I write this piece with the intention of bringing us closer to a language, be it a foreign or a native one. We have heard (and ignored) the infamous “relationship is work,” but we rarely reflect on the nature of connecting. Connecting requires language, with others or oneself. Sure, some people believe and practice different types of communication (perhaps less straightforward, however, not less poetic) but my thoughts are not focused on those extraordinary ways of finding understanding. I want to highlight the reflectivity of language: the beautiful economy of German with Herangehensweise, Lebensentwurf, Zweisamkeit, Glückseligkeit, the exquisite poise of Japanese with ただいま, おさきに,梅雨,うち,the flamboyance of Spanish with un ser humano, sabiduría, imprescindible, cariñoso, or the mysterious flair of French with pérenniser, le cadre de vie, dépaysement, chou-chou etc. A language reflects an archetype of its people. My French will showcase my features of character and tastes and your French will disclose your personality. The vocabulary we prioritize when learning a new language says a lot great deal about who we are. We are choosing and shaping and constantly updating our main primary tool of connection and reflection. connecting and reflecting.
Fromm’s idea about the art of loving being akin to the art of living invites one like me us to think of an art of language-ing. What we do and how we do it with and in any given language speaks volumes about who we are. In fact, as someone who speaks 10 languages and constantly works on fine-tuning them that skill, I believe that the process is reversed sometimes. Very often the language leads the way, uncovers new horizons and guides towards new inspirations; eventually upgrading your vision and relatability to others. That is an art for it is capable of creating new facets of you through your individual linguistic self aka artist.
In Japanese one can say a simple “Good bye” differently, depending on the local and temporal indicators. おさきに is said when leaving the office first, whereas if you are the one who is staying at work longer, お疲れ様です is the appropriate option. German keeps intriguing economical minds with its ability to combine broad ideas or concepts and wrap them up as one single word (die Wohlfühlatmospere – the feel-good atmosphere, die Schadenfreude – a feeling of joy derived from someone’s misery etc.). One can love or hate such intricacies of different tongues, or even feel discouraged to start dealing with all that linguistic drama. It can be a struggle to master all the tiny (or extensive) discrepancies, however any of the aforementioned experiences would show you your everyday language in a new light and will unveil the potential of creating an infinitely individual language paradigm that is an art in itself.
Take a moment and think about how happiness feels in Spanish Felicidad in comparison to German das Glück for you. Sense the subtleties of perception flowing like paint on a canvas and open yourself to learning a new language, even if it’s a refresh of a one learned some time ago. Play with the infinite power of the art of language-ing, and let that language co-create a new version of You. Ars long and the rest is up to you. Bonne chance!
Comments