In The Alchemist the overriding trope of the universality of man's desire--"the soul of the universe"--is the universal language.

"And when you want something," [the wise King of Salem] Melchizedek, concludes, "all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." (I)

Throughout his travels, Santiago learns that there is a force that propels people to pursue their "Personal Legend." Also, there is a language throughout the world, a language of enthusiasm understood by all people. This is the language that the crystal merchant understands in Part II. After Santiago works for him for some time, the merchant, whose business grows in success from Santiago's ideas, tells the boy:

"I am proud of you....You brought a new feeling into my crystal shop." (II)

Nevertheless, the irredeemable merchant chooses not to accompany Santiago on his quest of his Personal Legend (The inherent dream each person holds of accomplishing his/her greatest desire). But, Santiago is undeterred in his goal, and he continues on his mission, holding onto the magical stones given to him by Melchizedek, stones that keep hope and desire to pursue his goal in his heart.

In the end Santiago learns the truth of what Melchizedek has told him:

". . . when you really want something, it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe." (Epilogue) 

Unlike the merchant who has chosen the safety of his business and foregone his pilgrimage to Mecca, Santiago has listened to the words of his heart and travels to the pyramids. There he digs for treasure only to be assaulted by two men. Interestingly, he is saved when he stays true to his dream vision because the men think that he is insane. Then, after one of the men tells Santiago of his dream, Santiago returns home to the churchyard where the man has said there is a treasure. This is the place of his original dream; it is his Personal Legend achieved by listening to the universal language. 

While the straight forward answer to this question is the soul of the world, what does that mean? The soul of the world has to do with the author's attitude toward finding meaning in our individual lives. The author argues that inside all of us are the answers we seek. The challenge lies in asking the right questions, being open to answers (in the form of opportunities- omens), and in moving in the direction that these opportunities seem to suggest.

Because the universal language is one "spoken" by all, it is argued that individuals have the ability to undestand this language. The beginning of the book deals with what the author considers to be the main reasons why so few people (who know the answers, i.e., speak the language) listen to the universal language. It's not easy. There are obstacles to overcome. The author identifies these obstacles as a way for the reader to discover them and address them as they attempt to prevent us from seeking out what it is we want out of our lives.

To understand the universal language is see it, understand it, and use it. It's when we do all of these things that we'll come to fully understand the power which resides in all of us.

The Englishman in Coelho's The Alchemist is searching for "a universal language." What is that language?

There is a very spiritual/new age feel to The Alchemist. The boy learns about things that he cannot discover through books. Instead he needs to be able to learn through his experiences and to listen to his own heart.. He learns that he needs to be able to accept change and to find the beauty in simple things and to live in the moment rather than the past or the future. In the present moment he learns to look for signs that will tell him the will of God. He discovers that doing all of these things will help him to understand the "Soul of the World" through which everything is connected. The Universal Language is the way that the Soul of the World speaks, and it is understood by all even without words. This is how the boy is able to understand his sheep. He learns all of these things with the help of The Alchemist so that he may fulfill his life's purpose by also becoming an alchemist.

What is the universal language in Coelho's The Alchemist?

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