Faith Tong (Week 1) - Language = Universal
Faith Tong- Week 1
language = universal
To be honest I never really noticed how big of an impact language was in my life. I kind of always took language for granted, as if it was just something that came naturally to me. But ever since I started learning Spanish, I realized that learning languages can be difficult but also fun since you get to explore the different aspects and cultures a language brings together. I found an article from Stanford written by Shashkevich that talked about the power of language and how it shaped people and culture.
Shashkevich starts off by emphasizing how important language is, saying, “Language is the primary tool for expression and communication.” Although we are also taught to write and read in our everyday lives, we use language the most to communicate with friends, teachers, and family. I guess you could say language is what brings people together and help us understand one another, which is why it is so crucial in our everyday lives. Language can also help us express or emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, etc. all put into phrases or words we like to use to express ourselves. Shashkevich also describes language as a “cultural, social and psychological phenomenon.” To me, language was just the most basic way to communicate to others and that was about it. But now considering the different factors that come into play that are all associated with language, it just goes on to show how language is more powerful and influential then I thought it was. Language can define someone’s culture, and the way they speak or the accent they have are special and unique. Language also helps us connect to people who speak the same language as us or can be used to understand others.
Language isn’t just a way to communicate, it’s a way to keep growing and understanding ourselves and others around us. So my question to you is: How has language affected you and helped you grow?
Comments
I find it quite funny that even after sixteen years of living in a dominantly English-speaking country, I’m still not a master of the English language. Of course, many of us aren’t, but I guess that does not stop us from improving. To think that there are over 7000 different languages that exist in the world is mind-boggling. Anyway, the way in which we communicate has absolutely influenced the way in which I think and behave. I think and speak to others in English and occasionally converse with my parents in Indonesian.
-Angel Susantin
I agree. Language is so complicated. It blows my mind that some people can speak more than one language fluently, as it requires a lot of dedication and work to learn another language. Language really does shape our culture. One of the most interesting thing is how each culture has their own type of slang and curse words. In Spanish, you can call someone annoying by saying they are "un lata" or a can. Obviously in English it doesn't make much sense, but it's like second nature to native Spanish speakers to the meaning. In the future, I hope to learn a bunch of different slang and curse words in different languages to confuse others. I think it would be a lot of fun honestly.
I agree with how language and culture are interconnected. Your culture dictates what words are commonly used and what phrases are made. In Chinese culture, modesty is very important, so when people speak, they phrase their words in a way that makes them seem modest. In addition, since being filial is also very important, they have many sayings revolving about how it is the child's duty to serve their parents. In other cultures, such as Japan, they value seniority, so they have special ways to address their seniors.
I do agree with the fact that language is a big part of our life. This reminds me how communication between people is really important. Miscommunication is probably the worst thing that can happen to a person in stressful times because the problems leaked into other matters. Not being clear in your language can cost something big including your job, friends, family, etc. Overall, communication has always been a big part of my life because usually for dance my teachers would tell me the timings for class and it would be my responsibility to tell my parents. If I don't one time, I'm kinda screwed.
Sincerely,
Mrinmayee
I agree language is the primary tool that almost everybody use in their lives. Many languages are really similar when you try to really drown yourself in learning them. Quotes have meanings and bring motivation to people; others touch their hearts. Even though, Chinese may be one language, the tone really separates and distinguish themselves as sometimes I heard my mom constantly rambling in sichuan dialect with her family. I can hear mostly all of the phrases but when it comes to Cantonese the meaning changes and I would find myself understanding less.
I agree that language is the main foundation of our lives and society. It helps us spread ideas and help evolve together. I do too take it for granted sometimes, and I really shouldn’t. Language no speech a re so beautiful they way we communicate our feelings and love is just incredible. i don’t know where any of us would be if language didn’t exist.