Anika+H’s+2016+OpEd+Article



Language is the greatest form of understanding and misunderstanding. From the semi pretentious vernacular who meticulously and artfully employs the use of language. To the red faced, garish, blundering tourist who hopelessly asks for directions. The art of words can lead to revelations as easily as it can lead to bewilderment.

Although language is meant to create means for expression and communication language barriers and diction are the main sources of misunderstanding. While a skilled author aims to use language to create an experience for the reader it’s nearly impossible for the author's intent to be universally understood. Despite its convenience and expediency google translate has unfairly taken the reader’s privilege of experience language in the manner it was intended. This doesn’t necessarily have to be remedied by the acquisition of new languages. But rather a commitment to understanding, and gaining new perspectives.

As Marcel Proust said “ Le véritable voyage de découverte ne consiste pas à chercher de nouveaux paysages, mais à avoir de nouveaux yeux. ”

(Special thanks to M.DeClerck)