On the politics of language, and happiness
I was talking to Sharareh didi (Sharareh is my supervisor here at Srijanalaya, and didi is the Nepali term for sister, used liberally to refer to other women of roughly the same generation as oneself), and, anyway, we were talking about a whole host of things, including issues with elite education, education politics in Nepal (and around the world), and the politics of language. In Nepal, most people are multilingual. In the Kathmandu region, for example, Nepali, English, Maithali, Hindi, and Newari are commonly spoken and understood. According to the census, however, there are more than a 100 Nepalese languages. And that for a small country with a population of nearly 30 million.
Many of these native languages, says Sharareh, are slowly disappearing from the younger generations, as they are not taught properly, neither at home nor in school, and they are easily forgotten in the age of globalization and the rise of English. In fact, Nepali and English are usually the two main languages taught in schools (especially here in the capital). Moreover, schools such as the one that I am working with start teaching English right away, not wanting to waste any time. What consequences might that have on the students' mother languages, which they wouldn't have had the chance to master yet, either?
English is the new sexy. It bears political power, and it is is regarded as a language of the elites (probably a consequence of globalization, and, in particular, America's economic success in the 20th century). Although it might make communicating between people of different origins easier, is it worth sacrificing local languages and culture for?
Speaking of America, I think we are too quick to jump on the "dream" boat. People used to follow the "American dream," the idea that if you only got there, you could get rich, quick. Although there is no dearth of elites in America, I think it is equally important (if not more important) to remember that more money cannot solve all of one's problems. To a certain extent, today's economy does require money to provide necessities. But then, beyond those necessities it is becoming increasingly clear that money does not - and can not - buy happiness. If anything, it has only succeeded in creating more problems in this great big world.
Money allows people to fuel their consumerist desires, and the more money one has, the more one spends on superficial and unnecessary items. I know, I'm saying this as someone who has the luxury of usually having enough money to get something when I need it. But perhaps it is because of this lack of worry that I have the clear-headedness to take a step back and see the consequences of humanity's actions.
For example, there is plastic everywhere. The oceans are polluted, and whales are washing up on shore with 80 plastic bags in their stomachs. It is no longer a shock to see photos of bird stomachs cut open with bits and pieces of plastic to the brim. The Great Pacific garbage patch is growing in size as more debris ends up in the oceans. And what do we do? We buy more things. Things that are delivered in plastic wrapping. Things that are furthermore encased in plastic. Things that are made of plastic. For something that has not been around for that long, it certainly has made its mark...
But I'm getting off topic, even though I could spend so much longer talking about this. The point I was trying to make was that money is not what makes one successful. Sure, modern society may give the impression that people who work on Wall Street are wealthy and hence successful, but at what costs? They're probably not happy. I've finally finished reading The Book of Joy, a collaboration between the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. Even just reading it was an emotional roller coaster in which these two great world leaders discussed what makes us happy, that is, truly happy, and what doesn't. I can't recommend the book enough (thank you Robin for the book, and thanks Jo for reminding me of its power and giving me the inspiration to finish it!).
So, if the American dream is making loads of money, and if you need English to get there, maybe, just maybe, think again.
Many of these native languages, says Sharareh, are slowly disappearing from the younger generations, as they are not taught properly, neither at home nor in school, and they are easily forgotten in the age of globalization and the rise of English. In fact, Nepali and English are usually the two main languages taught in schools (especially here in the capital). Moreover, schools such as the one that I am working with start teaching English right away, not wanting to waste any time. What consequences might that have on the students' mother languages, which they wouldn't have had the chance to master yet, either?
English is the new sexy. It bears political power, and it is is regarded as a language of the elites (probably a consequence of globalization, and, in particular, America's economic success in the 20th century). Although it might make communicating between people of different origins easier, is it worth sacrificing local languages and culture for?
Speaking of America, I think we are too quick to jump on the "dream" boat. People used to follow the "American dream," the idea that if you only got there, you could get rich, quick. Although there is no dearth of elites in America, I think it is equally important (if not more important) to remember that more money cannot solve all of one's problems. To a certain extent, today's economy does require money to provide necessities. But then, beyond those necessities it is becoming increasingly clear that money does not - and can not - buy happiness. If anything, it has only succeeded in creating more problems in this great big world.
Money allows people to fuel their consumerist desires, and the more money one has, the more one spends on superficial and unnecessary items. I know, I'm saying this as someone who has the luxury of usually having enough money to get something when I need it. But perhaps it is because of this lack of worry that I have the clear-headedness to take a step back and see the consequences of humanity's actions.
For example, there is plastic everywhere. The oceans are polluted, and whales are washing up on shore with 80 plastic bags in their stomachs. It is no longer a shock to see photos of bird stomachs cut open with bits and pieces of plastic to the brim. The Great Pacific garbage patch is growing in size as more debris ends up in the oceans. And what do we do? We buy more things. Things that are delivered in plastic wrapping. Things that are furthermore encased in plastic. Things that are made of plastic. For something that has not been around for that long, it certainly has made its mark...
