Etymology, Language, and Perception

Etymology: noun

etymology (noun) · etymologies (plural noun)
The study of the origin of words and how their meanings have changed throughout history:
E.g., the term “checkmate” is said to have derived from the Persian phrase “shāh māt”; the translation of this expression has caused much debate. Originally, the phrase was simply understood as “the king died.”
E.g., the word “nightmare” combines “night” with “mare,” an Old English term that described a goblin or spirit believed to sit on people’s chests while they slept, causing bad dreams.

There is a theory that proposes that the way we use language and the language we speak influence our reality.
For instance, some languages have a wide variety of expressions regarding the cerebral context, “logical and practical,” whereas others use more lyrical and emotionally charged vocabulary.
This theory is called "linguistic relativity.”

How does linguistic relativity shape our reality and perception?
Take, for example, an Italian native speaker and an English speaker. Naturally, the Italian would lean more into passion, romance, and expressive gestures. Italian is not only lyrically beautiful, but it is also laced with emotional charge; phrases, e.g., "ti amo" (I love you) and "sei la mia anima gemella" (you are my soulmate), sound almost like poetry.
Notably, Italians are not conservative when expressing their feelings, nor do they find it awkward or uncomfortable to be affectionate linguistically and socially.

There is a clear contrast here compared to English, where politeness is socially required; however, real romantic and raw, unfiltered emotions are not very common. They can make someone feel awkward, overwhelmed, or confused. Linguistically, such expressions are used sparingly.

Some argue that the warmer the climate, the softer the heart and, therefore, the language and its people. Well, I digress….

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The Shifts of Identity in Bilingual and Multilingual Individuals

I can testify to this myself; the shift in identity is not like tapping into multiple selves but more like having access to multiple rooms that already exist within you. The language you use holds the key.
Just as we stated above, some languages naturally enable the speaker to tap into different vocabulary pools; therefore, different aspects are expressed and used. You can see that clearly in interviews with celebrities, etc.; their whole personality might shift, jumping from one language to another. Some languages rely on idioms and metaphors; therefore, the shift might render the speaker's expression dull.
Ever thought, “I’m so much funnier in my native language”? This ties it back to the linguistic pool, the vocabulary, the etymology, and the idioms and metaphors that might be lost in translation.

It is unfortunate to be unable to learn all the words, speak all the expressions, and experience all the feelings each unique language carries; all I can say is c'est la vie.

All the love,

Aquatic relic 

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