Learning the rules that govern intelligible speech is an inculcation into normalized language, where the price of not conforming is the loss of intelligibility itself.
In her work "Gender Trouble," Judith Butler discusses how language and communication are governed by societal norms. She emphasizes that understanding and adhering to these linguistic rules is essential for being understood and accepted within a social context. When individuals fail to conform to these norms, they risk becoming unintelligible to others, which can lead to alienation and exclusion.
This concept highlights the interplay between language and identity, suggesting that the way we speak influences our social interactions and perceptions. By learning the accepted forms of language, individuals are not only conveying meaning but also participating in a broader culture that defines intelligibility. Thus, language serves as both a tool for communication and a means of enforcing social norms.
