When you look at languages, there is a whole world out there. But maybe,just maybe, it is possible to differentiate languages based on which part of our brain processes them. The left brain is traditionally the seat of language or that is what scientists would have us believe. But in languages like Chinese or Japanese, the right brain is also involved when the processing happens when the language is read.
This is because the Orient Languages are pictorial. One image implies an action or a concept or a thought. Isn't that a fascinating thought? Somehow, these languages are more sophisticated than Occidental languages because when that same Chinese character (or a part of it) is seen in a different context, it becomes possible to grasp the meaning. Like if you had the Japanese word 出る, it means "to come out" or "to leave". Now if I see this same character in 出口, it means exit or in 出発, it means "departure". In an alphabet- based language, when we read a text, the words have to be first "sounded" in our brain to make sense whereas in a pictorial language, it is possible to grasp it at first glance itself.
It's very interesting to note that these languages have been processed differently by the brain, which could have a direct impact on indigenous behaviour, cultures. I came across this article in which Masaomi Isewho talks in detail about this phenomenon.
In his book "A Whole New Mind: Moving from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age", Daniel Pink talks about how our left brain of analytical thinking has made our economies flourish, but in an age where the Internet opens up possibilities of abundant information and where technology has simplified everything, right brain thinking of creativity will add more value. At least this seems to be applicable in a Western context as enumerated by him, since most information and knowledge related work are being outsourced to Asian countries.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Why learn another language?
I started my tryst with foreign languages quite young. I started learning French and Japanese at the same time, which probably shaped my cultural sensibilities, fashioned my psyche and developed my personality. Oriental and occidental ideas jostled in my mind, confusing me, enriching me and educating me.
So why learn another language as long as you can get through life communicating with one language?
The joys of learning are many...
1) If you are a practical person who looks at the bottom line in life, learning a language adds value to your resume and will add some color to your life. Now of all times, in a global environment, you can't afford to be monolingually arrogant. Communication is a vital pre-requisite for any kind of smooth business.
2) If you are a culture vulture, you would enjoy the vistas that a new language will open doors to. Imagine getting to know a new culture, a new art to appreciate or rather getting to know familiar art in a more intimate way. If you learnt Italian,you could read the titles of paintings without any need to dip into an English guidebook...If you learnt French, you could rattle off the dishes you wish to order off a menu and finally impress the snobbish maitre'd of that fancy French restaurant you frequent (unless of course, he's just pretending to be French and snobbish)!!
3) If you are a bibliophile, say goodbye to shoddy and watered-down translations. No more need you despair of so many English writers' pretentious need to slip in foreign words. Get ready to indulge in an entire library of books. Reread the classics in their original language and life will never be the same again!
4) If you are a total foodie and adore exploring the tastes of the world, open your eyes (or rather mouth) to the luscious delicacies of sushi, bouillabaisse or creamy fondue. Resuscitate your jaded palate with the nuances of wines, cheeses and chocolate, all particular to a region.
5) If you love music and dance, you can feast your appetite on a galaxy of rhythyms and beats!! Now you will actually know what pas de deux means or shake to the beat of an infectious salsa! Rhumba or samba is no more staid ballroom dancing but exciting and fun.
And since I am a mix of all the above, I would say I have had a lot of fun in my trysts with languages!!
So why learn another language as long as you can get through life communicating with one language?
The joys of learning are many...
1) If you are a practical person who looks at the bottom line in life, learning a language adds value to your resume and will add some color to your life. Now of all times, in a global environment, you can't afford to be monolingually arrogant. Communication is a vital pre-requisite for any kind of smooth business.
2) If you are a culture vulture, you would enjoy the vistas that a new language will open doors to. Imagine getting to know a new culture, a new art to appreciate or rather getting to know familiar art in a more intimate way. If you learnt Italian,you could read the titles of paintings without any need to dip into an English guidebook...If you learnt French, you could rattle off the dishes you wish to order off a menu and finally impress the snobbish maitre'd of that fancy French restaurant you frequent (unless of course, he's just pretending to be French and snobbish)!!
3) If you are a bibliophile, say goodbye to shoddy and watered-down translations. No more need you despair of so many English writers' pretentious need to slip in foreign words. Get ready to indulge in an entire library of books. Reread the classics in their original language and life will never be the same again!
4) If you are a total foodie and adore exploring the tastes of the world, open your eyes (or rather mouth) to the luscious delicacies of sushi, bouillabaisse or creamy fondue. Resuscitate your jaded palate with the nuances of wines, cheeses and chocolate, all particular to a region.
5) If you love music and dance, you can feast your appetite on a galaxy of rhythyms and beats!! Now you will actually know what pas de deux means or shake to the beat of an infectious salsa! Rhumba or samba is no more staid ballroom dancing but exciting and fun.
And since I am a mix of all the above, I would say I have had a lot of fun in my trysts with languages!!
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