Language is a wonderful thin;, it helps connect people in different ways. In some cultures, the very first thing a baby should hear are some words from the Quoran. The father will whisper it into the ear of the newborn infant. This, they hope, will make the baby grow with a strong faith and protection from God. In other cultures, the first thing a baby hears is probably 'I love you!'. Again, this has an impact on the child, we know that babies thrive when they are loved. Of course, at such a tender age more than words are needed. But when repeated over the years, the impact of those three words is enormous.
When we move to another country, the language barrier can feel like a high wall. Like the Berlin Wall, it seems impossible to overcome. With time, though, many have come to learn the new language, making friends because of this and the wall has tumbled down. Language is the key to getting close to other people, and by learning the local language they are able to draw close to the people around them. Oftentimes, the only way to really understand the culture of another person is to know his language.
Something to be avoided when learning a new language is the bad words. Far too often, these stick to your mind. While a native speaker will understand the seriousness of the words and know when to use them,if choosing to use them at all, a foreigner might not get the real sense of the word. Only when he sees the astounded face of somebody does he realize how very bad that word in reality is. Better to stay clear off it from the beginning!
More and more people are also collecting proverbs. These are very brief sayings that catch the essence of a truth. (or perceived truth!) In many countries, old people are known for speaking a lot with proverbs. Some proverbs are from the Bible, even though people are not aware of it. Others are found in different countries, with a slight variety, but basically the same. Several books have been written with collections of proverbs from different places.
The ability to speak and to learn different languages is a gift, indeed. Whether people only speak one language, or loads of them, fact remains that without language we would be lost. Even the smallest action would become complicated without communication between people. No wonder that some people spend their whole lives studying and learning not only individual languages, but also the influence of language on society and people!
Having travelled extensively for the past 25 years, I have encountered numerous people and cultures. My opinion is that we can learn something from eachother. When I like something, whether a custom or the food, I incorporate it into my life. Apart from travelling, I have actually lived in four countries. This has sometimes been a challenge, especially with the language, but I feel it has truly enriched my life. Now, I like to share my experiences with others.
Some of this can be found on: http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/Mujjen
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