To know another language is to have another soul.
Specially for Eve from Valencia
How we see and interpret the world is determined by our origins, the country and family we grow up in,
culture and values – we take all of this for granted. But for our perspective
The language we use also has a significant impact. Is it true that the more languages we learn, the
Will we reveal more sides of our personality?
What do we know about the influence of languages?
There are currently 7,000 languages spoken in the world. Each language has its own signs, words,
combinations, the correct order. Even Charlemagne, the former Holy Roman Emperor,
said that knowing another language is like having another soul, how language affects thinking in general
has been considered more philosophically than scientifically. In the current
around the world, scholars delve into the retellings and interpretations of the same events
in different languages, can prove that the use of the chosen language depends on the environment
understanding.
Language changes across generations are often underestimated – global trends show that
that languages are becoming simpler, expressions are becoming shorter, and they are often intertwined with other languages (usually
with English). But does such language exchange really only reveal the decline of languages? Spaniards,
who are currently 65 years old and over, by saying their eight-digit personal identification number,
combines them into a whole. For example, the personal code 12345678 is dictated as follows: twelve million,
three hundred and forty-five thousand, six hundred and seventy-eight. Around 45 years old, Spaniards dictate the personal code, dividing it into hundreds and tens: one hundred and twenty-three, etc. Representatives of the younger generation simply list the digits one by one. But this example shows not only the simplification of language, but also the influence of language practice - the use of language determines how the brain gets used to working. The fact that it is difficult for a young Spaniard to say an eight-digit personal code quickly only proves that thinking is determined by the practice of each generation.
Language changes facts
New language shapes thinking: how we perceive precision, time measurement, colors, etc.
For example, in the Canary Islands of Spain, time is quite abstract, and friends who have agreed to meet often
describes time in hours: let's meet at six, half past six, seven. When
No one can say exactly when the meeting will take place, but that's not what really matters - approximately
everyone gathers in a good hour. Also, in Spanish-speaking culture, there is a frequently used term un ratito – an hour. Although we can translate this description of time accurately in Lithuanian, we do not use it as often as Spanish-speaking people do.
not precise enough. And here's a fun survey that was even conducted on the streets of Mexico and asked people what ahorita (lit. diminutive of now) meant: the answers ranged from 3 minutes to eternity.
In Lithuanian, it is customary to define everything very precisely: when a person is young, mature, older, and
In Spain, such definitions are more theoretical. Up to 50, most people consider themselves young and
Youth in Spain not only lasts longer in theory. A unique phenomenon of youth, when a person
considers himself young as long as he feels good, works and practices - in Spain, there are privileges, discounts for
not only pupils and students, but also young people under 30 years of age. Discounts are valid not only
on public transport, but also in some theaters, museums, language schools, hairdressers and
etc. Even in banks, youth accounts can be opened for those under 30, which do not have service fees.
The use of language also reveals how facts can be interpreted differently. Although Lithuanian
in speech we can say that the vase broke, normally we are more likely to impose or assume
blame: I broke the vase, my child lost his wallet, etc. In Spanish, part of the blame
evaporates, because it is natural for native speakers to say that the pen is lost, the mobile phone
the screen cracked, my jeans ripped after tripping over a sharp object, etc. Growing up with this attitude,
From childhood, the mindset is formed that not everything depends on the person and sometimes it just
Things happen. Who wants to intentionally lose things? In Spain, they get lost themselves.
Color names are determined by location
Interestingly, colors are usually described according to the current events of that country - it is enough
description of the cepelinai sky, so that we understand that it is not so simple to
to translate expressions into other languages. Although dark blue can be translated directly into Spanish,
However, native speakers more often describe this blue as sea blue, dark red as
red wine. Studies show that depending on the accuracy of the language, the brain works differently
reacts quickly to visible changes in hue.
The color white is associated with the island of Ibiza, which is often called that - la Isla.
Blanca (white island). This description comes from the typical white architecture of this island, the tendency to wear white on the island and the production of salt, which is why white clothing is often referred to in Spanish as the Ibizan dress. And in a country where about 340 million olive trees grow, it is natural that the color khaki is called only olive green. Over time, the latter description has taken root in many languages due to its easy-to-remember association.
Sometimes widespread stereotypes also determine the interpretation of colors and this does not always correspond to
reality. The Spanish explain the colors of their flag – yellow, red and black – as a symbol of struggle and for
the blood shed on their lands. Meanwhile, most tourists understand yellow and red as sun and passion or even red wine.
A new language reprograms the brain
One of the most confusing things in Spanish is the three ways to express the verb to be. Although when
which is used is very precisely defined by the rules, which is one of the most disturbing features of the language for Spanish learners. One to be in Spanish is intended to simply name existence, the other to describe permanent features, and the last to describe temporary states. This is where the game in language begins. Usually, such physical descriptions as tall, short, thin, plump are understood as permanent, who doesn't want constancy when talking about a slim figure, but native speakers like to talk about plumpness as a temporary state. There are Spaniards who have been describing their physique for several decades as a temporary state - I am plump. The hope of regaining the desired forms never disappears. By the way, in general, the word gordo (fat) does not necessarily mean a negative description. For example, one of the affectionate Spanish addresses is gordi (fat guy) and it is often used to address loved ones.
When it comes to health, being sick or unwell is always a temporary state, unless you want to be.
to insult someone. Even when something is broken, shattered, it is described as a state. Empty
or a full glass of wine – is also just a state. In Spanish, there is always hope for improvement,
to replenish, to restore absolutely everything.
Although in today's world, it is less and less necessary to learn new languages when traveling, because almost
everywhere you can communicate in English or with the help of artificial intelligence, however, the real country and
Understanding culture begins with understanding language. The same shade of yellow can
universally symbolize happiness and energy, but can also evoke nostalgia for a wheat field or a hot
to the sun, which shines brightly for more than 300 days a year.