What does language variation do to - and for - us? Are we to understand the division of language in the story of the Tower of Babel as a form of punishment? A challenge? Or something more positive?
Language variation creates a barrier of communication among people, but it also brings multiple cultures to human civilization, and therefore enables a rich and varied world. As the story of the Tower of Babel says, the Lord scattering people abroad upon the earth and confounding their languages, it can be a punishment in a short term but more of a great benefit in a long term. Perhaps it was the Lord who envisioned the future evolution of human civilization, and he was the only one to see the ultimate consequence of doing so. Due to a life with each other for a long time, people couldn't bear separation considered it to be a harsh punishment. However, the desire of communication and understanding was just exactly the impetus for learning another language and culture other than one's own. And eventually, people would face the challenge and overcome the obstacles to reunite with their "old friends" again. This happy ending might take a long journey, yet the Lord did not wish to see people be successful easily--to build a tower reaching the heaven, so he made people finish the formidable task, taught people to grow stronger through life, and wanted them to realize that in spite of division, reunion is still possible through hard work and unrelenting striving.In this way, the Lord's decision was more positive than negative.
I am now writing this for the second time. I can definately say that I hate technology right now. I think that language variation can be very good and very bad. One of the things that language variation does is make the world more interesting. Instead of a boring old world where everyone speaks the exact same way, we haave variation and differences. This can really enrich our lives. It also provides a way for that special connecton to be made when two people find out they speak the same language. This would not happen if everyone speaks the same language. However, it can also create a language barrier that works to seperate us. This seperation can create misunderstandings, which ends up causing war. There would probably be a lot less war if we all spoke a common language. I believe the story should provoke us to work together to become great. In the story, the Lord was afraid that if everyone was united and spoke the same language, we would be able to accomplish anything. I believe that we as humans should work as hard as we can to unite. If we do, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. We must not let our differences create barriers that we cannot overcome.
Language variation does multiple things for us, the human race. Language variation has positive and negative aspects to it. The positives can be seen in the many cultures that are present today and how much pride individuals have in their culture(s). Their identity is shaped by this culture also. Plus, a person can gain different viewpoints of events in history based on how different cultures and languages define said event. Negatives to language variation can be somewhat obvious. The variation of language hinders communication, which is negative, yet also can be positive because it is a special attribute for those that can speak multiple languages. Another negative in language variation is what gets lost in translation. I think "Chinglish" is a very solid example of this, as things may not always translate directly and can cause confusing and mishaps, that can be traced back to language variation.As far as the Tower of Babel, I believe language variation was done as a positive thing. Above all else, I do not believe God would have done anything negative to humans, because he cares about them and wants what's best for them, even if it meant something of an obstacle was necessary short term. I do not believe this was meant as a negative thing however. Language variation instituted by God was meant to enhance humans overall. I think he wanted to challenge them to better themselves. By varying language, he created different groups according to language. This created competition amongst groups when they could not get along, which was for the betterment of humans overall. A prime example of this is the race to space. The Soviet Union and US both tried to gt to space first. This was important for humans advancement into space as technology was improved because of this historical event. Competition brings out the best in people, and I think God knew this when he varied language in humans at the Tower of Babel.
Language variation benefits and hurts the human race. Different cultures and countries have their own languages, making people more diverse. We are able to learn new languages and communicate with people from around the world. When you can speak someone's language, you are able to connect more with them. However, because language variation exists, it is difficult to communicate with people who speak languages different from yours. We have translators, but certain words lose their meaning when translated from one language to another. For example, in Spanish class, we heard about a poem that's considered romantic and beautiful in Spanish, but when translated into English, it sounds dirty. When I first read the story of the Tower of Babel, I thought language variation was God's way of preventing humans from becoming too powerful. If the people in the story hadn't been so successful, they would have been able to keep their language and remain united. However, this goes against the idea that God is the most powerful being there is, and does not have to worry about humans becoming stronger than him. Now I'm not sure if language variation was as much a punishment as it was a challenge to make people work harder.
