language game

is a fictional example of language use that is simpler than our own everyday language.

(1) Fictional examples of language use that are simpler than our own everyday language.

is a simple form of language consisting of language and the actions into which it is woven. The idea brings into prominence the fact that the speaking of language is part of an activity, or a form of life.

simple forms of language, 'consisting of language and the actions into which it is woven' (PI 7), . . .The concept was intended 'to bring into prominence the fact that the speaking of language is part of an activity, or a form of life.' (PI 23) . . .

is a simple use of language with which children are first taught language.

(2) Simple uses of language with which children are first taught language (training in language).

is a specific region of our language with its own grammar and relation to other language game.

(3) Specific regions of our language with their own grammars and relations to other language-games.

is all of a natural language which is composed of a family of language-games.

(4) All of a natural language composed of a family of language-games. 'Builder's Language (PI, 2)

is clever notion in that it points to the fact that a word like 'game' points to a somewhat diffuse "system" of prototype frames, among which some frame-shifts are easy, but others involve more strain.

Consider Wittgenstein's paradigmatic question about defining "game." The problem is that there is no property common to all games, so that the most usual kinds of definition fail. Not every game has a ball, nor two competing teams; even, sometimes, there is no notion of "winning." In my view, the explanation is that a word like "game" points to a somewhat diffuse "system" of prototype frames, among which some frame-shifts are easy, but others involve more strain.

language game, n.All

language game