La vie est belle! (how the french language = french culture)

Read about my experience living in France and how it relates to the theory of linguistic relativity!

Language has a greater impact on culture than anything else. Because each language has words, expressions, idioms, and tones that are completely unique, it seeks to interpret and explain the world in its own way. Think about it- what we eat, how we communicate with loved ones, which holidays we celebrate- all of these things are intricately intertwined with language. To put it simply, our language determines the way we see the world.

I have seen this phenomenon first-hand as I learned another language and lived in a foreign country.

Almost 2 years ago, I hopped on a plane from the United States to Paris, France, and my life changed forever. I lived there for 18 months as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Missionaries living there came from all over the world, but we were all expected to learn and master the French language regardless of our background or level of experience.

It was tough. Having taken two years of high school French, I had a grasp on the basics, but regurgitating simple sentences to a French teacher and having a conversation with a French woman on the street in Paris are two very different things. It took me several months to feel comfortable speaking to anyone, and I never reached a point where I felt like I was done learning. I’m taking French classes in college and I know that my language learning will continue for the rest of my life.

That being said, experiencing French culture was beautiful and enriching. As I learned the ins and outs of the language, my perspective started to change. The more I spoke in French, the more I understood the nuances of the culture and the people. I even dreamt in French. At times, I struggled to speak in English for lack of correct words to explain a concept or tell a story. 

For example, a commonly used word is profiter. There is no direct translation in English. I would say it often to others- “profitez bien” or “profitez de ta journée”. Simply put, it means enjoy or make the most of something, but there is more to it than that, and it is hard to explain why. There is something about it that is more succinct and direct, something "enjoy" doesn't do justice.

There are plenty of other little phrases and expressions that are similar- élan, voilà, c’est la vie, that don’t translate well in English, and even when they do, they don't hold the same meaning. All of these little things contribute to a different view of life that the French have. 

Even the tones and rhythm of the French language is a good indicator of French culture: low, even-toned, smooth, and elegant.

Consequently, the French people are more formal and subdued than Americans. They like mealtimes around the table, glasses of wine, and taking long walks in the park with their dogs. They speak softer and faster. They give each other cheek kisses as a greeting instead of hugs.

All of these things contribute to a theory called linguistic relativity: the belief that language is culture. Language both connects cultures and separates it from others. Learning the French language has introduced me to a more in-depth view of culture than I ever thought possible. It took going outside my own country, taking off my rose colored glasses, and looking at the world through a different lens to understand it, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

Take a moment to think how your language influences how you see the world. What expressions do you say? What slang do you use? Even if you don't speak another language, it is not difficult to see linguistic relativity in our every day lives. Language may not tell everything about us, but it is an integral part of who we are.

If you do want to move to a foreign country though, I highly recommend France. ;)

Bon courage !