To What Degree Might Different Languages Shape In Their Speakers Differ

To What Degree Might Different Languages Shape In Their Speakers Different Concepts Of Themselves And The World? What Are The Implications Of Such Differences For Knowledge?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The difference in languages can cause different perceptions of various cultures leading to distinctions or possible clashes. When I lived in France I faced some of the problems a language barrier can cause. The most common and at the same time most irritating problem of language is the inability to translate word for word as some words just don’t have a direct translation into another language. These are normally colloquialisms for example â€Å"up the apples and pears† does not translate into â€Å"monter les pommes et les poires.† This would cause people to look at you in a very strange manner wondering what on earth you were talking about and it’s not only verbal language which creates different perceptions of people. Body language, such as hand movements and voice intonation can determine or change someone’s perception of a culture. The following paragraphs will illustrate the way language can be misconstrued.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first point I would like to illustrate is the way body language can have different effects on people. For example, in England the use of hands when you are speaking is quite rare, the odd movement of the hand may be seen but the most common use of hand signals or motions is when someone is making an insult. I will use the Italians as an example of at times exaggerated and frequent use of hands. The Italians often use their hands as a way of secondary communication. As they speak they dramatise their conversations which can be mistakenly perceived by some people as confrontation when in fact they are having a simple conversation. This is where the lack of knowledge of a culture can cause a misunderstanding. Another example of communication which can cause raised eyebrows is the way the French acknowledge one another is doing something called the â€Å"bises.† This is where they give a kiss on each cheek. (Depending on the region this could be two, three even four kisses.) It is considered rude to just verbally greet someone so the â€Å"bises† is the norm for them. However when they are out of their country they could receive strange looks because people don’t understand their reasons and therefore could be perceived that French m... ...age on the planet, or to speak the universal language of Esperanto created in 1887 by Dr. Zamenhof which, if possible would bring an end to our cultural differences – how boring!   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, each country has the knowledge and understanding of its own culture and will therefore have a different perception of foreign cultures due to the possible lack of understanding. The argument â€Å"someone can only fully understand another culture if they speak their language† is I believe true. Language can not always be translated directly so the only way to fully understand a concept of a culture is to speak that language learning the subtle nuances. Ignorance, I believe causes misunderstanding, take for instance when Brits go on holiday unable to comprehend another language yet believing that everyone should understand them sometimes coming across as arrogant and rude. Understanding a culture needs patience, understanding and open mindedness. Respecting one-another’s differences can allows us to live together in harmony irrespective of our cultural upbringing and beliefs. I believe differences alleviate boredom as life would be mund ane if we were all the same.