If You’re Multi-Lingual, You Already Know This, But It’s a Fun Read Anyway
Wasn’t sure if this belongs here or in Stuff to Think About (https://plus.google.com/collection/oEwpb) or both, but it’s going here.
Since I’m in the process of “re-learning” German as my 9yo daughter is in German school every Saturday, I’m regularly reminded of this as I try to explain various sayings, phrases, and idioms to her that just don’t quite translate.
Most people have a basic understanding of the German word “Schadenfreude,” which translates roughly to “_taking pleasure in the discomfort of others_” oftentimes in a situation perceived as “karmic” in nature. Kind of, “Well, he got what he deserved!” But not exactly…..and it’s that subtle difference that makes it hard to fully express. While it’s a very basic example, it does somewhat convey how much meaning can be wrapped up in a single word that can never be quite translated.
It’s Not Just Speaking Another Language; It’s How Well/Poorly You Speak Another Language
Interestingly, it’s not just the ability to speak another language that changes your perspective. It’s your relative fluency, or lack thereof. It almost seems that, when you’re forced to think about a concept, piece of news, etc in a different language, you’re less likely to fall prey to confirmation bias and other errors in thinking that happen rapidly when in your native language. That’s even if you’re as fluent in another language as your native one.
Really fascinating article.
David Amerland Vincent Messina Bernd Rubel Monika Schmidt Alison Bernstein Yonatan Zunger
https://theconversation.com/how-the-language-you-speak-changes-your-view-of-the-world-40721