I once read that we assume different personas when speaking different languages.
At the time, I attributed that to the fact that we tend to socially match whoever we’re speaking with – and that it thus might be a cultural mirroring kind of a thing. However, while I’m sure that has to do with at least part of it, this piece I just perused on speaking Cantonese offers its own pitch on why this pitch based language may make our Asian brethren brainier.
Everyone (except the people who grew up learning it – and maybe other tonal language speakers, I assume) knows that Cantonese is pretty effing tough. It’s so tough that other articles I’ve tried to read simply aiming to explain why it’s so challenging still make Ulysses look like Cliffs Notes for Cliffs Notes on a Marie Claire article about dating. And why?
Well, seemingly, because one of the more flattering stereotypes seem to be true.
They are kinda smarter.
Or at least smarter than I – who’m too dumb to get it easily.
But if it makes you feel any better, it’s likely not genetic. And it may not be solely cultural, either – like I always thought. According to this article, the “smarter” status may happen physiologically the same way any of us would achieve it – by making the ol’ think organ work harder. Thing is, for you or me (assuming you know no tonal languages), we actively hafta seek out the kind of stuff that pushes our different brain networks to light up and jump through hoops. Good example? That Lumosity website – described as being like “a gym for your brain”. The more you strengthen more pathways in your brain, the smarter you become. But just like any f’real gym – that takes commitment, dedication, and effort. Unlike a f’real gym, though, we can’t see the flabby results of our laziness when falter. Just mindlessness, forgetfulness, and maybe early onset “where did I put my car keys?” (once you’re already in the car).
And what’s that got to do with our Chinese homies?
Because they’re doing the brain-gym workout every time they speak
That’s the thing about Cantonese and other tonal languages – compared to ours, there’s a whole scale of inflection you have to make sure you get right both when you speak and listen, lest it take on a whole ‘nother meaning (which has always made me wonder: is tone-deaf equivalent to being mute? Or are the loud and quiet who can’t carry a tune just perceived respectively like Gilbert Gottfried or Ben Stein are here? Do they go all “Idol” on each other and rate their speaking style as ‘pitchy’? And – depending on how they deliver that criticism – is it mistaken as a compliment?) Anyway, since they’re both conveying messages and playing the “Doe-a-dear” game whether their mouths or ears are activated, both the left and right hemispheres in their domes light up – to our mere left side.
While it makes me feel kinda crappy to know that I speak a lazy language, it makes sense – seeing as pitch and tone are processed on the right side. Even without language entering into it, the experience of “whoah I’m on a different vibe” can be felt the second you sit down to a piano to play or put on some music (which would also be processed on that right side). Try singing along and the whole episode’s supercharged. The whole world gets a new filter as you combine language and melody. So, no, I may not be able to telekinetically subdue douchebags accosting me with my acoustic speaking skills, but tonal languages do force-start a whole ‘nother bit of your brain. And in that way, technically, yes – it does make me closer to making your mind blow up with mind. Not much, but a little. And that’s reason enough for me. So, ya know, I suppose there’s just no two ways around it. If I really want to get closer to superconscious where I use 100% of my think factory (and you know I do), I’m just gonna hafta do the hard thing. Take the road less traveled. Start marrying language with perfect pitch.
And on that note (#zing), shall I issue this blanket announcement:
(*picks up Rosetta Stone package*)
Henceforth, I refuse to take part in any conversation unless…
(*props window open with package*)
… the participants are singing the information. Preferably in Disney tunes.