[Political Interest]

Yes, it changed or changes my attitude.

Yes, it helps you to communicate on the way that others in other countries do. In fact you start to see how similar people are regardless of language.

At least 60% of cultural differences seem to be down to language issues. When there is a common language it is easy to get along and understand each other.

[Tainari88]

Yes, it changed or changes my attitude.

Yes, it helps you to communicate on the way that others in other countries do. In fact you start to see how similar people are regardless of language.

At least 60% of cultural differences seem to be down to language issues. When there is a common language it is easy to get along and understand each other.

Political Interest? What other languages do you speak? Besides English?

And @Political Interest often terrible civil wars are waged by people who on both sides speak the same common language. Getting along within a single family unit can be difficult if the family is into feuding and the same can be said of nations.

What is easier is ease of communication. Everyone can understand the same language it becomes easier to communicate. But one communicates for what purpose? To build peace and to be understanding and accepting of each other's individual differences? Or to be going to war to have power over another group or person? That is the question Political Interest....the nature of human beings and their relationships to power with each other and within a social and economic system. What they do with their power relationships?

[Political Interest]

Political Interest? What other languages do you speak? Besides English?

Basic working level Russian.

And @Political Interest often terrible civil wars are waged by people who on both sides speak the same common language. Getting along within a single family unit can be difficult if the family is into feuding and the same can be said of nations.

Yes, and these differences are even more pronounced when the belligerents don't share even a common language.

What is easier is ease of communication. Everyone can understand the same language it becomes easier to communicate. But one communicates for what purpose? To build peace and to be understanding and accepting of each other's individual differences? Or to be going to war to have power over another group or person? That is the question Political Interest....the nature of human beings and their relationships to power with each other and within a social and economic system. What they do with their power relationships?

And it is very rare for two conflictig parties to not really understand each other. Yes, identity and economic status are important than language. But language is an important as a marker of identity and common language is important for understanding between peoples on the international stage. Europe is more peaceful now days in part because more people in different countries speak languages that each can understand. I think that if Russians spoke more English and Americans spoke more Russian there would be less tension between the two nations on a people to people level.

[Godstud]

Admin Edit: Rule 2

[Tainari88]

Basic working level Russian.



Yes, and these differences are even more pronounced when the belligerents don't share even a common language.



And it is very rare for two conflictig parties to not really understand each other. Yes, identity and economic status are important than language. But language is an important as a marker of identity and common language is important for understanding between peoples on the international stage. Europe is more peaceful now days in part because more people in different countries speak languages that each can understand. I think that if Russians spoke more English and Americans spoke more Russian there would be less tension between the two nations on a people to people level.

Let me understand this in depth Political Interest? Are you of Russian ancestry but grew up in the UK?

As for belligerents? I think not getting along in politics has to do with wanting to have the power positions. And it doesn't matter what language groups that are fighting for it have. The purpose of wanting power is the really, really important question.

I do agree strongly with you that intercultural exchange and speaking fluently a language that is not your native one everyday opens your mind and so many other things in this world. It is truly something transformative.

I have always profoundly liked you. Always.

I like your introverted vulnerability and how you don't feel socially comfortable. Your fine intellect. Your intelligence and your honesty too.

What will transform human beings is creating a society that is founded on values based on humanism and collective responsibility.

[SSDR]

No.

Different languages are expressions of different peoples' verbal communications and psychological understandings.

When someone has a different "attitude" or viewpoint on a subject or politics, it is not because they "understand a different verbal language." It is because they think of the social constructs that the language's national origins have inflicted from and onto society and its nationality.

For instance, when somebody understands the "Danish" language, they have a different "attitude" not because they understand Danish, but rather because they subconsciously think of the culture and social constructs that the Danish nationality produces. Some nationalities tend to be more psychologically sensitive. Some tend to be more extroverted and socially expressive. These social traits and characteristics partially due to the social constructs that those nationalities manipulate onto each other.

[SSDR]

And it is very rare for two conflictig parties to not really understand each other.

Correct. Regardless of manipulated cultural background, nationality, eugenics, or personal political views, the majority of humans understand each other in a simple manner when they are conflicting.

Yes, identity and economic status are important than language.

"Identity" is a social construct manipulated by elites. Personally, I do not need the psychological urge to have an egoistic, "Identity." "Economic status" is social slavery, since that manipulates people into valuing each other according to how much money they have.

But language is an important as a marker of identity and common language is important for understanding between peoples on the international stage.

A common language is efficient in terms of people of different nationalities having capabilities to understand each other. Nowadays, it is not a necessity since text translators are a common access feature.

Europe is more peaceful now days in part because more people in different countries speak languages that each can understand.

I disagree. The whole continent is ruled by American imperialists via NATO and the European Union. Conflicts between various nations are not allowed.

