I have been trying to stay out of this one, but I am always thoroughly entertained by how these threads take a life of their own and meander through various topics...
To answer the original question. Personally, I need the connection that language brings. It doesn't have to be a highly intellectual conversation, but I need to be able to communicate effectively enough to fully appreciate the person across from me. That being said, some men don't even need/want to talk, and I can respect that as well.
Specifically to me, I can only speak English, and have trouble with even that at times... =p I can understand how some natives of Canada may feel it is disrespectful to be in their country and not try to know more about it. But I can only be true to myself and enjoy what I want in life, and it is not due to a lack of respect to the diverse culture and history that make up Quebec. Some people are lovers of language, history, women, etc... I personally enjoy the Québécois culture and way of life, maybe it is because it is so different from what I know. For me québécois represents kindness, warmth, and friendliness. I hope I conveyed my thoughts properly.
As for, the discussion on language and it's inference on refinement or lack thereof. It's human nature to be prejudice. I am not talking about being racist, what I mean by prejudice is to "pre judge". To judge someone based on looks, attire, 1st impression. Lets say you walk down the street, and you see another person walk by, it is human nature to categorize this person based on only what you see of this person. You don't know this person on a personal level, so you make assumptions based on characteristics and you're own personal experiences.
I kind of went of on a tangent, but my larger point is that we cannot infer refinement based on language or the history of our predecessors. How can we define "refinement" anyways? What is refine in one culture and beliefs, could be considered vulgar in another. In the same way, we cannot imply inferiority/superiority due to different dialects of the same language. Dialects are developed due to the environment in which it was adapted for and evolved due to countless unique circumstances. Whose to say one thing is better than another, it is only ones opinion.
Anyways, just my 2 cents, I hope it came across as I intended, as I meant no disrespect or insult.
To answer the original question. Personally, I need the connection that language brings. It doesn't have to be a highly intellectual conversation, but I need to be able to communicate effectively enough to fully appreciate the person across from me. That being said, some men don't even need/want to talk, and I can respect that as well.
Specifically to me, I can only speak English, and have trouble with even that at times... =p I can understand how some natives of Canada may feel it is disrespectful to be in their country and not try to know more about it. But I can only be true to myself and enjoy what I want in life, and it is not due to a lack of respect to the diverse culture and history that make up Quebec. Some people are lovers of language, history, women, etc... I personally enjoy the Québécois culture and way of life, maybe it is because it is so different from what I know. For me québécois represents kindness, warmth, and friendliness. I hope I conveyed my thoughts properly.
As for, the discussion on language and it's inference on refinement or lack thereof. It's human nature to be prejudice. I am not talking about being racist, what I mean by prejudice is to "pre judge". To judge someone based on looks, attire, 1st impression. Lets say you walk down the street, and you see another person walk by, it is human nature to categorize this person based on only what you see of this person. You don't know this person on a personal level, so you make assumptions based on characteristics and you're own personal experiences.
I kind of went of on a tangent, but my larger point is that we cannot infer refinement based on language or the history of our predecessors. How can we define "refinement" anyways? What is refine in one culture and beliefs, could be considered vulgar in another. In the same way, we cannot imply inferiority/superiority due to different dialects of the same language. Dialects are developed due to the environment in which it was adapted for and evolved due to countless unique circumstances. Whose to say one thing is better than another, it is only ones opinion.
Anyways, just my 2 cents, I hope it came across as I intended, as I meant no disrespect or insult.
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