by Robbie
Published on: Apr 24, 2011
Topic:
Type: Opinions

Language. The defining mark of humanity. Of cultures; races, thoughts, secrets, news, lies, truth.

Language presents itself to us as a necessity, yet at the same time language inherently sequesters and divides humanity.

Are we lost in translation? For the past decades of humanity have caused regret under the banner of language; one race believing themselves superior to another. Greater than another. Better than another.

And the cause for their hatred? Merely the simple slip of a syllable; the furtive glances of unease growing to blatant hatred all because of a feeble misunderstanding.

I think that if we wish to examine the detriment of language, we must also address its beauty - its benefit.

Since the emergence of the concept itself, language has crafted and nurtured a plethora of cultures and habits. It has preserved some of the oldest ideas and it has emboldened spirits and amalgamated nations all united under a uniform tongue.

And then of course we have to face the lone possibility that of there being a single language, spoken and known to every man and woman on the Earth.

A daring proposal, attempted numerous times, with each time the endeavor has failed.

And I think I know why.

Language is ingrained into our minds - our families, our cultures, our lives just as much as our beliefs. To lose something so intimate, so precious, in favour of clumsy clauses is almost unthinkable for some people.

Language doesn't light the flame of war and hatred, it's merely the humans who misuse it and skew and estrange it into an ugly remnant of what it should be.

It remains and it will remain, eternally, a representation of our individuality, creativity, beauty, strength of spirit, and most powerfully, a sign that we still think for ourselves as humans.

In sum, I think that the prevalence of language is a sign that we will clutch on to our most treasured concepts no matter the situation.

And that is a most beautiful thought indeed.

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