Meaning: This quote by Antonin Artaud, a French dramatist, poet, and essayist, is a thought-provoking statement that challenges our conventional understanding of language. Artaud was known for his avant-garde theories on theater and his exploration of the subconscious mind, and this quote reflects his unconventional approach to language and communication.

At first glance, the quote may seem perplexing or even contradictory. How can language, which is the primary tool for communication and expression, be incomprehensible? However, when we delve deeper into the context and Artaud's body of work, we can begin to unravel the meaning behind this enigmatic statement.

Artaud was a proponent of what he called the "Theater of Cruelty," a form of theater that sought to awaken the subconscious mind and provoke emotional and visceral responses from the audience. In his writings and manifestos, Artaud often expressed a disillusionment with conventional language and its limitations in conveying the depths of human experience. He believed that true communication and understanding transcended the confines of rational, logical language.

When Artaud refers to "true language," he is likely alluding to a form of expression that goes beyond mere words and syntax. It is a language that taps into the primal, instinctual aspects of human communication, evoking raw emotions, sensations, and experiences that cannot be neatly articulated through traditional linguistic constructs. In this sense, "true language" becomes a kind of primal, unfiltered expression that bypasses the constraints of conventional communication.

The comparison of true language to "the chatter of a beggar's teeth" further emphasizes its incomprehensibility. The image of a beggar's teeth chattering conjures up a sense of urgency, desperation, and raw physicality. It is a form of expression born out of necessity and instinct, devoid of the polish and refinement of formal speech. Artaud seems to be suggesting that true language operates on a similar level – it is a raw, unfiltered outpouring of human experience that defies easy comprehension.

In the context of Artaud's broader philosophy, this quote can be interpreted as a call to transcend the limitations of conventional language and embrace a more primal, intuitive form of expression. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of words and delve into the deeper, more enigmatic aspects of human communication.

Artaud's ideas have had a profound influence on various artistic and intellectual movements, particularly in the realms of theater, performance art, and literary theory. His emphasis on the power of non-verbal communication, symbolism, and the subconscious mind has resonated with artists and thinkers seeking to push the boundaries of conventional expression.

In conclusion, Antonin Artaud's quote, "All true language is incomprehensible, like the chatter of a beggar's teeth," encapsulates his radical reimagining of language and communication. It challenges us to reconsider the limitations of conventional language and embrace a more primal, intuitive form of expression that transcends the confines of rationality and logic. Artaud's ideas continue to provoke contemplation and debate, inviting us to explore the mysterious depths of human communication and expression.