Language of the Heart

Our take

In "Language of the Heart," the authors delve into the profound impact of native languages on our emotional landscapes. They assert that our first language is intricately woven into our emotional experiences, acting as a vessel for our innermost feelings. In contrast, later-acquired languages often create a buffer, establishing a distance from our emotional truths. This dichotomy resonates deeply with many, including those who experience the tumult of their native tongue, where thoughts swirl like a tempest. For instance, in my native language, I often find myself overwhelmed by a storm of anxiety, yet the comfort of someone speaking to me in that same language can create a profound connection. Conversely, in Spanish, my target language, I feel a calmness that shields me from the chaos of human interactions, transforming challenges into mere observations.

In the Power of Language they talk about the power of a native language. They say things like our native language is more connected to our emotional experiences. And they suppose that the type of stuff we think about is like emotions are likely to be more present.

But a later acquired language is supposed to have more distance. Less emotional ties. As Nelson Mandela said "Talk to a man in a language he understands it goes to his head...",

I've felt both of these effects. In my native language I'm more nervous. Like there is a wild storm in my mind. But the sweetness of someone seeing my struggle and speak my language to help me, touches deep.

In my target language of Spanish I'm calmer. Less affected by the turbulence of human relationships. I'm happier. There have been people that take advantage of my disadvantage when they are fluent Spanish speakers. They are laughable to me. People that gaslight me are seen as people with a problem, but not my problem.

My target language Spanish is a getaway. Like being inside watching a storm pelt against the glass.

My native language is raging storms and passions.

Each a piece of me.

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#language evolution#philosophy of language#humor in language#creative language use#emotional expression#human expression#native language#Spanish#emotional experiences#emotional ties#language understanding#later acquired language#storm#emotional distance#turbulence#sweetness#calmer#human relationships#gaslight#struggle