Language variation is a communication barrier and a frustrating challenge to deal with. I believe that the story of Babel introduced as a punishment for these reasons. Many people in here are saying that the world would be boring without language variation, but I disagree. Language is not the only factor that creates diversity and different cultures. Without language diversity we would still be able to indulge ourselves in foreign cuisines, interesting art, and architecture. I believe that we would actually be able to learn more about a country's culture if we all spoke the same language. Language variation can cause many problems in miscommunication such as Jeff said with his example of "Chinglish." I know I coming off as a total hater (LAWL) but I see no positive effect from language diversity, except speaking in another language so people won't understand what you're saying.
I think in the story of the Tower of Babel that language variation comes in the form of a blessing. If everyone speaks the same language, there is no more connection to your roots than simply being able to talk. Language is a huge part of heritage; I take pride in learning Hebrew and French because I feel they are a part of who I am. If our ancestors were al of the same tongue, there would be no understanding who we really are. There's always something exotic about different languages; watching the movie The Darkest Hour this weekend made me realize I've always been interested in Russian, if not to learn the language, but just the culture, since my family has Russian origins. If each person on Earth was homogenous, it would be quite boring, but we wouldn't even know it because all we would know is similarity. So many people find their passions in other languages and cultures, such as the British man in Chinglish. If not for different languages, what would his passion have been? Language for my family is especially important; my parents know that someday the world will not use English as a business language and thus it's been critical to learn other languages - my mother speaks fluent German, my brother speaks Mandarin, I speak French and a little Hebrew, and my father knows bits and pieces of both German and French. Of course language variation can be a challenge - deciphering the Egyptian heiroglyphs was always difficult, until the Rosetta Stone was discovered. If not for that, and for language variation in such a circumstance, a huge part of history would still be missing.
Language variation does create more diversity in cultures which makes it a benefit in this story. I don't believe that the variation in language was a punishment but something created to ensure that "the Lord" still had greater power over his "children". I agree with Patrick that language variation is a challenge and that just because variation in language is lost does not mean that cultural diversity is lost as well. There are many more components to culture other than language. But I disagree when he says that there is no benefit to language diversity. Life is supposed to be a challenge. If everyone understood each other eventually we'd come to a point where nothing can ever be learned and improvement and evolution would cease. I think it feels better to strive for something and reach that goal than to continue in the same path everyday. How boring..
Language variation make people unique and make them stand stand out. Speaking a different language make it so not everyone is the same. Having so many languages does create a problem with communication. For example if 10 people who each spoke a different language and were put in a room nothing would get done because of the barrier. What is nice about having a variety of languages is different cultures and customs that goes along with each language. Variety is the spice of life so maybe having many language instead of one is better. If everyone did speak the same language then anyone can go anywhere in the world and communicate without having a fear about not being able to communicate. I think having many languages is better then though,because makes the world and people more unique then if there is only one language.
Language variation does have some good influences and bad influences for the world. I think that language variation can be a way to make people stand out. If everyone in the world spoke the same exact language the same way it would just be boring, yes it would be easier for everyone to understand one another and it could have many benefits to the whole world, to be united. But without differences we wouldn't be who we are today. I think language variation gives us different types of cultures and opens new opportunities to try something new, to become part of something different. For example, learning a new language, not only does it mean you can add learning a new language to your list but you also can learn and be apart of a new culture because it opens you to a new gate of opportunity. I think the story of the Tower of Babel should be looked at as a challenge and in a positive way. Yes, it is a challenge that we cannot all speak the same language, tough luck, but I do not think this tale should be looked at as a form of punishment. It should be looked at as if it were a gift, because if we never had a chance to face challenges in life then what are looking forward too? What would be working for? What would the point of existing be? We just live and do what?
