The term ‘heart language’, usually refers to the local or regional language. It is the language that is most natural and meaningful to a person, the language that one grew up speaking and understanding best. The term is often used as the opposite of the second language and greatly affects communication. Its effect appears not only when two or more people communicate and don’t understand each other, then the phrase ‘what do you mean?’ comes, but also permeates every facet of daily existence. In essence, it encapsulates the concept of the “Mother tongue.” For us, our heart language is Kurdish.
In the vibrant, multilingual community of Kurdistan, the Kurdish language holds a special place as the heart language. Over the past decade, there have been endeavors to advocate that certain disciplines, such as science, are better comprehended in secondary or official languages. While this assertion may hold merit in terms of comprehension, the efficacy of communication is undeniably heightened when conducted in the heart language. Recent studies have underscored this phenomenon, demonstrating that even religious messages resonate more deeply and are more impactful when conveyed in the mother tongue—the language of the heart. A notable example is the renowned translation of the Holy Quran by Mam Hazhar, which continues to captivate readers and remains a subject of inquiry among people and scholars.
In many households, parents communicate in their respective heart languages, fostering a sense of cultural and familial connection. Meanwhile, children often acquire a global or secondary language through schooling, leading them to navigate between languages based on various contexts and considerations. However, the heart language retains its centrality, proving to be the most fitting and versatile choice across different situations.
#Heart language is, then the language of the Heart!
The notion of the “heart language” encapsulates a profound expression of respect and affection, where words flow effortlessly, reflecting one’s deepest sentiments. When conveyed in the heart language, a message is intricately shaped by one’s own cultural nuances, imbuing it with authenticity and resonance. Public figures, for instance, wield significant influence by employing their mother tongue, adeptly captivating the hearts and minds of their audience. This is particularly evident in the speeches delivered by Mullas on Fridays midday mass-prayer, where the use of Kurdish as an effective medium profoundly impacts the Kurdish speech community.
Poetry serves as a quintessential example of the power of the heart language. Poets masterfully manipulate their heart language, crafting verses that resonate deeply and are often committed to memory. While a poem composed in a secondary or foreign language may still evoke emotions, a unique potency in one’s own language and culture renders it most effective and enduring. Thus, the heart language emerges as the true language of the heart, transcending mere linguistic communication to convey the essence of one’s being
#Heart languages also die!
Linguists have underscored a poignant analogy, likening languages to living entities that undergo birth, growth, and eventual demise. Whether a language serves as one’s mother tongue, second language, or foreign language, its survival hinges upon sustainable usage. Regrettably, numerous languages find themselves on the brink of extinction, once vibrant heart languages now relegated to the periphery of everyday communication.
Endangered languages are the ones at risk of disappearing as their speakers die out or move to speak other languages. Fortunately, the Kurdish language is in its growing stage; thousands of books have been translated into the Kurdish language (despite our notice of the language of translation). Today, Educational language, social media, regular practice, cultural engagement, etc. prevent the Kurdish language from disappearing.
However, the journey toward linguistic preservation remains ongoing; necessitating continued dedication and heightened endeavors to safeguard the Kurdish language for future generations.
#The shadow of heart language on the second and foreign languages!
It’s been years since teachers have warned language learners to engage in thinking processes using the language they are attempting to learn. However, the shadow of their heart language runs after them and tries to catch them in every single word and phrase they express in the second language (like mine!). The main reason is not only that, that person is not very expert in the culture of the second language, but sometimes the speaker believes that the expression is not the one he/she is trying to express!
#Heart language among English teachers!
Indeed, within educational contexts, particularly in departments focused on second or foreign languages such as English, certain expressions like “What do you mean?” or “I mean…” often emerge as readily deployable tools when teachers encounter challenges in conveying their message to students. In such instances, educators may resort to utilizing elements of their heart language to better articulate their intentions. This dynamic often leads to instances of code-switching and code-mixing, where linguistic elements from multiple languages are interwoven to facilitate communication and comprehension between teacher and student. This fluidity in language usage underscores the complexities inherent in multilingual learning environments and highlights the adaptability of educators in navigating linguistic barriers to effectively impart knowledge.
In conclusion, the heart language profoundly reflects one’s identity, nationality, and even love. Its consistent usage across various aspects of life signifies a deep and genuine connection to the issues at hand. By prioritizing the heart language, individuals contribute to the preservation and vitality of their mother tongue, thereby safeguarding it from the threat of extinction posed by endangered languages.
Fortunately, in Kurdistan, parents have a growing awareness of the importance of imparting Kurdish language skills to their children. Additionally, efforts in translation, particularly in fields such as the sciences, are expanding, laying a crucial foundation for national development. This concerted effort towards linguistic preservation and enhancement strengthens cultural identity and holds the potential to foster broader societal advancement.
This Article first appeared on Kurdish Globe