Meaning: The quote "Language is a skin: I rub my language against the other. It is as if I had words instead of fingers, or fingers at the tip of my words. My language trembles with desire" by Roland Barthes, a prominent literary theorist and critic, encapsulates the complex and intimate relationship between language, communication, and desire. In this quote, Barthes employs a metaphorical language to convey the tactile, sensual, and intimate nature of linguistic interaction.

Barthes' comparison of language to skin suggests that language is not just a tool for communication, but a fundamental part of our identity and a medium through which we connect with others. The act of "rubbing" language against the other evokes the idea of linguistic interaction as a form of tactile and intimate contact, highlighting the ways in which language shapes our relationships and interactions with the world around us.

Furthermore, the imagery of having "words instead of fingers, or fingers at the tip of my words" conveys the idea that language is not just a means of expression, but also a mode of sensory experience. It suggests that language is a deeply embodied phenomenon, intimately connected to our physical and emotional experiences. This metaphorical representation of language underscores the idea that communication is not just a cognitive process, but a deeply visceral and emotional one as well.

The notion that "My language trembles with desire" further emphasizes the intense and passionate nature of linguistic expression. It suggests that language is imbued with emotion, longing, and a sense of yearning, highlighting the ways in which our words and expressions are deeply intertwined with our desires and aspirations. Barthes' use of this evocative language serves to underscore the power and depth of human communication, portraying language as a dynamic and expressive force that is intimately tied to our desires and emotions.

In the context of Barthes' broader body of work, this quote can be seen as reflective of his interest in semiotics, structuralism, and the ways in which language and communication shape our understanding of the world. Throughout his career, Barthes explored the complex relationship between language, culture, and meaning, and this quote can be seen as a vivid expression of his ideas about the multifaceted nature of linguistic expression and its role in shaping our experiences and relationships.

Overall, Barthes' quote conveys a profound and evocative understanding of language as a deeply embodied, sensual, and emotionally charged phenomenon. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ways in which language shapes our interactions, desires, and understanding of the world, and invites us to consider the intimate and complex nature of linguistic expression.