I think that if Russians spoke more English and Americans spoke more Russian there would be less tension between the two nations on a people to people level.

I disagree. The main reason why Russia and the United States have social tensions between each other is due to the former Soviet Union. This is due to the United States being fiercely a capitalist nation, while the Soviet Union being a socialist nation. It has nothing to do with verbal language, but rather economic politics, and international aims. Both nations assisted various nations around the world industrially, military wise, agriculture wise, and education.

Prior to the establishment of the Soviet Union, the Russian Empire was not having any major tensions against the United States. Many of the industrial technologies that the Russian Empire had was from, or was influenced by American technologies, from firearms, to aircraft and locomotives. Even in the pre World War Two years of the Soviet Union, the American Ford Motor Company helped establish the automotive industry in the Soviet Union, once it was reliable, Stalin terminated the Ford's position in developing the automotive industry in the Soviet Union, and nationalized what was industrially established.

The White Army in the Russian Civil war was economically funded by the United States. Hundreds of Americans volunteered to fight for the monarchist White Army. The monarchist White Army was fiercely nationalistic, right winged, patriotic, and supported Slavic nationalism.

American soldiers parading in Vladivostok, 1918.

Some Russians even fought for both Russian and American militaries. Ivan Turchin (1822-1901) served the Russian Army from 1843 to 1856. In 1856, he moved to the United States. He fought for American Union military from 1861 to 1864. He was an Army general.

Boris Yeltsin signed arms control agreements with the United States.

The United States was happy that Yeltsin was leading Russia because he nearly destroyed the Russian economy, which would of been great for the United States.

[Patrickov]

I am personally not very sure. In Hong Kong, English is compulsory at least since elementary level (I learned alphabets as early as nursery), so most are at least to an extent bilingual. This, combined with their native language deviates a bit from Mandarin (not that much, I can assure you), probably contributed to Hongkongers' "rebellious" nature (at least in Mainlanders' eyes). However, as learning English is the very first thing we do in our lives I cannot say it really brought a "change" to our attitudes.

On the other hand, I also try to learn a bit of Japanese, Korean, German and Dutch, all with limited success (phonetically I succeeded the most in Korean, but in terms of reading Japanese seemed better). Apart from German, which I admit I rather concentrated in transport or Nazi expressions, I found these languages changed little of my attitude. Maybe I didn't try hard enough.

[Red Rackham]

How does speaking another language change an individuals attitude? Attitude towards what?..

I used to speak German quite well, not fluently, but I could usually manage. I don't remember that it changed my attitude in any way. My son lives in France with his French wife, he speaks French as if it's his first language, infact he now speaks English with a French accent, and as far as I can tell it hasn't changed his attitude towards anything.

[Atlantis]

Correct. Regardless of manipulated cultural background, nationality, eugenics, or personal political views, the majority of humans understand each other in a simple manner when they are conflicting.

Most conflicts are due to the fact that the opposing parties don't understand each other. Communication is never a "simple" matter. Ultimately, communication and comprehension are infinitely complex. To get a thorough understanding of another people with another culture a high degree of linguistic competence is indispensable.

For example, Germany would never have gone to war in 1914 if its leaders had known the UK (and later the US) would join the war. In public (parliament) British leaders were saying they had no obligation to join the war alongside France, while in private the Foreign office and the defense establishment were assuring the French that Britain would be on their side. The Germans failed to understand the duplicity of British communication.

Every war is a failure of diplomatic communication.

[Tainari88]

How does speaking another language change an individuals attitude? Attitude towards what?..

I used to speak German quite well, not fluently, but I could usually manage. I don't remember that it changed my attitude in any way. My son lives in France with his French wife, he speaks French as if it's his first language, infact he now speaks English with a French accent, and as far as I can tell it hasn't changed his attitude towards anything.

Does it make you think that the people who speak those languages whom you did not understand and then you do now understand? Did their lives become more in focus to you? You thought about them more? That is what I was getting at?

It is easy to live in a bubble and only deal with your own group of people. But if you have to be around people who's language you don't speak and you have to learn it? Don't you think it might open your mind? Change your attitude about life and human society?

What do you think?

[Godstud]

Since many cultures are actually linked to the language, English excluded(for the most part), it makes a lot of sense that you learn about different cultures by learning their language. It show how they think, and it often shows their psychology.

People who say otherwise, I think are ignorant of linguistics and how words are often linked to history and culture.

[BigSteve]

Does it make you think that the people who speak those languages whom you did not understand and then you do now understand? Did their lives become more in focus to you? You thought about them more? That is what I was getting at?

It is easy to live in a bubble and only deal with your own group of people. But if you have to be around people who's language you don't speak and you have to learn it? Don't you think it might open your mind? Change your attitude about life and human society?

What do you think?

