In everyday parole words have to be used in accordance with the dictates of the particular circumstances in which they are used, whatever the theorist of langue may say. One of the constant demands in parole requires reference to objects, persons, events, relations and classes in that external world, and reference to these as actually existing realia present here and now. Language is thus called upon the level of generality that may easily satisfy the lexicographer or the grammarian. It must focus on the specifics of particular situations. In those situations, speakers ‘know what they are talking about’ because what they are talking about can be see, or touched, or pointed out, or picked up, or tasted and subjected to all kinds of practical examination which go far beyond the limits of verbal description. When the stall-holder in the market shouts his wares, he may well use such common words as grapes , carrots , and so on. And in so doing he is doubtless relying to some extent on...