Quote by DernierCriNow when
i think about it even being multilangual /altough it broadens your horizon/ does not broaden what you can think of,
simply because your first language is still a point of reference that you use to explain everything in your second
language. In one sentence I cannot learn an English word without having it translated to Bulgarian or explained in
English words that i can translate in Bulgarian... you following me?
Yes yes! It's a bit different in my experience, actually. My language, Filipino, is actually a whole bunch or
conglomeration of languages and dialects. Given the colonial history/herstory of the Philippines, the dominant local
language in Filipino is 'Tagalog'. Within 'Tagalog' are layers and layers of 'Spanish'
influences. 'English' is taught and is being endorsed/imposed as a primary language in schools. English is
also always conveyed in media, books, ordinary conversations, etc., so it's side by side with Tagalog as a dominant
component of 'Filipino'. To be really precise, the Filipino language is really "Tag-lish"
(Tagalog-English combined) or "Eng-galog" (oh, but plenty of hardcore local linguists would kill me for
saying this...^^)
So, in my case/context, "there is no first language that I use as a point of
reference that I use to explain everything in my second language, because what I have is a subverted or mixed
language." I have a colonial past, and I bear the legacies of this colonial past via my language. ^^ I
think and find myself talking most of the time in an odd mixture of English and Tagalog. I don't need any pity,
though. ^^
Quote by DernierCriSo forget
the imperialism of the elitarist languages, cause the point of the thread was not so political as much as universal or
maybe phiolosophical.
Sorry, friend, maybe it's just really me... for me, "the personal is
political." Every facet of our lives, every choice that we make: I believe that these are somewhat
influenced by ideology, societal structures and those who are in power. Anyway, that is how I view the world. Gomen
gomen for getting offtrack! But wasn't it fun? ^^
Quote by DernierCri...that
disturbing the structure of the language can be overtaken by our minds, but is totaly unnecessary and cannot have any
language benefits.
This is where I somewhat disagree, friend. Language, as Wittgenstein purports, can be seen as a "game". Not
only one game, since it is kinda hard playing a "game" by yourself... but "games" to be played with
other people who play different language games. These 'language games' have different sets of rules, different
sets of 'players.'
'Disturbing the structure of languages' is one of these 'games'.
The benefit of playing these language games? Promoting diversity, both language-wise and social-wise. Otherwise, life
would be pretty much boring... like my office work. ^^
Quote by miketoWhat *is* true of
English and is not true of other languages is its mutable nature. English, more than any other language, adapts and
adopts words and ideas from other languages. The number of "foreign" words and phrases that have come into
common usage is astonishing. The trip is two-way, also; even though other languages are not as mutable, they adopt
English words and ideas that take longer or are more difficult to express. (Most non-English speaking countries use the
word OK, instead of, for example in French, d'accord.)
Agree, agree! It's also in the book I mentioned! As English can be an "oppressive" language, it is also
has its "liberating" properties! Just as the ones I've stated above. (I really have to choose now: buy
that book, or buy myself some pirated anime DVDs? ^^ Haha, side comment, sorry.)
Quote by miketoWhere I disagree
with your idea of "empowerment" is the concept that consciously bastardizing the language is what lends
misspellings and improper grammar legitimacy. The example cited by DernierCri is fun, interesting, and helps open up new
ways of looking at communication. But it will not take the place of grammatical or properly spelled English in everyday
life. It is a novelty. The key to your idea is the word "consciously."... Any artist of any stripe will tell
you that before you can break the rules, you must understand them.
Point taken, point taken! Ahaha, have you read up on some readings I suggested in Order-of-Reason re: situationism? That
this philosophy claims that "Everybody can be an artist/poet", via a disregard of standards, rules, etc.?
Anyway, I guess it's not really your cup of tea. But I highly suggest that you do read them, if not for the
insight, then for your amusement. ^^
Side note for Miketto:
Hehe, you're not paying attention to my posts in Order, haven't you? Marxist, me? Used-to-be! I fancy myself
as an Eclecticist -- whatever that means... ^^
And same goes for me, accept my apologies for the looong post. Ahh, but so many interesting POVs!
