an elegant concrete and metaphorical step; the presence and concrete and metaphorical step; the presence and possibility of stumbling and falling put the true way, possibility of stumbling and falling put the true way, i.e., truth, within a more humble level where the i.e., truth, within a more humble level where the inelegance of weakness can be accepted; inelegance of weakness can be accepted;


Solutions of the problems intrinsic to Solutions of the problems intrinsic to Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 by by Franz Kafka according to its dynamic spatialityFranz Kafka according to its dynamic spatiality

Resuming:Resuming: As deviating in order not to As deviating in order not to stumble and fall, i.e., not to committing a stumble and fall, i.e., not to committing a fault, and renouncing to transgressing the fault, and renouncing to transgressing the rope, i.e., to committing a trans-gression in rope, i.e., to committing a trans-gression in order to achieve truth, is also a fault, it is to order to achieve truth, is also a fault, it is to understand understand 2.)2.) why not committing faults is why not committing faults is a fault itself:a fault itself:

2.) 2.) If a walker will reach truth as the final If a walker will reach truth as the final goal of the true way without accepting a goal of the true way without accepting a possible stumbling, he will reach truth possible stumbling, he will reach truth separated from a more human vision of life; separated from a more human vision of life; if he renounces to this truth because of the if he renounces to this truth because of the possible failure, he renounces to a more possible failure, he renounces to a more human vision of life, a vision which lacks human vision of life, a vision which lacks faults, but lacks also comprehension and faults, but lacks also comprehension and compassion for human weakness. compassion for human weakness.


Deep meaning of Deep meaning of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 according to its dynamic according to its dynamic spatialityspatiality

As those who stumble, including the true way, do As those who stumble, including the true way, do not deviate and so doing do not loose the right not deviate and so doing do not loose the right way but remain on it with the fault of having way but remain on it with the fault of having stumbled, the right way implicitly results in stumbled, the right way implicitly results in Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 to be that of accepting the humble to be that of accepting the humble human condition of stumbling and falling, human condition of stumbling and falling, whereas who does not accept the stumbling and whereas who does not accept the stumbling and abandons the way of and to truth or does not abandons the way of and to truth or does not enter the true way, looses the right way which is enter the true way, looses the right way which is that of more human values which accept that of more human values which accept weakness; consequently, the values of life do not weakness; consequently, the values of life do not consist in consist in Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 in the ambitious will to in the ambitious will to know truth which is both a main goal of know truth which is both a main goal of intelligence and no ethical value – knowledge intelligence and no ethical value – knowledge and truth have no moral value –; thus, the true and truth have no moral value –; thus, the true values the deviating walker implicitly looses by values the deviating walker implicitly looses by deviating are to be found in the refusal of an deviating are to be found in the refusal of an intelligence and a truth which are separated intelligence and a truth which are separated from a more human vision of life. from a more human vision of life.


Short example of a cultural note founded on the dynamic Short example of a cultural note founded on the dynamic spatiality implicit to the meaning carried by languagespatiality implicit to the meaning carried by language

To the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the above To the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the above implicit implicit refusal of refusal of the value of intelligence in favour of more human principles, is the value of intelligence in favour of more human principles, is implicitimplicit Kafka’s refusal of the Kafka’s refusal of the 1.)1.) German culture, of German culture, of 2.)2.) the German the German language and the language and the 3.)3.) humanization of the figure of the devil: humanization of the figure of the devil:

1.)1.) The German culture focuses upon the concept of The German culture focuses upon the concept of LeistungLeistung, of a , of a superior performance of intelligence without compassion intended superior performance of intelligence without compassion intended as weakness, as the model of the overman shows; Kafka saves as weakness, as the model of the overman shows; Kafka saves human weakness and gives it the right to stay on the true way; human weakness and gives it the right to stay on the true way;

