"Doug Kanter" wrote in message
news:npeJb.32917

..... But, "characterizing" can also
be a form of translation when you're not dealing with a foreign language,
but instead trying to understand gibberish.

I agree.

The ability and opportunity to characterize speech can help bring clarity
and understanding to those who otherwise simply wouldn't truly comprehend
what is happening. For example, in cases where circumstances require that
you carefully and specifically define the meaning of the word "is", or to
help elucidate the meaning of convoluted or confusing statements like "I
did not have sexual relations with that woman -- Ms Lewinski."

That sort of thing.