I love learning languages because it constantly reassures me how similar we all are regardless of superficial differences
One of the many things I find fascinating about learning about different languages is how differently people can think about certain things. You add water to vodka in English? You water it down (since you’re decreasing the concentration, right?). Same thing in my language? You water it up (since you’re increasing the volume, right?). Most of the adjectives after nouns in Spanish. Entire structures that you would expect at the beginning of a sentence in English being pushed to the end in German. SVO/VSO differences. Different or similar idioms, phrases for the same thing. Two birds with one stone? Two birds with one throw? Two flies with one slap? Two pigeons with one bean? I’m boring already and I can’t even stop.
I completely agree, I love the different comprehension and expression of an identical concept, it’s part of why I never get bored traveling or learning languages. It extends to actions and behaviors too, like using chopsticks instead of forks because “of course you would, they’re the primary eating utensil.” Keeps my mind broad to remember that everyone around me is sure the world looks a certain way and they’re all seeing different things.
One of the many things I find fascinating about learning about different languages is how differently people can think about certain things. You add water to vodka in English? You water it down (since you’re decreasing the concentration, right?). Same thing in my language? You water it up (since you’re increasing the volume, right?). Most of the adjectives after nouns in Spanish. Entire structures that you would expect at the beginning of a sentence in English being pushed to the end in German. SVO/VSO differences. Different or similar idioms, phrases for the same thing. Two birds with one stone? Two birds with one throw? Two flies with one slap? Two pigeons with one bean? I’m boring already and I can’t even stop.
I completely agree, I love the different comprehension and expression of an identical concept, it’s part of why I never get bored traveling or learning languages. It extends to actions and behaviors too, like using chopsticks instead of forks because “of course you would, they’re the primary eating utensil.” Keeps my mind broad to remember that everyone around me is sure the world looks a certain way and they’re all seeing different things.