I speak Spanish and Italian fluently (travel to both countries regularly, so it helps). I learned those languages simply because it made it easier for me to communicate when I visit. It doesn't make me think more about them, and their lives certainly don't become more of a "focus". It doesn't "open your mind", nor does it change my attitude towards life (which, at the moment, is pretty bitchin').

Learning a language says nothing about "human society" aside from the fact that it's now easier for me to order the Ricotta and spinach ravioli in Rome.

I have a dear friend who's fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He travels there for work regularly and believed that, if he spoke their language, he could secure more business from them. It worked. He doesn't give a rat's ass about focusing on their lives. He did it so he could make more money.

As an aside, consider how many non-Americans speak English. I think it's pretty fascinating. I've never been anywhere where I couldn't find one person who spoke English relatively well...

[Tainari88]

Since many cultures are actually linked to the language, English excluded(for the most part), it makes a lot of sense that you learn about different cultures by learning their language. It show how they think, and it often shows their psychology.

People who say otherwise, I think are ignorant of linguistics and how words are often linked to history and culture.

Sapir-Worf theories on language would agree with you. But new studies say that language is an innate part of the human brain and that the human brain is not tabla rasa or a blank slate, and it already is set for language acquisition.

The origins of the first spoken human language is a mystery. No one has been able to trace when it happened and what is was called. That such a very integral part of humanity remains largely a mystery is fascinating to me. The explanation that comes the closest is that primates who are our closest genetic cousins such as bonobos and the gorillas and the chimps don't have voice boxes. They are not programmed to communicate via voice. Bonobos if raised with human beings understand language. So do many of the chimps but they use sign language to communicate. It makes sense. Humans who can't hear can't really regulate using their voices well, so they use sign language as well.

Human languages vary a lot. In structure, grammar, intonation, pitch, written alphabets, spelling, pronunciation, etc. and it is designed to relate concepts and thoughts and moods and everything to the receptive human on the other end of the conversation. It is innately a social activity. One hears children make mistakes in grammar and one corrects them. They are figuring it out as well. My son said, 'they eated the food." I correct, "they ate the food." I realized he had processed that the regular verb form is the ending -ed. But, that he needed to be taught that--to eat--was an irregular verb that has a past tense that is irregular and he needs to memorize the irregular tense. Kids do that all the time.

No one really thinks about why the regular verb form is not good enough. Why irregularity in grammar eh? It is interesting how much of language is just an accepted form of speech and not really analyzed for true logic.

[Red Rackham]

Does it make you think that the people who speak those languages whom you did not understand and then you do now understand? Did their lives become more in focus to you? You thought about them more? That is what I was getting at?

It is easy to live in a bubble and only deal with your own group of people. But if you have to be around people who's language you don't speak and you have to learn it? Don't you think it might open your mind? Change your attitude about life and human society?

What do you think?

I see. Tbf in Germany many people spoke English as a second language, there was never any real necessity to speak German it was more of an interest thing on my part. My efforts were appreciated by older German people, but not particularly by younger ones who were often more interested in speaking English to me, rather than me speaking German because they wanted to improve their own grasp English. Which was fair enough.

I've been in a few countries where the language barrier could have been a problem, if it wasn't for the fact that usually there was someone you could find who spoke English. That's not being lazy, if you're only in a country for a few months you're hardly going to have time to learn the language. As the US $ dollar is a global currency, English is a global language.

[Tainari88]

I speak Spanish and Italian fluently (travel to both countries regularly, so it helps). I learned those languages simply because it made it easier for me to communicate when I visit. It doesn't make me think more about them, and their lives certainly don't become more of a "focus". It doesn't "open your mind", nor does it change my attitude towards life (which, at the moment, is pretty bitchin').

Learning a language says nothing about "human society" aside from the fact that it's now easier for me to order the Ricotta and spinach ravioli in Rome.

I have a dear friend who's fluent in Mandarin Chinese. He travels there for work regularly and believed that, if he spoke their language, he could secure more business from them. It worked. He doesn't give a rat's ass about focusing on their lives. He did it so he could make more money.

As an aside, consider how many non-Americans speak English. I think it's pretty fascinating. I've never been anywhere where I couldn't find one person who spoke English relatively well...

English is a very popularly taught and spoken second language for many many people all over the world.

Learning a language says nothing about a human society? At all? And then you say it makes ordering ravioli in Rome easier? If you are motivated in learning Italian well and fluently just so you can order all that delicious Italian food in Italy? That doesn't say anything about Italian society and the Italian language?

Lol. Steve do you read what you write and analyze it for content before you hit 'send'?

Well, if you speak fluent Spanish do you enjoy speaking it? Yes or no? I have found that the vast majority of people who learn speaking a foreign language after they gain fluency? Enjoy speaking it. Every day. It motivates them.

Most of the opinion poll voters think it does change their attitudes. A vast majority agree that it does.

