Susan Schaller’s claim that we view
items and concepts differently as we put a name to them is 100% accurate.
Looking at the list of 20 untranslatable words I never
realized just how lacking the English language is at providing words for
emotions that we experience daily. After looking through the list and reading
the definitions I can honestly say that having a word for then does change them
for me. It does not change the feelings behind the word, but having a word to
put with the feelings almost makes the emotion more concrete.
A
few of the words that changed for me were “Mamihlapinatapei” “Wabi-Sabi” and
“hyggelig”. Starting with “Mamihlapinatapei”, which is translated as The wordless, yet meaningful look shared by two people
who both desire to initiate something but are both reluctant to start”, there
is not one person that can say they have never been in this situation, but
having an actual word (although very unpronounceable) makes it more real, for
me it makes me believe that the “look” is a real thing, not just a possibility.
The Japanese word “Wabi-Sabi” takes every principle of life I believe in and
puts in into a word: “a way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the
imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and
decay.” It’s so simply put, the rhyme of the words paralleling the simplistic
essence of its definition. And finally, “hyggelig” a Danish word meaning “Its
“literal” translation into English gives connotations of a warm, friendly, cozy
demeanor, but it’s unlikely that these words truly capture the essence of a hyggelig;
it is something that must be experienced to be known.” As soon as I read the definition of this word
the first thing I thought of was Christmas and the feeling of being in such a
warm, loving place that you are perfectly content.
As previously stated, as I read through the list, it made the
feelings and emotions that I previously had no way to label, so much more concrete. I never
realized just how much being able to put a word to something could change it
for you, but it does. I’m not sure why it changes, but I know it does!
I see the point you are trying to make and although you make good points I somewhat disagree with the statement that discovering the name of an object/idea changes the feeling of it. I don't think that the English language is "lacking" words for emotions we experience because there are many words to describe and label certain emotions, and if some words do not adequately illustrate the meaning to a particular word we have the ability to combine words to describe our emotions. However I don't even think such emotions require a name.
ReplyDeleteOne reason being: maybe these emotions are not meant to be labeled with words, putting a name to something makes the emotion "concrete" as you stated, but does the emotion need to be concrete? I feel that connecting emotions to names is fine but to an extent. Sure we can link the word "happy" to the feeling of content, but what about the feelings/emotions that cannot be described?
Another reason being these feelings/emotions that cannot be described should be savored. I feel that, not all emotions should be concrete nor specifically define. Some emotions should be abstract and intangible because this way, the emotions are raw and untainted by humans assigning labels to the indefinite. Naming emotions and feelings does make it easier for us to describe such feelings to other people, but it's remarkable that we could possess emotions that are indescribable.
In conclusion, I do understand the concept of your argument and believe you make valid points about the "20 untranslatable words" but I am still under the impression that some words are better left vaguely described or not described at all.