I think our beliefs absolutely influence the way we use language. Tonight I was at services at temple and we watched the movie Arranged, a film about a Muslim woman and an Orthodox Jewish woman and their similarities. In short, they were both destined for arranged marriages. Because of the different systems and the different cultures, the women were very different socially. The Muslim woman, Nasir, is more daring while the Orthodox woman, Rochel, is much quieter. Because of their different ideas and the weight they carry as the oldest females in their family, they are forced to limit the language they use and how they are viewed. Though it seems that this is unfortunate to them, all the women in their families are treated the same and the traditions are expected to be upheld for generations, as it is usually.
On another note, if someone believes something but with little passion, they are less likely to be outspoken with their ideas. It is because of the outgoing, passionate people that changes come in the form of protests and revolutions. Without differing beliefs, language might not be necessary.
Before reading this blog, I would never thought the relevance of belief and language. But it seems quite true what Shoshana posted, that people tend to speak out what they believe and are passionate about. However, religious belief plays a more important role since what people believe can restrict what they say to some extent. Disregarding religious people, language is still, as a tool, to express what people think and believe.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoshana that our beliefs influence our language. If someone feels passionate about a specific thing they are much more likely to talk about it with an expanded amount of langugage. Contrastly, things that an individual do not find particularly appealing can be much more difficult to speak about or use language of any kind in regards to.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, religion and the background of a person impacts language. Growing up in a secluded society may make it possible to learn only a select level of language and even addition language that is unique to that society.
I agree with Shoshana. From a religious stand point many people who are deeply religious try to not let emotions get the best of them when speaking, they use formal language and hardly ever swear. This does not create a free spirited form of language but it shows how ones belief could restrict the language they use.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Shoshana about people's beliefs impacting their language use. For instance, if you feel strongly about something and are trying to defend it, you'll choose more expressive, firm words, and your voice will be louder. People who are against swearing won't use certain words. If you are taught to act a certain way, it will carry over into your language use, like the women in the movie Shoshana watched.
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