While language variation creates a chaos among people, since language is the only way of delivering thoughts, language variation also elaborates the world. Countless languages made the world colorful and diverse. It is really unlikely to have various and different cultures if there was only one language available in the world, since people of Babel were trying to stay together. In the story of the Towel of Babel, god considered human race as threatening subject and at some point, god considered human was ridicule, because to reach the heaven without death was disobeying the logic of the world. For the early people language variation was the harshest punishment since people had no way to continue their work on building Tower of Babel; however, language variation, now, is considered as one of the greatest bequest antecedent period.
Language variation has both its pros and cons. Although, I think that scattering people was a bad idea. We can assume from biblical history that before this event, there were no assumptions of war, fights, racism or religious confrontations. It was more peaceful. We can interpret differently and say that it was a punishment/challenge or both from God to human beings. However, just imagine communicating in one language while working on an important project at school, and when suddenly something happens that all of you start talking in various different languages. Wouldn’t it be chaos? That’s how it was, so still is. Of course, we can learn many languages, but would we ever be able to communicate in foreign language as good as in our own language? Could we learn all of the existing languages in our lifetime? How fascinating it would be to visit the furthest corners of the Earth and talk with people the same one language about their culture or lifestyle. The culture/ language would differ, even if we spoke the same language, because of different climates, living conditions. I can’t blame God that he scattered people because he did not write the Bible himself. I can just assume that in some ways, religion was created to control humans in some ways. Why would Lord then admit that if men work together, there’s nothing they can’t do. Was he (or the ones who created Bible) afraid of losing the control of people? Even if my assuming is incorrect because it might make “an- ass –out- of –you-and-me” (as one of my history teachers would say), I do not believe in this villain image of God created in The Tower of Babel. I believe he’s a lot better, and that having one language would be more beneficial.
I see the benefits of language variation. As we study world literature and analyze various texts written by authors from different backrounds and culture's, it seems like a blessing to have such diversity of ideas expressed, even if they are expressed through different languages. However in the passage, the tone gives the impression that God was a little threateed by the unity and the comradery of human beings, maybe he created language variation as a warning not to try and question God by building a tower to the Heaven's. Fast forward to modern time's and the creation of biological and chemical weapon's, this question is raised with a more alarming and potent dose of reality mixed into the equation. The punishment was language barrier, the warning "don't play God." If that's the case, either we didn't listen or it didn't work.
Language variation caused nothing positive but a huge barrier among the people. It seperated people around the world and form their specialities which made them more different from others: cultures, people' emotion, and thought. Through our history regardless countries, there is a common happening: a war. Why does the war occurred? Language variation was the answer. Human is a species. We think same idea, act same as others. However, Language variation made people think that other side of people would think differently. Then, emotions that divide people into their group were formed and survival game called a war started among the separated group of people who think they are superior; Ethnocentrism is an emotion that cause many different bad effects to human causing a war
Language variation does more to cripple the human race than benefit it. Yes, if everyone spoke the same language the world would not be as interesting as it is today. But, if we did all speak the same language i believe that there would have been less war and fighting. For example, when the pilgrims first came to America to settle, the Native Americans did not get a long with them. This is because they thought the settlers were trying to invade their land and take over. This is what the settlers were trying to do, but maybe if they spoke the same language and everyone understood each other, they could have avoided fighting. In the tower of babel story i see the scattering of languages as a punishment on humans for becoming too bold and powerful. I think this story is trying to tell us that you should have faith in god but should not try to accomplish godly acts such as building a tower to the heavens. It is interesting to think about how different the world would be if everyone spoke a single language.
I think the division of language is certainly a challenge. Almost a call to action. When we were one language in the story performing great feats was easy because we could all successfully communicate with each other. When God took away that ability and scattered us he almost proposed a call to action. He gave us something to overcome and truly achieve. Instead of everything coming easy, he gave us an opportunity to come together through hardship. Coming together through hardship and no simply by gift would have a much more lying effect on humanity because it's more of an achievement when you accomplish something hard then easy. While this is a challenge and something positive there is an obvious downside. Till we can come together and understand one another despite these vast language difficulties were are going to always have the problem of miscommunication.