2.)2.) German is pre-eminently a language of logical superiority; its German is pre-eminently a language of logical superiority; its drastically hierarchical syntax shows this; it is a language where drastically hierarchical syntax shows this; it is a language where there is very little place for exceptions, i.e., consideration of there is very little place for exceptions, i.e., consideration of particular cases; the world of concepts and emotion dresses German particular cases; the world of concepts and emotion dresses German in Kafka and Kafka has deeply felt the beauty intrinsic to the logical in Kafka and Kafka has deeply felt the beauty intrinsic to the logical power of German as his writing show, has felt also its risks and has power of German as his writing show, has felt also its risks and has condemned it; condemned it;

3.)3.) In the universal context of moral principles within which the In the universal context of moral principles within which the aphorism moves, the spatiality of aphorism moves, the spatiality of stolpernstolpern implicitly associates the implicitly associates the spatiality of the spatiality of the devildevil, from Greek , from Greek díabállodíabállo, , to transversally throwto transversally throw something making stumble and dividing from the goal to be something making stumble and dividing from the goal to be achieved; if the devil in the Garden of Eden is a negative symbol achieved; if the devil in the Garden of Eden is a negative symbol because he makes stumble Eve and Adam making them be driven because he makes stumble Eve and Adam making them be driven out the Garden and loose immortality, in Kafka’s true way he on the out the Garden and loose immortality, in Kafka’s true way he on the one side continues making stumble, but in so doing he implicitly one side continues making stumble, but in so doing he implicitly becomes a positive instrument of humanization, because he becomes a positive instrument of humanization, because he hinders the trans-gression of the rope and with it the whole hinders the trans-gression of the rope and with it the whole negative symbolism we have seen through the spatialization of its negative symbolism we have seen through the spatialization of its meaning.meaning.


Short example of a biographical note founded on the dynamic Short example of a biographical note founded on the dynamic spatiality spatiality

carried by languagecarried by language Kafka’s Kafka’s implicitimplicit full refusal of the German culture full refusal of the German culture

and first of all of the German language finds an and first of all of the German language finds an explicitexplicit expression in expression in 1.)1.) his last desire and in his last desire and in 2.)2.) his relation to his mother: his relation to his mother:

1.)1.) If he could have recovered, he would have gone to If he could have recovered, he would have gone to Palestine in order to do the job of a waiter, i.e., of a Palestine in order to do the job of a waiter, i.e., of a servant of his people, of a man who comes back to servant of his people, of a man who comes back to the true way and accepts falling down, for he the true way and accepts falling down, for he accepts a more human vision of life, which does not accepts a more human vision of life, which does not consist in the superiority of an intelligence consist in the superiority of an intelligence separated from ethical principles, but in love and separated from ethical principles, but in love and service to humanity, as the job symbolizes being the service to humanity, as the job symbolizes being the job of a man who gives his people the concrete and job of a man who gives his people the concrete and symbolic food for a life worth to be lived; symbolic food for a life worth to be lived;

2.)2.) He said he could not love his mother and all the He said he could not love his mother and all the world of values delivered in general by the mother world of values delivered in general by the mother because of the German name because of the German name Mutti Mutti for for mummum,, which which delivered German valuesdelivered German values; ; he would have preferredhe would have preferred the sweet Jewish word the sweet Jewish word imaima, with its Jewish values , with its Jewish values not because they were of Jewish origin, but because not because they were of Jewish origin, but because they were more human. they were more human.


Italian Italian “immanent” “immanent” translation of translation of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1

((by Rita Mascialinoby Rita Mascialino)) (Io devio.)(Io devio.) La vera via La vera via va oltreva oltre una corda che non è una corda che non è

tesa in alto, ma appena sopra il suolo. tesa in alto, ma appena sopra il suolo. Sembra destinata più a fare inciampare che Sembra destinata più a fare inciampare che ad ad essere oltrepassataessere oltrepassata..

