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National Character

The document discusses how language can reflect national character by comparing Armenian and English. It notes that Armenians tend to speak loudly and use gestures while British people speak calmly. The topics of conversation also differ between the two groups.

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siranushdm
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30 views

National Character

The document discusses how language can reflect national character by comparing Armenian and English. It notes that Armenians tend to speak loudly and use gestures while British people speak calmly. The topics of conversation also differ between the two groups.

Uploaded by

siranushdm
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How far does language reflect national character?

Consider this with reference to your own language


and to English.

What is a language? How can it be defined? What is the main function of the language?
These are questions which accure in mind when touching upon the phenomenon called “Language”.
A Language is usually can be seen as a special means of communication between people of the same
origin and nation. Here comes another question: How far does language reflect national character?
Although we live in an entire world we can make several separations, for instance to divide it to
separate countries then divide them according to their degrees of development-some countries being
developed and some considered to be developing. One of the most basic divisions of the world is to
divide it according to its sides of scope- East, West, South, North. But except for this general
divisions, there are some others: countries have a great number of differences and similarities starting
from their mentalities to their culture, religion and in many other aspects too as in case of Great
Britain and Armenia. In the mentalities and in the stereotypes of these two countries that differences
and similarities are quite evident. One of the most prominent differences the nations have, is the
language they speak of course with the way they speak it and even the topics of conversation.
Both Armenians and British people have their unique ways of thinking and stereotypes. We
mostly live following our traditions and are not free in showing our thoughts, dreams and ways of
living, unlike British people who like other European nations mostly live the way they like and are
more constant in their whishes. Of course these are national features which reflect the language the
nation speaks. The Armenian Language is the representative of Armenia and English of the UK in
this regard. The differences and similarities of British people and Armenians are evident even when
hearing how they speak, what they use and do while speaking. Unlike the British people Armenians
speak in loud, stressed way, as if they want everybody surrounding them listen to them and be
concentrated on what they are speaking about, sometimes even when sitting close to each other
Armenians may touch and pat with hands while conversation, showing their character through the
language they speak. British people mostly speak in a calm way. Armenians also like to use gestures
and body language and in this way make the conversation more alive and interesting. Sometimes
when hearing some Armenians speaking there may be an impression of watching a piece of
performance.
Even the topic of the conversation can give the idea about the nationality the speaker belongs.
These two nations are differ even in topics they speak about. The theme of the conversation of two
countries have many differences as well as similarities. Both nations have the same safe topics to
open the conversation and keep it going, as speaking about the weather, children and the like. Unlike
Armenians, who used to speak about everything, even about the things which are very personal,
British never speak about their finance, ratio between family members and other personal things. The
question " What does it cost?" about something a British has: car, house, dress, may be shocking for
him/her, but it is quite normal for Armenians. When an Armenian is asked the question "How are
you?" an answer about his/her daily and personal problems can be heard. And what about British,
mostly the answer “fine” is heard, even when they are not in a pleasant situation.
Though Armenian and English have that power of reflecting national characters of their
nations and language users, there are some cases, when language is not able to help to point out the
nation’s characteristic features. In sciences, in medical language, in cultural language the language
barriers are often open and usually national coloring and distinguishing features are not found in
languages. Speaking in this or that way, like an actor/actress or in a calm way is individual and no
matter what nationality one has, he/she can speak the way he/she wants.
The differences and similarities between Armenian and English emphasis the differences and
similarities between Armenia and Great Britain once more, even in examples of ways of speaking,
thinking and topic of conversation. These differences and similarities are needed to show and proof
the uniqueness of the two countries with their languages and they prove the fact that the language is
able to reflect national character of its speakers once more.

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