Language variation creates a barrier of communication among people, but it also brings multiple cultures to human civilization, and therefore enables a rich and varied world. As the story of the Tower of Babel says, the Lord scattering people abroad upon the earth and confounding their languages, it can be a punishment in a short term but more of a great benefit in a long term. Perhaps it was the Lord who envisioned the future evolution of human civilization, and he was the only one to see the ultimate consequence of doing so. Due to a life with each other for a long time, people couldn't bear separation considered it to be a harsh punishment. However, the desire of communication and understanding was just exactly the impetus for learning another language and culture other than one's own. And eventually, people would face the challenge and overcome the obstacles to reunite with their "old friends" again. This happy ending might take a long journey, yet the Lord did not wish to see people be successful easily--to build a tower reaching the heaven, so he made people finish the formidable task, taught people to grow stronger through life, and wanted them to realize that in spite of division, reunion is still possible through hard work and unrelenting striving.In this way, the Lord's decision was more positive than negative.
ReplyDeleteI am now writing this for the second time. I can definately say that I hate technology right now. I think that language variation can be very good and very bad. One of the things that language variation does is make the world more interesting. Instead of a boring old world where everyone speaks the exact same way, we haave variation and differences. This can really enrich our lives. It also provides a way for that special connecton to be made when two people find out they speak the same language. This would not happen if everyone speaks the same language. However, it can also create a language barrier that works to seperate us. This seperation can create misunderstandings, which ends up causing war. There would probably be a lot less war if we all spoke a common language. I believe the story should provoke us to work together to become great. In the story, the Lord was afraid that if everyone was united and spoke the same language, we would be able to accomplish anything. I believe that we as humans should work as hard as we can to unite. If we do, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. We must not let our differences create barriers that we cannot overcome.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation does multiple things for us, the human race. Language variation has positive and negative aspects to it. The positives can be seen in the many cultures that are present today and how much pride individuals have in their culture(s). Their identity is shaped by this culture also. Plus, a person can gain different viewpoints of events in history based on how different cultures and languages define said event. Negatives to language variation can be somewhat obvious. The variation of language hinders communication, which is negative, yet also can be positive because it is a special attribute for those that can speak multiple languages. Another negative in language variation is what gets lost in translation. I think "Chinglish" is a very solid example of this, as things may not always translate directly and can cause confusing and mishaps, that can be traced back to language variation.As far as the Tower of Babel, I believe language variation was done as a positive thing. Above all else, I do not believe God would have done anything negative to humans, because he cares about them and wants what's best for them, even if it meant something of an obstacle was necessary short term. I do not believe this was meant as a negative thing however. Language variation instituted by God was meant to enhance humans overall. I think he wanted to challenge them to better themselves. By varying language, he created different groups according to language. This created competition amongst groups when they could not get along, which was for the betterment of humans overall. A prime example of this is the race to space. The Soviet Union and US both tried to gt to space first. This was important for humans advancement into space as technology was improved because of this historical event. Competition brings out the best in people, and I think God knew this when he varied language in humans at the Tower of Babel.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation benefits and hurts the human race. Different cultures and countries have their own languages, making people more diverse. We are able to learn new languages and communicate with people from around the world. When you can speak someone's language, you are able to connect more with them. However, because language variation exists, it is difficult to communicate with people who speak languages different from yours. We have translators, but certain words lose their meaning when translated from one language to another. For example, in Spanish class, we heard about a poem that's considered romantic and beautiful in Spanish, but when translated into English, it sounds dirty.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read the story of the Tower of Babel, I thought language variation was God's way of preventing humans from becoming too powerful. If the people in the story hadn't been so successful, they would have been able to keep their language and remain united. However, this goes against the idea that God is the most powerful being there is, and does not have to worry about humans becoming stronger than him. Now I'm not sure if language variation was as much a punishment as it was a challenge to make people work harder.