The verb The verb va oltreva oltre utterly corresponds to the German utterly corresponds to the German geht geht überüber in the sense of in the sense of going overgoing over; ; oltrepassareoltrepassare means means to to transittransit, but also , but also to transgress to transgress a set limit, therefore the above a set limit, therefore the above translation has saved something of the meaning of translation has saved something of the meaning of to committo commit intrinsic to the original German verb intrinsic to the original German verb begehen; gehen über begehen; gehen über andand begehen begehen have a common part in have a common part in gehengehen, , andare oltreandare oltre e e oltrepassareoltrepassare have a common part in have a common part in oltreoltre; besides, the verb ; besides, the verb gehen übergehen über and and begehenbegehen refer to the same action of refer to the same action of going going across across and and overover, so as , so as andare oltreandare oltre and and oltrepassareoltrepassare..


Falsification of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the Falsification of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to the following linguistic forms in current interpretationsfollowing linguistic forms in current interpretations and and

translationstranslations über das Seil über das Seil interpretedinterpreted as as along the ropealong the rope If the rope would lay along the true way, it would be parallel If the rope would lay along the true way, it would be parallel

to the true way, but in this case there should not be to the true way, but in this case there should not be gehen gehen überüber + acc. in German, which means a motion to, but another + acc. in German, which means a motion to, but another preposition for a motion within a place, i.e., a position: preposition for a motion within a place, i.e., a position: Der Der Mann geht auf der StraßeMann geht auf der Straße (he goes up and down, but always (he goes up and down, but always remains on the same place, i.e., on the street); besides, remains on the same place, i.e., on the street); besides, stumbling or tripping of walkers would be impossible with stumbling or tripping of walkers would be impossible with alongalong, requiring stumbling or tripping the spatiality of a more , requiring stumbling or tripping the spatiality of a more or less perpendicularly intersecting motion and not that of a or less perpendicularly intersecting motion and not that of a parallel motion. parallel motion.

Seil Seil interpreted as a interpreted as a tightropetightrope If the rope would be a tightrope for a tightrope walker, there If the rope would be a tightrope for a tightrope walker, there

could not be an accusative, because it would be a motion could not be an accusative, because it would be a motion within the same place and there would be no change of place, within the same place and there would be no change of place, but a position, not a motion to, and another preposition as but a position, not a motion to, and another preposition as follows: follows: Der wahre Weg geht auf einem SeilDer wahre Weg geht auf einem Seil; besides, the ; besides, the tightrope could not lay just over the ground, otherwise it tightrope could not lay just over the ground, otherwise it would be a tightrope used as a normal rope and the spatiality would be a tightrope used as a normal rope and the spatiality of a tightrope would be useless.of a tightrope would be useless.


Falsification of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to Falsification of the dynamic spatiality intrinsic to relevant linguistic forms in current interpretationsrelevant linguistic forms in current interpretations

Seil Seil interpreted as a interpreted as a tripwiretripwire If the rope would be a If the rope would be a tripwiretripwire, this would , this would

implicitly carry with itself the spatiality of a implicitly carry with itself the spatiality of a bomb or of a military action, which is utterly bomb or of a military action, which is utterly absent in the context.absent in the context.

begangen zu werdenbegangen zu werden interpreted as interpreted as to be walked to be walked

along/(up)onalong/(up)on With the preposition With the preposition alongalong there is a there is a

contradiction with an impossible stumbling as contradiction with an impossible stumbling as above; with the preposition (above; with the preposition (upup))onon there is the there is the spatiality of a tightrope used as a normal rope spatiality of a tightrope used as a normal rope as above or the spatiality of an absurd walking as above or the spatiality of an absurd walking the transversal tightrope; most important, the the transversal tightrope; most important, the complex meaning of complex meaning of to committo commit, in which the , in which the most relevant concept consists, is utterly lost. most relevant concept consists, is utterly lost.


