This entry deals with Alexander Technique terminology (‘jargon’) in general. For the use of words to communicate the Technique, see Communication – Words.
F. M. Alexander on the use of words
Alexander’s terminology changed over the years as he developed his practice and theory.[1] There are several instances of Alexander alerting the reader to the inadequacy of words, for example, when using the words ‘physical’ and ‘mental’:
I am forced to use the words ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ here and throughout my argument because there are no other words at present which adequately express the manifestations of psycho-physical activity present at these various stages . . .[2]
In CCC he several times makes reference to the shortcomings of words.[3]
He also points out that our conception of the written or spoken word ‘is conditioned by the standard of the psycho-physical functioning of the individual’.[4]
The problem of words continued to plague him. As he wrote in the 1941 UCL:
Another source of misunderstanding has arisen through my choice of words for which I have often been criticized.[5]
In a private letter Alexander also wrote: ‘You are right, words are a curse and for the reason given in CCC.’[6]
Articles
- ‘Looking to the future’ by Douglass Price-Williams lists three problems which he considers are built-in to the nature of the Technique; the first is language difficulties.[7]
- Several papers in Ron Dennis’ collected writings, Alexander Revisited by Ron Dennis considers terminology, wordings, and definitions.[8]
- ‘Some proposed changes to Alexander’s terminology’ by Alex Maunder argues for substituting ‘giving directions’ with ‘thought projections’, ‘inhibition’ with ‘creative indifference’, ‘end gaining’ with ‘goal oriented’, etc.[9]
- ‘Alexander’s terminological maze’ by Peter Ribeaux asserts that Alexander’s problematic terminology has practical consequences. It is argued that there is a strong correlation between our understanding of the basic concepts of the Technique and of our teaching and practising the Technique.[10]
- ‘The challenge of a common vocabulary’ by Sarah Barker reports on her reflections following the 2012 ‘Experiencing the embodied mind’ meeting.[11]
- ‘Explaining the Alexander Technique’ by John Nicholls; on presenting the Technique to beginners while avoiding the jargon of the Alexander Technique.[12]
- ‘A new perspective on “The Use of the Self”’ by Anthony Kingsley includes a criticism of Alexander’s choice of words including inhibition, direction and primary control.[13]
See also Communication – Words, and also under individual teaching concepts.