Ludwig Wittgenstein's Concept of Language Game

Abstract

The term of game is often used metaphorically about language in everyday life. Language game is a term that Wittgenstein uses in his Philosophical Investigations to emphasize the fact that language use is part of an activity or way of life consisting of language and action. Wittgenstein's Concept of Language Games is one of three important concepts in his philosophical work. Language game is a key term in Wittgenstein's philosophy. Wittgenstein's main argument about language is that the rules for using ordinary language are neither right nor wrong. Language is only useful for use according to the context in which it is implemented. Wittgenstein concluded that the meaning of a word is its use in sentences, the meaning of a sentence is its use in language, and the meaning of language is its use in various contexts of human life. However, Wittgenstein emphasizes the use of correct language, because by using the right language, we can get the true meaning. In this regard, Wittgenstein argues that the rules in language also need to be obeyed just like the rules in a game.