Does the language you speak shape how you think..?

I recently came across an article in the New York Times claiming that the language one speaks has power of the mind. 

And no I don’t read the NY times- it was accidental…nevertheless very interesting!

The original theorist, Benjamin Lee Whorf enthrallingly theorised that it is ones mother tongue that influences the way we think and thus ultimately reflects who we are. 

This notion greatly intrigued me to eventually consider that if I spoke another language, maybe I would be completely different to who I am now?!

Individuals from all around the world communicate with one another using a dazzling array of languages, each differing from the next in innumerable ways.

But do the languages we speak shape the way we see the world; the way we think and the way we live our lives? Do people who speak different languages think differently simply because they speak different languages? Does learning new languages change the way you think? Does a multilingual person think differently when speaking different languages? 

If this is all true then subsequently, is our language to blame for all the things we complain about rather than our culture?

Suppose the UK’s 2 million British Asian population, comprising of mostly Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis spoke French or more interestingly the language of love Italian as their first language; would this affect or more importantly change their extremely strong innate belief of interrelated forced marriages or queue jumping?

Thank goodness, I didn’t take up Psychology as this has most definitely perplexed me!

                                          

I can’t help but speculate whether I ought to be proud that my language shapes who I am and hence conceit that all those who speak different languages are different and hence unique!

Well, with this thought in mind…I asked my sister if she thought languages characterise ones thoughts, she replied, ‘I don’t know, but can you pass me my thing? It’s sitting on that thing’!

And yes….Unfortunately, we do speak the same language 

                                                      Gracias :)

Tough Times, Tough Decisions!

Hey all…so the nation has ultimately bid farewell to the ‘x factor’……. We have seen it all; from Danni’s stunning hair to red head Cheryl’s fashion disasters! Not forgetting to mention of course Simon and Cheryl’s electrifying chemistry!

Crashing back to reality with the fundamental, comprehensive, absolute, embracing, tear jerking breaking news of Britain……….. Government cuts and yes more cuts.

Student riots, Pensions cuts, VAT increase………….500, 000 Job Losses!

Is the Prime Executive merely trying to save our country from gaining a third world status, if so, should we be more supportive and all embrace the cuts for a brighter future; a brighter Britain for the future generation?

Without a doubt, it cannot be easy for his cabinet to choose which sector to cut finance from especially when every individual needs vary; it will undoubtedly affect us all in various ways.

But are we, the people of Britain too languid that we are finding it immensely difficult to see the end of our liberal ways…..have we as a society become too relaxed and far too dependant on the government?

That we are so unable to manage, to prosper, to live, other than merely accepting the generous benefits of the UK?

Oh and not forgetting to mention the surreptitious wiki leaks!  Failing to understand why it has taken Britain by a storm?

For sure, issues relating  to national security is of course a imperative feature of our safety …….But isn’t transparency the approach forward especially since we have the disadvantage of comprising a unwritten constitution……..Surely executive powers should be transparent primarily for the existence of our democratic society??

Evidently, we are all paying the price for democracy. Surely, Britain should be more supportive of the executive (PM) after all; it is we as a majority who elected them?

Or are we finding it so unbearable because it’s us the working people, the average taxpayer who is left to bear the damage by all the monies spent by the still ever so rich bank execs!

Power of Friendship...

I begin my blogging journey with the topic of friendship. One word, but the power of which is at the base of all relationships.

It is commonly said, unlike family, one can choose their friends.Friends for me personally are the family you choose for yourself.

I read a quote recently that stated a friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should”, this reflects a true friendship. Friends are supposed to be there for a reason, a season or a lifetime, but I strongly believe 4 A.M. friends are those special friends who have an impact in your lives; quite contrary to seasonal friends, friends who are there for you in your ‘hour of need’.

As I’ve matured I’ve realized that in life you don’t get a lot of 4 A.M. friends, which is why it is important to nurture, treasure and cultivate those friendships. Those are the types of friends that even if you have a disagreement or argument, your friendship sees you through and the disagreement becomes a minor occurrence. Your 4 A.M. friends are not necessarily friends that you talk to every day and sometimes it’s a tragedy that reconnects you with your friends and you pick up where you left off even if it’s been months or years.

I ponder on the thought my amazing father taught me; in life you make new friends all the time whether this be on the train, in the canteen or and when someone blocks your car in the university car park (unfortunately this is something I am very used to), it doesn’t matter where or when you meet new people; it is imperative you keep the old ones for one is Silver and the other is Gold.

Evidently, we are all socialites (I hope you are anyway) living in the 21^st century and friends are a part of our lives; but Folks I cannot help but wonder who actually can you call your 4am friend? And more importantly, I’ll leave you with the thought- can you really call them at 4am?J