Meaning: The quote, "What gives it its human character is that the individual through language addresses himself in the role of the others in the group and thus becomes aware of them in his own conduct," by the philosopher George Mead, offers profound insight into the nature of human communication and social interaction. Mead was a prominent American philosopher, sociologist, and psychologist, known for his contributions to the fields of social psychology and symbolic interactionism. This quote encapsulates Mead's key ideas about the role of language and social interaction in shaping individual identity and consciousness.

In this quote, Mead suggests that language plays a central role in the development of human character and self-awareness. He emphasizes the idea that through language, individuals not only communicate with others but also internalize the perspectives and roles of those around them. This process allows individuals to become aware of the social context in which they exist and to shape their own behavior based on this awareness.

Mead's concept of the "self" is central to understanding this quote. He proposed that the self is not a fixed entity but rather a dynamic, evolving product of social interaction. According to Mead, the self emerges through a process of taking on the perspectives of others, or what he termed "taking the role of the other." In other words, individuals develop a sense of self by imagining how they are perceived by others and by internalizing the attitudes and expectations of the social groups to which they belong.

Language, Mead argues, is the primary tool through which individuals are able to take on the perspectives of others and develop a sense of self. Through language, individuals are able to symbolically represent and communicate with others, engaging in complex processes of interpretation and response. In doing so, they not only express their own thoughts and feelings but also come to understand the thoughts and feelings of others, thus shaping their own conduct in relation to the social group.

Furthermore, Mead's quote highlights the interconnectedness of individual and social identity. He suggests that the human character is not formed in isolation but is deeply intertwined with the social environment. Individuals, through language and communication, constantly negotiate their identities in relation to the expectations and norms of the groups to which they belong. This ongoing process of interaction and interpretation shapes not only the individual's self-awareness but also their behavior and conduct within the group.

Mead's ideas have had a significant impact on the fields of sociology, psychology, and communication studies. His emphasis on the role of language and social interaction in shaping individual identity has influenced scholars and researchers seeking to understand the complexities of human communication and social behavior. Moreover, Mead's work has contributed to the development of symbolic interactionism, a theoretical perspective that emphasizes the importance of symbols, meaning, and social interaction in shaping human behavior and society.

In conclusion, George Mead's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the role of language and social interaction in shaping human character and self-awareness. By highlighting the ways in which individuals address themselves in the role of others in the group, Mead underscores the interconnectedness of individual and social identity. His ideas continue to resonate in the study of human communication and social behavior, reminding us of the profound influence of language and social interaction on the formation of the self.