But I'm getting off topic, even though I could spend so much longer talking about this. The point I was trying to make was that money is not what makes one successful. Sure, modern society may give the impression that people who work on Wall Street are wealthy and hence successful, but at what costs? They're probably not happy. I've finally finished reading The Book of Joy, a collaboration between the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams. Even just reading it was an emotional roller coaster in which these two great world leaders discussed what makes us happy, that is, truly happy, and what doesn't. I can't recommend the book enough (thank you Robin for the book, and thanks Jo for reminding me of its power and giving me the inspiration to finish it!).
So, if the American dream is making loads of money, and if you need English to get there, maybe, just maybe, think again.
Ha, I'm reading the book too at this moment, bought it a few years ago for Dad, as it was just laying around here I finally started it last week. Great read so far!!!
ReplyDeleteNo, money and success does not make one happy, we just had in the news Kate Spade her suicide the other day, beautiful successful 55 yr old lady, plagued with terrible depression, bad enough to take her own life and leaving behind her beloved 13 yr old daughter.
On the English, we noticed that even in the remotest of remote villages we past through, the younger generation was eager to learn the language, knowing and understanding the basics already, they realize it's their entry into the outside world of their village. Everyone always seemed happy and peaceful, no aggression whatsoever did we ever notice, not even in the chaotic city Kathmandu. Our infiltration is bringing lots of good things but with it lots of bad things too. In ten years the country won't be the same anymore, hopefully for the better, we don't know, sure is that we need evolution, it's part of our humanity. Sadly with the loss of some valuable heritage and culture. I'm very happy I still could experience some old untouched culture in the restricted area of Upper Mustang. Glad it's permit only, at least there is some kind of control here. But then they are at this very moment building a highway between Tibet and India for motorized vehicles, we ran along it for a bit, it will replace the century old trading dirt paths. This will have a huge impact when finished!
Well, you veered into several topics there- all of them worthwhile, and interests of mine, but I will stick to the language topic. Language plays an important part of how our brains work and how we view the world. The neurology of it is expanding and interesting, and I cannot speak knowledgeably about it. Knowing multiple languages is very good for the growth of our brains and for understanding others. One of the challenges we see here is that if the primary language isn't set before a secondary language is introduced, or if neither language is developed fully, a person will have a disorder that impacts their ability to communicate effectively at all. I believe it's very beneficial to know more than one language. The "American Dream" has always been romanticized, and doesn't exist for everyone here. Knowing English might help someone achieve more, but it's certainly not a guarantee. And it would be interesting to learn what it is about the native culture that young people are trying to step away from, rather than solidifying it as their base, and building on it. But, then, that has been the question for the ages, yes? The hero's journey to find one's self.
ReplyDelete@Anonymous, thanks for your thoughtful response! I apologize for veering into so many different topics in a small amount of space, but sometimes the mind takes one in unplanned directions! I am also not well-versed enough in neurology to speak to how language effects the brain, but you bring up an important point when you say, "that if the primary language isn't set before a secondary language is introduced, or if neither language is developed fully, a person will have a disorder that impacts their ability to communicate effectively at all." I have actually seen this happen with a member of my family when we moved to the US from Belgium, so I do think it's important for brain development to have a certain mastery of a language before learning another (at least after a certain age, it might be different for really young kids, who seem to be able to learn and master 2 or 3 languages at the same time). I think it's more important to be able to understand and communicate in one language than to have a mediocre comprehension of two or more languages. And yes, knowing multiple languages can be really useful, but we have to remember that words are not always the most important element of interpersonal communication!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. I am on my 2nd read through the book.
ReplyDeleteYou might check out the PBS documentary Language Matters with Bob Holman. It talks about what is lost and how to preserve languages. Really interesting stuff for quazi-elites like me. I don't mean to dismiss my privilege; being able to discuss and consider such factors is a sign of privilege.
Maybe learning to accept our privileges is part of a true education. So too is recognizing fellow humanity, appreciating differences, and acknowledging which forces we can and cannot control. Acceptance is my #oneword2018 and I see my need for it in every part of my life.
You bring up a few more important points, not the least of which is in regards to our privilege. It is indeed a sign of privilege to be able to talk about these kinds of things over which many people lack the same kind of control that we are afforded, and I think it's important to be able to recognize that. Even though privilege is often abused in order to take advantage of other people, it can also be used in a more positive way, such as Bob Holman creating Language Matters in order to make visible people and cultures that are often ignored and overlooked. Traveling seems really connected to this in many ways, because every time I go away from home I learn so much more than I've ever learned at school (but the state of our education system is another conversation entirely!). In any case, I really appreciate your feedback and for following along :)
DeleteI didn't realize my comment was signed "unknown"... it's me, Robin. :)
ReplyDelete