Language variation is a communication barrier and a frustrating challenge to deal with. I believe that the story of Babel introduced as a punishment for these reasons. Many people in here are saying that the world would be boring without language variation, but I disagree. Language is not the only factor that creates diversity and different cultures. Without language diversity we would still be able to indulge ourselves in foreign cuisines, interesting art, and architecture. I believe that we would actually be able to learn more about a country's culture if we all spoke the same language. Language variation can cause many problems in miscommunication such as Jeff said with his example of "Chinglish." I know I coming off as a total hater (LAWL) but I see no positive effect from language diversity, except speaking in another language so people won't understand what you're saying.
ReplyDeleteI think in the story of the Tower of Babel that language variation comes in the form of a blessing. If everyone speaks the same language, there is no more connection to your roots than simply being able to talk. Language is a huge part of heritage; I take pride in learning Hebrew and French because I feel they are a part of who I am. If our ancestors were al of the same tongue, there would be no understanding who we really are. There's always something exotic about different languages; watching the movie The Darkest Hour this weekend made me realize I've always been interested in Russian, if not to learn the language, but just the culture, since my family has Russian origins. If each person on Earth was homogenous, it would be quite boring, but we wouldn't even know it because all we would know is similarity. So many people find their passions in other languages and cultures, such as the British man in Chinglish. If not for different languages, what would his passion have been? Language for my family is especially important; my parents know that someday the world will not use English as a business language and thus it's been critical to learn other languages - my mother speaks fluent German, my brother speaks Mandarin, I speak French and a little Hebrew, and my father knows bits and pieces of both German and French. Of course language variation can be a challenge - deciphering the Egyptian heiroglyphs was always difficult, until the Rosetta Stone was discovered. If not for that, and for language variation in such a circumstance, a huge part of history would still be missing.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation does create more diversity in cultures which makes it a benefit in this story. I don't believe that the variation in language was a punishment but something created to ensure that "the Lord" still had greater power over his "children". I agree with Patrick that language variation is a challenge and that just because variation in language is lost does not mean that cultural diversity is lost as well. There are many more components to culture other than language. But I disagree when he says that there is no benefit to language diversity. Life is supposed to be a challenge. If everyone understood each other eventually we'd come to a point where nothing can ever be learned and improvement and evolution would cease. I think it feels better to strive for something and reach that goal than to continue in the same path everyday. How boring..
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation make people unique and make them stand stand out. Speaking a different language make it so not everyone is the same. Having so many languages does create a problem with communication. For example if 10 people who each spoke a different language and were put in a room nothing would get done because of the barrier. What is nice about having a variety of languages is different cultures and customs that goes along with each language. Variety is the spice of life so maybe having many language instead of one is better. If everyone did speak the same language then anyone can go anywhere in the world and communicate without having a fear about not being able to communicate. I think having many languages is better then though,because makes the world and people more unique then if there is only one language.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation does have some good influences and bad influences for the world. I think that language variation can be a way to make people stand out. If everyone in the world spoke the same exact language the same way it would just be boring, yes it would be easier for everyone to understand one another and it could have many benefits to the whole world, to be united. But without differences we wouldn't be who we are today. I think language variation gives us different types of cultures and opens new opportunities to try something new, to become part of something different. For example, learning a new language, not only does it mean you can add learning a new language to your list but you also can learn and be apart of a new culture because it opens you to a new gate of opportunity. I think the story of the Tower of Babel should be looked at as a challenge and in a positive way. Yes, it is a challenge that we cannot all speak the same language, tough luck, but I do not think this tale should be looked at as a form of punishment. It should be looked at as if it were a gift, because if we never had a chance to face challenges in life then what are looking forward too? What would be working for? What would the point of existing be? We just live and do what?
