Language and Theory of Knowledge
I take both IBH Korean and IBH Literature and I find it very difficult to translate one language to another sometimes. One instance when I realized this was when my IB Korean class talked about the meanings of moral and ethics when I realized that the definitions tended to vary when processed in a different language. I decided to use this experience on language and though processes to write my TOK blog and came upon this article.
Language can influence our knowledge and our culture. For instance, if we choose the word ‘good’ to describe something then our perspectives on the topic is only focused on the positive aspects rather than the differing perspectives. This influences our knowledge on that topic because we choose to focus on one specific area.
In addition, I used to consider language as a means of communication but through the article I learned that it "influences our culture and even our thought processes." Many people in our school are bilingual and I find that some aspects are understandable but some are implausible. I realized that my understanding tended to differ on which language I was using to think.
When I translate a word into a different language I find that some are impossible to translate while keeping the same exact meaning. The translation doesn't have the same effect or meaning in English as in Korean or maybe vice versa. I realized that being bilingual actually helps us have deeper insight into our second language.
Great entry to start us off on Language WOK. I'll ask you to share this in class later!
ReplyDeleteLauren, the topic you have explored in this post is very interesting. As a bilingual person, I can relate to this. It is true that sometimes, it is hard to find a word that truly translates all definitions and implications of the word. As I was reading this, I also wondered, then to what extent is translation totally accurate? And how are we to translate those words/sentiments that do not exist in other cultures that don't have a word for it? Does that mean the specific culture does not feel /have the sentiment, or what ever the word characters?
ReplyDeleteKate
I think this is a really interesting topic- I know for me, I find it hard to translate English to Korean usually, but easier to translate from Korean to English. This may be due to my less than par skills in Korean and limited vocabulary, but I'd like to believe that there is another reason or reasons. There's also something else to consider - translated books that don't mean exactly the same thing as the original. Such as the Stranger (in french) which is translated into English as the Outsider. (IBSL Lit!) - christine
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