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Begins at 9:20 time mark.
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About This Episode
The discussion started with a chat question regarding
speaking two languages at home
and teaching children both languages simultaneously.
It developed into an exploration of how language shapes
self-perception and identity, and how the characters of different
ethnicities are reflected in their languages.
We wrestled, as we often do, with questions about globalization
and human scale experience, the fight to keep localized
cultures and experiences amidst an increasingly connected world.
Some interesting considerations came up around Anglo
culture and character,
Italy, the island of Sardinia in particular,
differences within Europe,
and differences between certain parts of Europe and the USA.
Approximate Time Stamps:
11:00
Bilingual child rearing and ethnic identity.
21:45
Use of language in different cultures, men actually speak
more than women in Italy in John’s observation.
30:00
Does language shape personality, even society?
i.e. the word “awkward” does not exist in Italian , ramifications.
Does the general personality of an ethnos anticipate its language?
40:00
English etiquette, different notions of privacy.
1:02:00
I ask John if he feels differently when he speaks Italian vs. English.
1:08:00
Strengths and uniqueness of the English language
and its current utility as a lingua franca.
Apart from Americanization of world and devolution
of English and other European languages.
1:36:00
Passing on heritage through language.
1:42:00
I ask John the difference between Italian and Northern European directness.
1:47:00
Does the English language attempt a synthesis of the two strands indicated above?
The English character itself as a synthesis of certain a paradoxes,
drive for seeking universals while affirming particulars,
such tensions fomenting cultural movement and creativity.
1:52:00
England’s distinction from mainland Europe, then we get into borders,
distinction between nation and country.
2:02:02
Human scale community, city-state vs. nation-state.
Then into Italy being somewhat cobbled together.
Then into attempting to keep the local amidst
increasing globalization and the internet.
~
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