In light of what you have read and in light of what you know and experience, write one paragraph in which you explain what for you is the value of language.
In your opinion, is marriage a failed institution?
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Welcome Note
Welcome English 203! We will be blogging on this blog. I hope you enjoy this experience and sharing your ideas. This should be fun and not a chore so please enjoy the writing. I will occasionally give feedback to different people but please don't expect feedback every time. You are, however, required to give each other feedback and to talk about what we are discussing. The links to your classmates' blogs will be posted below as I receive the links. Blog Away! Zane Sinno Name Link to blog Section 42 Soheila Shourbaji https://soheilas.blogspot.com/ Mazen Abou Chaar https://mazenabouchaar.blogspot.com/ Tatiana Baloukji https://tatianasblog986.wordpress.com/ Reem Abou Diwan https://reemaboudiwan.wordpress.com Jenna Arbid https://jenna203.blogspot.com/ Elissa Jaroudi http://alyssajaroudi.blogspot.com/2017/11/academic-english.html?m=1 Joud Abou ...
Language is the framework of thought. Without it, there wouldn't be any trace of civilaization. Other than that, language is the channel through which culture expresses itself and flourishes. Many grammatical rules and idiomatic phrases are culturally loaded. To me, learning a foreign language gave me beautiful ways of self-expression and perception as if a new "self" was born everytime I learned a new way of saying anything. It also improved my self-confidence greatly because I mostly learn by talking and that pushed me outside my comfort zone. Whenever you find yourself bored, learn a new language!
ReplyDeleteIt's not just that language shapes the way we think! We sometimes choose to talk about a certain topic in a certain language because it has more accurate terminology to describe the topic and that's why we tend to switch languages while we're speaking. Language is the vessel of thought.
DeleteLanguage helps us translate our ideas into words. So, it is significant because without it, nobody would understand our thoughts and emotions. Language is a way (if not the only one) to liberate ourselves from the constraints caused by life, since expressing our problems with words makes the world aware of them; this is an effective way to free us from our sufferings.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying. However, speech is not the only way to say what you have in mind. In fact, artistic activities such as painting and drawing, are also a means of expression and communication since a person's painting reflects their emotions and thoughts. Paintings and pictures are as deliberative as speech and in some cases can express more than what words are capable of delivering.
DeleteAmong the many important elements related to Language, some are quite obvious. Language can be considered as one of the most important and widely-used means of communication, acquired in us at a very young age, enabling us to interact efficiently with each others, mainly via speaking and writing.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the significance of language seems to be wider than this. Languages, whether young or old, very spoken or less spoken, are fundamental societal tools as they can be seen as "coherent entities" that unify individuals, and add a sense of belonging and "connection" in people. Furthermore, they can be viewed as a source of diversity, mainly through the presence of second languages (McWhorter, 2014, para. 10).
@samirsabbah
ReplyDeleteAs we all know language is a necessity for any human on the world in order to communicate between people.but the real talk is what is language really used for and how what is effect on the difference between different languages.for example knowing a language doesn't imply that you only know the words and their meaning. You need to learn the grammar as well which differs between different cultures. One way to put that is by an example from russia. In russia for example there isn't simply a word that defines blue but there is two words for blue.
Since the begining of Humanity humans were in need of exchanging infos therefore they created signs. These signs have neen developped in orfer to become languages today. Languages hence are not only a way of translating the message, but also a reflect of each single population’s way of thinking since they share the same language. Furthermore, it goes without saying that each single individual has a different form of expressing his thoughts but what actually gather up a group of people is the same way of thinkkng of understanding things and analysing them. Practically, I’d seperate populations by languages rather than by a countries borders.
ReplyDeleteLanguage is the verbal reflection of the intricate mental processes in our brain. Language is universal: every culture and country is characterised by its language. Language is infinite: the morphemes of any language can be combined into infinite meaningful expressions. Language is the explicit words and the implicit meaning behind them. Language is the only common ground between our mental process and behaviour as we use it to perform both internal thinking and external communication. Language is the only link between our brain and the brains of other people. It is so diverse within our species yet so unique to it. It allows us to excel as biological organisms.
ReplyDeleteJenna Arbid
ReplyDeleteLanguage has the power of connecting people in times of need. Written work of both similar opinions and opposing view points bring people together especially today through media. An example of this is through international news. People are able to read or hear what is going on across the global. As a result, people are more connected and aware to one another allowing for charity events and fun raisers. In addition, in connection to the text, the Arab Spring was able to occur rapidly through the Middle East due media. Reading and hearing stories of other Arab nations brought forth a want of change in the government of their own countries therefore.
Mostafa Itani
ReplyDeleteLanguage is an important factor for communication, but if you critically analyze it, its the factor of change that can give power to people with no voice. Language is a weapon that can lead to peace in a peacful way. Language has the power to influence millions of people and give an impact that can change their views, and that is true power that is used by leaders.
