Language

Mr Murali has repeatedly told us in class in language,the meaning lies in people and not in the language itself. As it is demonstrated by the comedian Russel Peters, a gesture of asking someone if they would want to eat by the Indian people is perceived as a vulgar sign in Italy.

But what if I asked you this. Which one comes first, language or thought? There is a hypothesis called the Sapir Whorf Hypothesis. This hypothesis implies that the usage of a certain language regulates the habitual thought of its speakers.

I, as a matter of perception, am a firm believer in this hypothesis. Wouldn't that explain why in a new environment, we tend to be more comfortable with people who speak the same language as us? Our habitual thinking is moulded by language. Another example, why do we only have 2 to 3 words for snow while the Inuit people of Alaska have over 26 words for it? Simply because it means more to them; what means more to a person would have a higher linguistic value to them.

Alright, back to our discussion about language. It is very evident that language is a powerful tool.

As example, language, when used assertively, can exert power. Just think of it this way. If i wanted to get a subordinate to do something, I could say

Hey, could you help me grab a cup of coffee?

or, used to exert authority,

GRAB ME A CUP OF COFFEE !

Furthermore, language also could converge or diverge. This is among some of the interesting features of language.

That would be all for this post. Stay tune for more!

K.Reshan a/l Kalaarajan
B0801442