In a previous post on language, I mentioned that learning a new language gives you the opportunity to place yourself into a new mindset and see the world from a different way, or to communicate something that you perhaps couldn't in your native language. It changes the way you think on multiple levels. Since I said I'd touch on that subject in a later post, I figured I'd best do so.
Disclaimer: I speak and love Italian. It's amazing. This post may contain many unabashed attempts to convince the reader to think likewise.
The simplest change is that the language allows you to express things in new and at times superior ways. This was awesome while I was living in the bilingual society of my mission field. I could communicate in whichever language was most effective or what I was trying to say, at times switching language in the same phrase. For example, the word "dai" (pronounced "die") literally means "you give," but it is used in many circumstances to mean "come on," "let's go," or to express incredulity. It's a Swiss army knife of a word, and though rough English translations can be found eventually, it's just too hard and nothing is as concise and powerful as a simple "dai." Other words include "magari" (another Swiss army knife meaning "perhaps/maybe," "I wish," "if only," and its several nuances) and "ormai" ("by now," "at that/this point," etc). However, the changes to your thinking are more than just in vocabulary, but can actually reach and modify your personality.
I think that the changes can be attributed to two main sources: the filter of experiences which one has in the language, and the filter that the culture attached to the language places on your mind.
First, the filter. I was recently talking to a friend and I thought and said something that at the moment I could only express in Italian (yes, I'm trying to break that habit). While I said it though, my hands leaped into action and made some accompanying gestures. Yes, the stereotypes are true. Italians talk with their hands. But they are not just crazily animated speakers, but engaging in a fairly standardized form of non-verbal conversation, as each gesture has an actual meaning. It's a part of the language, it's a part of the culture, and it's a part of my Italian speaking self. When I slip into Italian mode, I assume that role. My Italian self is more animated, vibrant and excitable, which are very much a part of the Italian culture. I'm sure that some people who know only my anglophone self would be very surprised to see it.
In my experience, the filter of language experiences was strongest while learning the language. I began learning Italian as a hobby with Duolingo. Italian was a pass time I enjoyed in the sun in front of the window in my spare time on weekends. Italian was always a positive experience, and Italian is associated with these good times in my mind. My attitude is always better when I speak Italian.
Then, I went on a two year mission in Italy, further creating happy memories, but also exposing my inner Italian's emotional side to vulnerability and struggle. From the moment I was in the MTC, my spiritual experiences were mostly in Italian. In addition to being more passionate, my Italian side got used to being (more) emotionally open. If I need to explain my feelings, bear my testimony or handle myself in an emotionally charged situation, my tongue clings to Italian. This comes in handy when it means no one understands when I chew them out, but it is a stumbling block when it instead disconnects useful dialog.
I think that this sense of security also comes from a sense of surrealism that comes with speaking a second language. I observed this behavior with among other missionaries, but didn't really take note until another missionary pointed it out. He mentioned that whenever a missionary had to propose something that the others in the group may not like ("OK guys, let's go," for example) he tends to speak up in Italian, rather than English, even when the group is not speaking Italian. I think this is a combination of the fact that missionaries are used to proposing unpopular things in their mission language, but also the fact that using another language can "shift" your identity, so it's not the original you. Thus, the repercussions of the words don't affect "you" as directly.
The personality shifts that come from language learning are very interesting and should be further researched. The principle, direct application of preliminary findings, however, is obvious: learn Italian, you'll be a more interesting person (post was too objective thus far). All joking aside, though, learning another language will give you insight into another culture, another mindset and another worldview. By learning another language, you'll be a more effective communicator, not only because you'll be able to communicate with monologuists of that language, but because the more languages you have in common with an interlocutor the easier you'll be able to choose the most effective tool for communicating (magari).
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