Language is considered to be the key tool to communication globally by everyone. It is the foundation of ever society where it acts as a distinguisher that identifies each culture. However, language is much deeper than that. It is a source of discrimination and racism in the minds of deviators where sometimes it is used as a standard in setting the social position of someone in certain communities. It creates an abundance of privileges and drawbacks depending on the setting and the surroundings. Also, through language, it has a sheer purpose of connection of similar people and groups where it makes them identifiable, people are perceived by the language they use meaning that a person is fully described from head to toe and inside out just by the language used since it reflects a much deeper sense of culture and most importantly, the solidarity of a certain group.
ReplyDeleteAya: The language a person speaks in, usually defines his or her character and personality, as languages differ between countries, and it usually marks a change in people’s perspective on life, and how they perceive things. As read in the text, “Why Save A Language?”, languages affect people in much more than communication, as it changes their daily life, and their vantage point on life. Each culture, and each country, has its own language, which helps diversify the world, and change the way people act within diverse communities.
ReplyDeletelaguage is a way of communicating with people all aroud the globe. It helps people to express themselves and it mostly reflects their personality and their way of thinking , their type of environment. language differs between cultures and entourage.
ReplyDeleteMaria abou chebel
Language is the key means of negotiation which has always been used throughout the history of mankind to come to agreements that satisfy both parties and settle any conflict, no matter how serious. Moreover, it is the ideal way of making use of the gift of speech that our Lord has given us.What good with the ability to speak be if we couldn't use it constructively. Furthermore, it gives humans a chance to enjoy themselves through reading literature and fine poetry.@Amir El Jurdi
ReplyDeleteJonathan Tayah: On a personal note, I think that the value of language is in the knowledge it brings. From historical background to an insight of the culture that the language originates from, the value of language is in the information it provides. In terms of culture, language is the base of a culture since the people in the culture cannot communicate and share ideas and thus a culture won’t thrive. Without a language, members of the culture might not feel linked to the community. It also provides a sense of belonging; an identity, since you belong to the community of the language you speak.
ReplyDeleteWithout language, it would be very difficult for us to express our feelings. It is a way for us to express our emotions, and the way we are feeling.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, language can be used to influence others. Words can be very powerful and they can cause a remarkable change in a person, be it positive or negative. Words and language have the power to make someone feel better, give them a motivation, just like they can have the power to damage a person.
Language is the primary means of communications, it helps people express themselves and in the case of Jamal el Jurdi it is a means for empowerment. Unable to defend himself against bullies at a very young age because he was not very fluent at Arabic he became the subject of discrimination. However, after learning the language he fell in love with it and found himself attached to it because it gave him a way through the many words and many meanings to express himself and finally excel at something. And so, language is many things but first it is a means to express ones feelings and thoughts through a very complex system that conveys different meanings to different words.
ReplyDeletekarim al sayed
ReplyDeletelanguage by definition is an irrefutable mean of communication that connects society as a whole and gives it a unique identity. however, language has potential to cross the constraints of that definition. language ha the potential to inspire a revolution and turn a person's life around but it also can be the spark that lights up an entire war. this power is actually one that can drive an entire life where one uses language as means of self expression or a refute from the struggles of life in which case language becomes a gateway to creativity and unexpected results.
Language is a means of understanding and negotiating with each other. It mainly helps us go into the deep meaning of culture and tradition in which each area or group of people have their own language that distinguishes them from others. It gives them the state of individuality ( as one whole unifed unit ) and provides them with the sense of connectivity and unity. Moreover, language helps people in expressing emotions and thoughts they would like to share with people and strengthen bonds between them.
ReplyDeleteSally Abou Fakher
Personally, i believe language shows culture and knowledge. Culture and knowledge shows identity. One may use language to both send a message or thoughts and to pass down knowledge. When one doesn't acquire language, power is lost.
ReplyDeleteHanin:Our emotions and needs were been described by moevments and signs until the language appeared and helped us communicate and convey what we feel in a much easier way,however this is no more the only purpose of language that has divided into many various kinds.Its diversity made each language a unique window on the world and describes a special way of thinking .Languages nowadays can present cultures and traditions.
ReplyDeleteLanguage help us to express our ideas, thoughts & needs.... Although it differs from one place to place, it still has the same importance. It is an element of nationalism, where every region has it's specific language reflecting some historical events such as colonialism. Besides, it's very helpful for those who are in love with reading...
ReplyDeleteElias El Tayar
ReplyDeleteLanguage is one of the most crucial necessarities in our world. To start with, it is one main aspect of culture. One of the main specialties of each culture is its language and how it is employed in the expression of it. Moreover, language is a means to express what goes on in the mind and the heart. In fact, it can be so influential to the extent that it affects others. Moreover, learning different languages provides a key to indulging in other cultures and being more open and knowledgable. Another importance is portrayed in the text, where language was a means to escape the dire treatment of society and express the true self of the writer. Personally, being an arab is a pride when it comes to language because it's considered the second toughest language in the word after Chinese; thus, being an expert in it makes me feel proud.