Schematic meaning of Schematic meaning of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 according to current according to current interpretationsinterpretations

1.1. In almost all interpretations, there is a rope In almost all interpretations, there is a rope which goes along the true way, i.e., there which goes along the true way, i.e., there are a true way and a rope which advance are a true way and a rope which advance parallel to each other; parallel to each other;

2.2. No reason can be found in the context why No reason can be found in the context why the true way runs along a rope, so that the the true way runs along a rope, so that the conceptual area for true way and rope conceptual area for true way and rope becomes absurd; becomes absurd;

3.3. No stumbling of the true way over the rope No stumbling of the true way over the rope being possible, the whole area intrinsic to being possible, the whole area intrinsic to the concept of true way and truth in the the concept of true way and truth in the original German text is swept away;original German text is swept away;

4.4. The spatiality of the verb The spatiality of the verb begangen zu begangen zu werdenwerden becoming that of walking becoming that of walking alongalong (parallel motion) or walking ((parallel motion) or walking (upup))onon (tightrope walker), the above absurdity is (tightrope walker), the above absurdity is reinforced and the deep meaning of the reinforced and the deep meaning of the aphorism is swept away; aphorism is swept away;


SchematicSchematic meaning of meaning of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 according to current according to current interpretationinterpretation

5.5. Seldom, Seldom, geht übergeht über is interpreted with is interpreted with goes overgoes over, , where the spatiality of stumbling is maintained, but where the spatiality of stumbling is maintained, but at the end being the verb at the end being the verb begangen zu werdenbegangen zu werden in in any case always interpreted as any case always interpreted as to be walked alongto be walked along or (or (upup))onon, there is again absurdity: one cannot find , there is again absurdity: one cannot find a reason why a rope set just above the ground for a reason why a rope set just above the ground for stumbling should be suddenly walked along as a stumbling should be suddenly walked along as a rope parallel to the street or be walked (up)on as a rope parallel to the street or be walked (up)on as a transversal or parallel tightrope.transversal or parallel tightrope.

6.6. Interpreters generally do not consider the first Interpreters generally do not consider the first sentence of sentence of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 concerning the deviation as concerning the deviation as belonging to the text of the aphorism and belonging to the text of the aphorism and arbitrarily do not quote it in the collections of arbitrarily do not quote it in the collections of Kafka’s aphorisms as well as in their Kafka’s aphorisms as well as in their interpretations; consequently, since the first interpretations; consequently, since the first sentence on the contrary and most relevantly sentence on the contrary and most relevantly belongs to the conceptual area of belongs to the conceptual area of Aphorism 1Aphorism 1 in in Kafka’s thought, the original meaning results Kafka’s thought, the original meaning results decapitated and increasing confusion in decapitated and increasing confusion in comprehension cannot be avoided. comprehension cannot be avoided.


ConclusionsConclusions Most scholars write in their studies no meaning would Most scholars write in their studies no meaning would

be at disposal in Kafka’s language for a logical be at disposal in Kafka’s language for a logical interpretation, being Kafka pre-emintently an author interpretation, being Kafka pre-emintently an author of the absurd. If one remains on the surface of of the absurd. If one remains on the surface of meaning, then Kafka’s language can be a language of meaning, then Kafka’s language can be a language of the absurd. But if one undertakes an objective the absurd. But if one undertakes an objective analysis of the meaning of language, then Kafka’s analysis of the meaning of language, then Kafka’s language proves to be utterly logical even though so language proves to be utterly logical even though so complex that its interpretation requires a subtile complex that its interpretation requires a subtile inferential work of investigation. We have seen how inferential work of investigation. We have seen how the investigation of language done through the the investigation of language done through the identification of the “dynamic spatiality” at the basis identification of the “dynamic spatiality” at the basis of meaning (Mascialino 1997 and ff.) can give an of meaning (Mascialino 1997 and ff.) can give an objective instrument to identify meaning at the objective instrument to identify meaning at the conscious and unconscious level, at the explicit and conscious and unconscious level, at the explicit and implicit level. Thanks to the spatialization of meaning implicit level. Thanks to the spatialization of meaning also psychoanalysis can get the objective basis it lacks also psychoanalysis can get the objective basis it lacks for its investigations to be no more subjective. Thanks for its investigations to be no more subjective. Thanks to the identification of the dynamic spatiality of to the identification of the dynamic spatiality of language falsifications and verifications of language falsifications and verifications of interpretations are possible on an objective basis. interpretations are possible on an objective basis. Therefore also the influence of the historical Therefore also the influence of the historical background does not run the risk to be invented. background does not run the risk to be invented.

RITA MASCIALINO

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