WHERE?
Definition
Grammatically, the word where is an adverb. When used as a question, it asks for a particular location, geographical or existential. Where is it? is asking about place – indicate where the entity can be found. Where is this? asks a similar question about the context (surroundings) of a particular locale. Wherever? is a way of telling us that the question of location may not be relevant in some cases. Hence, the parameter where runs from location to situation.
Purpose
The intention of this question? It could simply mean that someone has lost something. Or it could mean that someone is hiding; or that a named place cannot be situated in its geographical context. Alternatively, it could mean that someone is lost, or that a place can be identified conceptually (the mountains) without a specific mountain range being mentioned – so the questioner wants more information with which to situate something.
Explication
Where is often used metaphorically, as in “Where are you coming from?” meaning “What is the background or intention of your comments?” “Where are you going with this?” is a forward looking metaphor meaning “What are you implying by your comments?” Both uses are usually harmless, unless the premise is that of being driven to one’s actions instead of choosing them. Metaphors can confuse as easily as clarify.
Implication
Places of the heart or places of the mind are the deeper metaphors often evoked when asking Where? Love or tranquility are usually conceived as special places, whereas rage or turmoil are places we don’t want to go. Topofilia is the technical name for “sense of place”, the recognition that our location determines our perspective in more ways than one. Particular places generally have an ambience that gives them a kind of signature.
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