Conversations

Nandini Tyagi

Where people meet

There is a certain comfort of sitting in a room with people. There is a certain comfort in conversation. There is a certain comfort in words. A dining table, a living room, on Facetime; a conversation can happen at any moment and at any time. Sometimes we- at least I- don’t even need other people, I can create interesting conversation in my own head.

We take the gift of words for granted. Our minds are a constant rush of thoughts and ideas that we put out into the world without a second thought. At a moment, we can thank those who have helped us, love somebody who cares for us, and assert our beliefs and values in social settings. We fill our conversations with words that matter, thoughts that mean something, lives that tell a story. The words are a mode of transporting our opinions and facts all day, every day instead of having to draw palaeolithic-style art to convey meaning.

Although conversations are accredited for allowing humans to generate ideas, foster social connections and be entertained, at the crux of any conversation there is a single longing or desire we wish to fulfil- “Can you see me? Because I can see you.” It’s an art form that has no boundaries and is of infinite variety that borders on undefinable. The weaving of conversation through miscommunication, political disputes, love, literary works, teaching and more are the building blocks of society and culture as we see it today. It is everywhere, always and forever: conversation is ubiquitous. This verbal exchange is a constant companion, no matter where we go there are always whispers, boisterous laughter and chatter being passed around. They create the world, they fill in silence and allow eavesdroppers an insight into others’ lives. Conversation makes humans.