ReplyDeleteWhile language variation creates a chaos among people, since language is the only way of delivering thoughts, language variation also elaborates the world. Countless languages made the world colorful and diverse. It is really unlikely to have various and different cultures if there was only one language available in the world, since people of Babel were trying to stay together. In the story of the Towel of Babel, god considered human race as threatening subject and at some point, god considered human was ridicule, because to reach the heaven without death was disobeying the logic of the world. For the early people language variation was the harshest punishment since people had no way to continue their work on building Tower of Babel; however, language variation, now, is considered as one of the greatest bequest antecedent period.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation has both its pros and cons. Although, I think that scattering people was a bad idea. We can assume from biblical history that before this event, there were no assumptions of war, fights, racism or religious confrontations. It was more peaceful. We can interpret differently and say that it was a punishment/challenge or both from God to human beings. However, just imagine communicating in one language while working on an important project at school, and when suddenly something happens that all of you start talking in various different languages. Wouldn’t it be chaos? That’s how it was, so still is. Of course, we can learn many languages, but would we ever be able to communicate in foreign language as good as in our own language? Could we learn all of the existing languages in our lifetime? How fascinating it would be to visit the furthest corners of the Earth and talk with people the same one language about their culture or lifestyle. The culture/ language would differ, even if we spoke the same language, because of different climates, living conditions. I can’t blame God that he scattered people because he did not write the Bible himself. I can just assume that in some ways, religion was created to control humans in some ways. Why would Lord then admit that if men work together, there’s nothing they can’t do. Was he (or the ones who created Bible) afraid of losing the control of people? Even if my assuming is incorrect because it might make “an- ass –out- of –you-and-me” (as one of my history teachers would say), I do not believe in this villain image of God created in The Tower of Babel. I believe he’s a lot better, and that having one language would be more beneficial.
ReplyDeleteI see the benefits of language variation. As we study world literature and analyze various texts written by authors from different backrounds and culture's, it seems like a blessing to have such diversity of ideas expressed, even if they are expressed through different languages. However in the passage, the tone gives the impression that God was a little threateed by the unity and the comradery of human beings, maybe he created language variation as a warning not to try and question God by building a tower to the Heaven's. Fast forward to modern time's and the creation of biological and chemical weapon's, this question is raised with a more alarming and potent dose of reality mixed into the equation. The punishment was language barrier, the warning "don't play God." If that's the case, either we didn't listen or it didn't work.
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation caused nothing positive but a huge barrier among the people. It seperated people around the world and form their specialities which made them more different from others: cultures, people' emotion, and thought. Through our history regardless countries, there is a common happening: a war. Why does the war occurred? Language variation was the answer. Human is a species. We think same idea, act same as others. However, Language variation made people think that other side of people would think differently. Then, emotions that divide people into their group were formed and survival game called a war started among the separated group of people who think they are superior; Ethnocentrism is an emotion that cause many different bad effects to human causing a war
ReplyDeleteLanguage variation does more to cripple the human race than benefit it. Yes, if everyone spoke the same language the world would not be as interesting as it is today. But, if we did all speak the same language i believe that there would have been less war and fighting. For example, when the pilgrims first came to America to settle, the Native Americans did not get a long with them. This is because they thought the settlers were trying to invade their land and take over. This is what the settlers were trying to do, but maybe if they spoke the same language and everyone understood each other, they could have avoided fighting.
ReplyDeleteIn the tower of babel story i see the scattering of languages as a punishment on humans for becoming too bold and powerful. I think this story is trying to tell us that you should have faith in god but should not try to accomplish godly acts such as building a tower to the heavens. It is interesting to think about how different the world would be if everyone spoke a single language.
I think the division of language is certainly a challenge. Almost a call to action. When we were one language in the story performing great feats was easy because we could all successfully communicate with each other. When God took away that ability and scattered us he almost proposed a call to action. He gave us something to overcome and truly achieve. Instead of everything coming easy, he gave us an opportunity to come together through hardship. Coming together through hardship and no simply by gift would have a much more lying effect on humanity because it's more of an achievement when you accomplish something hard then easy. While this is a challenge and something positive there is an obvious downside. Till we can come together and understand one another despite these vast language difficulties were are going to always have the problem of miscommunication.
ReplyDelete