Language and National Identity

[Aphex_Twin]

How much is language part of that "stuff" that defines a people?

I'm asking this because there are peoples out there who have abandoned their traditional language, but still have a strong feeling of belonging together (i.e. Scotland).

 

[Wolfe Tone]

The Irish language has been all but wiped out over the years, but there is still a strong culture here I believe.

 

[thestonesfan]

We should all have one language.

As long as it's English.

 

[stormbind]

I don't think language makes much difference to culture.

It may affect psyche though. It has been said the Swedish are cold (as in heartless) and they have a primitive language not unlike that of the Vikings.

German is certainly not the "language of love" and the people are very technical and perfectionist.

In contrast, the French are said to be very romantic (more like mushy than romantic imho) and they have a slurry language.

So maybe our vocabulary or grammar affects our behaviour?

 

[Simon Darkshade]

Language plays a big part.
Look at the tragic extinction of the Esperanto people.

 

[thestonesfan]

What language can you sing rock and roll with?

English!

 

[Aphex_Twin]

Sounds much better in French

 

[Lifeblood]

Very important to the finnish people at least. I'm bi-lingual so I could care less. You can sing rock n roll in swedish too btw.

 

[Ville]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
We should all have one language.

As long as it's English.

I agree that

 

[funxus]

I think it plays quite a big roll, but I don't really need to speak Swedish to feel it (in fact I probably feel more Swedish when using other languages...).

Everybody should learn English though.

 

[Pongui]

Language is the chief medium of culture. I wouldn't say it dictates how people think and feel on the individual level though; it's no medium of private sentiment. So we may see a people outwardly embodying the flavour of their language/culture, while actually combating it in their inner selves.

 

[John Bull]

Just out of curiosity, what language do bilingual people think in? And what about those who don't have language?

 

[Pongui]

Originally posted by John Bull
Just out of curiosity, what language do bilingual people think in? And what about those who don't have language?

Both, but not pureed together. One language might be used for math, for example.

 

[John Bull]

Wow. Isn't that kind of scary to begin with?

 

[Stapel]

Originally posted by thestonesfan
What language can you sing rock and roll with?

English!

Actually, Rock'n Roll sounds pretty good in eastern Dutch dialect.

 

[Stapel]

The importance of a national language....

Ever heared of Belgium? That simply shows there is no answer to this question, I guess.

 

[John Bull]

Well no because it's primarily French in the south and Flemish in the North, and that's what causes the tension between north and south.

 

[a space oddity]

Originally posted by John Bull
Just out of curiosity, what language do bilingual people think in? And what about those who don't have language?

I'm not bilingual, but when I'm around here I think in English, while my mothertongue is Dutch.

 

[Lifeblood]

Originally posted by John Bull
Just out of curiosity, what language do bilingual people think in? And what about those who don't have language?

I think in english only. I swear in finnish and english equally. I mainly speak swedish if I can because finnish is such a longwinded language. Some people don't speak ANY swedish so I have to go finnish in order for their brains to comprehend the message I'm trying to convey to them.

 

[Stapel]

Originally posted by John Bull
Well no because it's primarily French in the south and Flemish in the North, and that's what causes the tension between north and south.

But that is not the only thing. Flemmish is Dutch. It is not a different language. Yet the Flemmish did favour succession from the Netherlands.