I get a clearer understanding of the relation between text and meaning through chapter 4 by Culler. Intention, text, context and reader‘s experiences are four major factors determining the meaning of a text according to Culler, and language seems to be a platform for these factors to transfer meanings with each other. A more formal and regular language usage can help this communication platform function better with fewer barriers but not a complete determinant. It can never be a complete determinant because the experiences of readers at different times are uncontrollable. However, a better language command is easier for the transformation of meaning. When I was a kid I was not good at even my native language usage, every time I tried to express something I uttered in unorganized and impertinent words which made what the author says in chapter 4 that ” you may have intended to say x, but what you said actually means y “always happened in my early life. I got misunderstood for too many times and frustrated so that I choose to keep silent. I think the part of my brain that performs language function is not developed well and that’s why I am better at math than words, but I try hard to fix it and even labour for the second language now.

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