Nadim : In my opinion, language is special for different reasons depending on each one of us, in a way it defines who we are, our personality, It affects our thoughts, it impacts our experience, perception and point of view of the world. For example did you know that in Russian there is no word for the color " Blue " you actually must define if it is a light or dark blue, therefore i was scientifically proven that people who speak Russian realize and pay attention a lot more to the shades of color then people who do not speak Russian. These kind of differences might not be very important to us but they prove that languages can define, personify and alter many things especially the way one thinks and sees the world.
ReplyDeleteWassim ezzeddine : a person's words and language are what defines him in life. Language is a powerful tool that promotes a person to the highest level when used right, or diminishes his chances of reaching anywhere when used wrong. How a person exhibits his ideas using his words can change his life. just look at president of france Emanuel Macron, he was able to make a revolution in french politics throwing classical political parties out of authority in the most democratic way using the power of language. Language affects everything in one's life from relationships to work place to politics.
ReplyDeleteMohammad : Since day 1 and humans were seeking to find a way to communicate with others to express their emotion , needs , and situation . People tried to solve that by drawing but it was time consuming and hard . people therefore started using there voices and associated each voice with a letter and since then language arose . People started using language to express their feelings mainly through poems . In addition to that language had a vital role in linking cultures together where people used their language to transmit their knowledge and experience to other nations and in the framework of that we witnessed that the field of translation had a positive ramification to interconnect knowledge throughout the world and cause advancement . Language on the other hand can define a whole culture where if you speak Arabic or English you would be perceived in a different ways . One last thing to mention is that language also is a tool to express love and appreciation to others which would build tight relationships .
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ReplyDeleteLanguage is the most important way to communicate. It beats non verbal and writing communication since language is much more straight forward. All people around the world can express themselves in a way that makes life easier. When many languages are taught, one's general knowledge expands and his way of thinking changes into the better. It gives power to us humans and increasing it results in higher potential. Although we are strongly depedant to language, it is the major tool that gets us where we are right now, a generation full of advanced tech and skills.
ReplyDeleteRindala Fayyad: In my opinion, language characterizes a person and is particularly linked to the person's personality and way of thinking. Since every language carries a certain amount of knowledge that no one or anything else carries, a person speaking a certain language knows more/less than others. I also believe that language is gold since it carries more than just basic knowledge but also medical, ecological, spiritual secrets. Every language has an artistic and mythological history which makes the language so precious and makes the disappearing of the language a tragedy.
ReplyDeleteMohsen El Husseini: Language is the foundation of every culture, it is a way of communication using word meanings and symbol to transport an idea. Language can form your identity, if you don’t know a language it reflects on your personality and your knowledge which is the criteria that people judge the person through
ReplyDeleteNagham Assaf: Language is a vital means of communication and negotiation. It contributes to relationships between people, it gives them the opportunity to talk to each other as well as understand each other. Language helps people express their ideas and emotions, it curves the way for innovation and progress. Furthermore, it forms the identity of a group of people. It gives them a home and fills them with a sense of belonging.
ReplyDeleteLanguage is a verbal way of communicating with other people. Language is a a string weapon needed in life so the individual can succeed in life.By knowing many languages, the individual will improve his knowledge, will understand more other cultures and will know more about them.So language id the main key of understanding and peace in the world.
ReplyDeleteIn Scandinavian countries, there are more than 50 words that describe snow. In Lebanon, less than five. Why? Because the Scandinavians see snow much more than the Lebanese, so they pay attention to the difference between every flake and the other. When a friend of mine went to the UK in the winter, she saw frost and said “Oh! Snow!”, and a local replied “NO! It’s frost!”. I’ve seen something similar to this on social media; a picture of a flower saying men see it red and women bordeaux… Language is such an amazing indicator of the differences between people!
ReplyDeleteP.S.: I'm sorry for posting it late. I had posted it during the session, but on my own blog. :)
I love the examples you used! It is also the case with synonyms : many words to say the same thing!
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ReplyDeleteLanguage is a form of genius that goes beyond both art and science, it is the most powerful weapon we have in the world. Language has driven countries into war, it has started and ended lives, and it has brought about new civilizations and ended them. Language was created to translate thoughts into messages other people could understand and receive.
ReplyDeleteLanguage impacts the daily lives of members of any race, creed, and region of the world. Language helps express our feelings, desires, and queries to the world around us. Words, gestures and tone are utilized in union to portray a broad spectrum of emotion. The unique and diverse methods human beings can use to communicate through written and spoken language is a large part of what allows to harness our innate ability to form lasting bonds with one another; separating mankind from the rest of the animal kingdom.
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