Language is a significant component in learning. The moment we were born, we use language to communicate what we need. We further develop to understand the language of the people around us and what they want to share. Through language, we learn to express ourselves, and we know to understand the norms and ways of the place we live, the family we belong.
The language that we learn growing up is the inner voice we understand. We think silently using this language before making decisions, even simple ones like going to the right or left, in decision-making and others. As we continue to interact with our surroundings and other people, we learn to think aloud or say to ourselves the words or actions we will do before executing them. We do this because we have developed reasoning, consideration, and understanding of the world around us. Another practical example of speaking silently or talking to oneself is our conscience, the moral compass of the voice within that gives us a sense of what is right and wrong.
I wrote the above in one of the teacher’s initiated discussions on the Vygotsky theory on language and thinking. In the last two and half decades, I encountered at least 15 different languages. The nature of my work allows me to interact with different nationalities and cultures. I needed to learn particular delivery of words, gestures, voice intonation from my clients to communicate with them and gain their trust effectively. I need to listen to my inner voice before any comments come out of my mouth to deal with clients.
I may not have fluently learned the different languages I am encountering every day, but I have learned how to engage and understand their different cultures.
References:
Apa psycnet. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2014-55592-002.html
Language as a medium for teaching and learning. (n.d.). Retrieved March 24, 2021, from https://www.open.edu/openlearn/education/educational-technology-and-practice/educational-practice/language-medium-teaching-and-learning/content-section-2
[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://pnghut.com/png/ddXa44qmJ4/world-language-foreign-english-as-a-second-or-learn-more-transparent-png
[Digital image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/255368241346479646/
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