Before delving into the topic, there is a need to understand what a language is. David Crystal (2008), “At its most specific level, it (language) may refer to the concrete act of speaking, writing or signing in a given situation-the notion of Parole and Performance.”
Merriam Webster Dictionary “:the words, their pronunciation, and the methods of combining them used and understood by a community”.
Chomsky (2018), “A language is a set of (finite or infinite) sentences, each finite length and constructed out of a finite set of elements”.
Aristotle stated that language is a speech sound produced by human beings in order to express their ideas, emotions, thoughts, desires and feelings.
Language is composed of verbal and written components. These are what came to mind when asked about it. Language is used with certain sounds and symbols coming together in a specific way to convey meaning. Though there are some other ways to communicate without the use of language, it is primarily the clearest human communication’s method.
There are innumerable definitions of language; they exhibit a significant message as it is a mode of communication through the use of devices like sounds, symbols, gestures and words. Generally, it is a tool of communication for expressing our inner feelings. Through its existence, civilizations strive for existence and survival over the decades.
Simultaneously, language connects us globally in an incredible manner, moulding our thoughts and emotions. The capacity to communicate lies in the fact of how the flow of our vocabulary becomes enriched. Adding new words to our lexicon leverages the use of our language. No individual can interact with a foreign community without knowing their language. In its own way, no language is prestigious over another as it has its own unique features and structure.
Language acquisition can be observed in a child of eight to ten months. A child starts speaking with limited vocabularies and improves the capacity of growing up. Beginning with simple words, knowledge widens from learning simple phrases to construction of meaningful sentences.
Sometimes, a child is able to detect grammatical errors fairly at a young age. Through growth and development, he/she is able to learn and apply the grammatical rules effectively in one’s native tongue. The transition occurs similarly but at a rapid pace in adults. The factors are the well-formed speech organs, brain development and comprehensive exposure to the different languages around.
On the contrary, language is more than just a mode of communication; it is a link between us and the outside world. It gives us immense power to feel confident and excel in our academics as well as social life. We connect with people when we socialise and apply language in diverse fields of life, paying a great deal of attention when we utter a speech.
We potentially use language consciously, since we have the capacity to surmount the nuances of its aspects. In this way, we conform to people around us who entirely have different beliefs and opinions. It is considered to be the key competence and performance for equal opportunities in terms of education, for work and life generally. On a broader spectrum, we can appreciate other societies if we learn to appreciate their language.
Language connects both children and adults globally. With the advancement of technology, it has created a huge rapport between the speakers and the listeners.
According to E. H. Sturtevant, “A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by which members of a social group cooperate and interact.”Bilingualism and multilingualism allows a person to interact benevolently with other communities, the more one master languages, the more one has the power to attain wisdoms that the world holds. It also facilitates a person to switch a language and personality to fit in the situation. It’s fantastic to observe that they seem to shift their perception and reflect that of the people who speak their respective languages.
“The phrase “language is culture and culture is language” is deeply meaningful. There are not only various interconnections between the two but a lot of history. Language and culture developed in unison, influencing the lives of people just as much as one another. In order to understand one, you must understand the other,” explains Elisa Abbott, a writer, and translator for PickWriters.
Language and culture existed together long from time immemorial. Learning cultures around the world is relevant for language learners. Exchanging cultural knowledge is significant in the modern world, as people like to travel from places to places. They are an integral part of our lives. Culture shock is a common phenomenon occurring in the present scenario. Respecting other cultures and retaining one’s own is appreciative.
It is to be mindful that culture knowledge should not result in discrimination; rather it is to be considered as an advantage for us. There are ample differences and similarities along the way if we compare our cultures with that of the others. Our different identities are connected through the cultural knowledge that we are willing to share.
As children and adults, it is beautiful to connect with the cultures around us. It enables us to learn about our traditions and cultures in order to maintain the practices within other cultures. Some enthusiastic and inquisitive individuals live within the community and adapt with their beliefs and practices.
Researchers from around the world spent their time living with the locals and observing the community closely. This makes it easier for them to collect their data through thorough observations. Vibrant traditions and customs are exhibited to the travellers/researchers who are willing to transmit knowledge to the world.
Maximum exposure helps us understand the values and imbibed in us the cognitive behaviour of the others around us. Youngsters who aspire to go abroad for studies should inculcate the habit of reading and learning about this aspect of life which will be beneficial for them. By exercising this habit, they may avoid being gullible to the deceiving natures of a few.
Interpersonal connection is crucially imminent in the employment world. When language is positively utilized, we discover our potential. Our capacity to show self-confidence and competence is displayed through our performance. The more we encounter challenges, the more confident we become through the wonderful experiences. We can easily evaluate the evolution of eloquence in us.
It is understood that when we come across a language different from ours, we might not have a clue as to what it meant. We may not know the structures and systems of that language since it is not attached with our cognitive ability to comprehend.
If we are language enthusiasts, we have to decide on a Lingua Franca to communicate with that language in particular. Being compatible with the system, structures, grammatical functions, pronunciation of a foreign language etc, we are able to use that language confidently and connect with the people in any spheres of life. Effective interaction with people using our interpersonal skills will greatly affect our choices and chances of excelling at work.
