Do you realize just how much languages can
reflect culture and the way people in any given culture think? Let me give an
example: After living in Brazil for a number of years, I began to notice some
differences in the way we express certain common happenings. Take the act of
dropping something, like a pen, for instance. A Brazilian says, "It
fell", (Portuguese: "Ela caiu" or "Caiu".), as it
slips out of their hand and drops to the floor or ground. An American
says, "I dropped my pen" or "I dropped
it", (Portuguese: "Eu deixei cair minha caneta" or "Eu
a derrubei".).
These two different statements give us a clue about each culture's
viewpoint. Don't get me wrong when I give my own interpretation. Please...my
intention is not to criticize, ridicule or belittle. It is actually kind of
humorous and both my Brazilian and American friends have an "Aha!"
moment, followed by a good laugh when I point this difference out to them.
Photo: Personal Archives
The Brazilian pen says, "I didn't wanna work anymore, so I just jumped out of my owner's hand!"
The American pen says, "Ouch! That hurt! Why did you drop me?! I have served you so well."
Here's my take on it: There seems to be a bit of diffusion of responsibility
placed squarely on the pen for dropping itself, according to
the Brazilian viewpoint. Americans take on personal responsibility for dropping
the pen, since after all, the pen is an inanimate object and, therefore, can no
way assume that responsibility itself. This can lead one to conclude that
Brazilians may tend not to assume personal responsibility when dropping something,
whereas Americans admit their guilt...at least in this case.
If the object were of great value belonging to a family member or friend, such
as a delicate, ancient artifact, the repercussions could be hair-raising in
either culture!