[Tainari88]

Since many cultures are actually linked to the language, English excluded(for the most part), it makes a lot of sense that you learn about different cultures by learning their language. It show how they think, and it often shows their psychology.

People who say otherwise, I think are ignorant of linguistics and how words are often linked to history and culture.

Aha, before I have to go to work and do some errands...Godstud, when are you going to learn to speak Thai fluently? Not just phrases?

See how sneaky I am? Lol. Your son is lucky. He will have two languages. Thai and English. And two worlds to draw from. His mother's world and his father's world.

And the glue that binds it all together is LOVE. That is a lovely thing. Never forget that is one of the most powerful things in humanity. Many cultures, many people, many languages...and these incredibly great forces binding us all together. Like El Amor.

[Tainari88]

I see. Tbf in Germany many people spoke English as a second language, there was never any real necessity to speak German it was more of an interest thing on my part. My efforts were appreciated by older German people, but not particularly by younger ones who were often more interested in speaking English to me, rather than me speaking German because they wanted to improve their own grasp English. Which was fair enough.

I've been in a few countries where the language barrier could have been a problem, if it wasn't for the fact that usually there was someone you could find who spoke English. That's not being lazy, if you're only in a country for a few months you're hardly going to have time to learn the language. As the US $ dollar is a global currency, English is a global language.

I understand what you are saying. I think in most high schools and in almost all four year and graduate school universities foreign language study is a basic requirement of studies. It is just an integral part of being an educated person in many many nations.

Are you saying you did not really learn fluent German then?

I think those young Germans were intelligent. Practice with a native speaker when you get a chance. I would recommend that to anyone. Sit down with a native speaker. Right away and get some conversations going.

[BigSteve]

English is a very popularly taught and spoken second language for many many people all over the world.

Ever wonder why that is?

Learning a language says nothing about a human society? At all?

No; certainly not in the way you're suggesting...

And then you say it makes ordering ravioli in Rome easier? If you are motivated in learning Italian well and fluently just so you can order all that delicious Italian food in Italy? That doesn't say anything about Italian society and the Italian language?

It means I want to be able to order the ravioli when my server doesn't speak English. It doesn't say anything about Italian society or the language, other than it would be easier for me to order ravioli in Rome if more servers spoke English.

Your predisposition to read way more into things than necessary is impressive...

Lol. Steve do you read what you write and analyze it for content before you hit 'send'?

Do you overanalyze every single little thing to the point of absurdity?

Well, if you speak fluent Spanish do you enjoy speaking it? Yes or no? I have found that the vast majority of people who learn speaking a foreign language after they gain fluency? Enjoy speaking it. Every day. It motivates them.

Do I enjoy speaking Spanish and Italian? No, I don't. Do I enjoy being able to speak Spanish and Italian? Yes, I do.

I'm holding out exactly no hope that you'll decipher the difference, though...

Most of the opinion poll voters think it does change their attitudes. A vast majority agree that it does.

So what?

[Red Rackham]

I understand what you are saying. I think in most high schools and in almost all four year and graduate school universities foreign language study is a basic requirement of studies. It is just an integral part of being an educated person in many many nations.

Are you saying you did not really learn fluent German then?

I think those young Germans were intelligent. Practice with a native speaker when you get a chance. I would recommend that to anyone. Sit down with a native speaker. Right away and get some conversations going.

If English wasn't my first language I'd certainly want to learn it that's for sure. As you say, English is taught and spoken as a second language in many countries.

No, I didn't speak fluent German and I struggled to read it. I could easilly cope with a conversation in a pub or schnelly but may have hesitated to give a public address lol. I had a German girlfriend who was from the south and always insisted on me speaking English to her, and was quite insistent that I corrected her when she got phrases & pronunciations wrong. Looking back I think she was only after me for my language lol.

In Saudi the police introduced us to a clever Pakistani chap. It's a bit of a tale, but I'll try to cut a long story short... Me & a mate were driving south and realised we were lost. We saw a police car on the hard shoulder and pulled up behind it to ask directions, we assumed arrogantly perhaps, that the police would understand English. On that point we were disappointed. On seeing the language difficulty the policeman's reaction was nothing if not incredible. He got out of his patrol car and walked into the middle lane of a three lane motorway and held up his hand in the classic 'stop'. All three lanes of traffic immediately came to a standstill. Me & my mate wondered what the hell he was doing. The policeman then started walking from car to car briefly speaking with each driver then waving them on, then after a minute or so he spoke to a driver and ordered him to the hard shoulder. The policeman marched this chap to us and beckoned us to speak, we then understood. This chap the policeman had stopped was a Pakistani who obviously spoke Urdu, but also Arabic and English. He gave us directions, we thanked him and the police, and went on our way. We were impressed with his language skills, until we discovered he had sent us to the wrong docks!