Speaking to the Heart
- Jan 1, 2017
- 1 min read
Highlights:
"Each language is, in many ways, an expression of how one society or culture thinks. I feel that when I start to speak foreign languages, a lot of times I become a bit of a different person. Perhaps I say things I wouldn't necessarily say in English, perhaps I'm more deferential to others, perhaps I'm more upfront about what I say."
"I feel that by studying languages, by looking at their development, by looking at what's old and what's new, you gain a greater appreciation for society's values and for its entire history."
"If you talk to a man in his second language, you're talking to his brain. If you are talking to him in his mother language, you're talking to his heart."
Reflection:
I first watched this video in high school, and it challenged me to have a broader perspective of other cultures. I began to see language as a way of understanding people in different parts of the world, their culture and views on global events. This video instilled in me a desire to learn another language so that I could see through the lens of another culture. It was an early influence in my decision to learn Korean. In addition, Nelson Mandela's words became especially true while I was studying abroad in Europe last summer.
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