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The Better Worse Language Effect

Blogs > thedeadhaji
Post a Reply
thedeadhaji *
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
39489 Posts
Last Edited: 2013-01-21 03:54:30
March 02 2012 16:29 GMT
#1

It just so happens that I am fluent in both Japanese and English. However, that doesn't actually mean that I am equally proficient in either; in fact, my English is superior in almost every aspect[1]. But through my stint at writing regularly, I've discovered a peculiarity. Given the right set of circumstances, it can actually be more difficult to write an article in your better language.

At first glance this is completely counter intuitive. If we're better at one language than another, it should naturally mean that it's easier to write in that language than the other. We have a better grasp of the syntax, better control over the flow, and a larger set of words that we're aware of. We have more tools at our disposal to express our thoughts precisely.

But it is exactly the abundance of tools and ample flexibility in our expression that has the potential to bind us. In the better language, we can be tied up by our knowledge that we are capable of producing a more subtle expression or a more natural transition from one sentence to the next. We're very much capable of pursuing a better piece than the one we just spent an hour writing. In our better language, we have the ability to continue the agonizing process of iterating and improving our work. It can become a vicious cycle of meddling and nitpicking, where we have a very difficult time settling on a final version that we're happy to publish. Because the process is so arduous, we're likely to abandon our efforts mid way and just start a new article, which in itself is a self fulfilling prophecy.

What happens in the language of lesser proficiency? The difference, at least for me, is that I have fewer tools and fewer options at my disposal. I just don't have the skill to exact the minute control of my tone of voice or the implied meanings of words. My style is blunt, straightforward, and simple. It's like being stuck with a larger paintbrush. You don't have the best control with it, but you cover your surface much faster and you get the job done nonetheless, even if there are blemishes here and there.

I don't fix these blemishes in my Japanese writing, because quite frankly, I don't know how to fix them! I don't know a clever way to rewrite that somewhat awkward sounding phrase, or a better word to convey excitement.

But as I've found, this can be a blessing in disguise. The most important thing for a novice writer is to keep writing. The inferior writing technique can help us simply write more than otherwise.

This phenomenon probably only manifests itself when you become quite proficient at the second language, but not enough to fully control the nuances of your expressions, your diction, or your overall flow. The takeaway then is that at times it is actually useful to take away the highest level of writing that you are capable of, and stick to the basics.

Throw away the bells and whistles. Keep it simple, and keep writing.


[1] Interestingly, my Japanese was probably better than my English ten to fifteen years ago.



Crossposted from my main blog

****
GoTuNk!
Profile Blog Joined September 2006
Chile4591 Posts
March 02 2012 16:34 GMT
#2
Can it be how different languages are or how you relate to them? I like english way more than spanish, so in the rare occasions I have to write using it I enjoy it and therefore find it easier oo. Writing in spanish is just tedious.
Usagi
Profile Blog Joined August 2010
Spain1647 Posts
March 02 2012 16:55 GMT
#3
This is the same effect as a sensorial overload when you talk about marketing, and having TOO MANY different options.
Murlox
Profile Blog Joined March 2008
France1699 Posts
March 02 2012 17:01 GMT
#4
Could also be due to the fact that you recently read a lot more japanese than english?

I know it becomes harder to write french for me when I read a lot of english, words don't come as easily as usual, interference occurs, too.
Resistance ain't futile
BLinD-RawR
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
ALLEYCAT BLUES50196 Posts
March 02 2012 17:10 GMT
#5
the thing about knowing more is that you just want to use this knowledge high ground to your advantage.

I mean look at the above sentence itself, I find writing in english easier than hindi and telugu,yet I struggle because I want to use at my best and therefore struggle to do so.
Brood War EICWoo Jung Ho, never forget.| Twitter: @BLinDRawR
TL+ Member
intrigue
Profile Blog Joined November 2005
Washington, D.C9934 Posts
March 02 2012 17:23 GMT
#6
it's why you can find surprising insight from little kids but not past the age of 5-6 (coincidentally when they start their schooling!)
Moderatorhttps://soundcloud.com/castlesmusic/sets/oak
Recognizable
Profile Blog Joined December 2011
Netherlands1552 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-02 18:02:47
March 02 2012 18:00 GMT
#7
You just made me realize why It is much easier for me to write an essay in English than in Dutch. Just weeks ago I had to write an Essay for History class and I remember thinking alot on how to structure/write almost every sentence, but I don't do that with English just because i'm not that proficient, I used to think it was because I am more proficient in English, but now I know that thought is probably crap. Thanks for the insights ^^
Treehead
Profile Blog Joined November 2010
999 Posts
March 02 2012 19:43 GMT
#8
This must be why forum posts and blogs are so easy for most people to write - because internet language is the worst language they think they know (not directed at the OP - love your blogs! ).
mordek
Profile Blog Joined December 2010
United States12704 Posts
March 02 2012 22:07 GMT
#9
This blog (and all of them) was surprisingly well-written

Love reading your thoughts and insights, I now watch out for them in the blog section ^^
It is vanity to love what passes quickly and not to look ahead where eternal joy abides. Tiberius77 | Mordek #1881 "I took a mint!"
Snuggles
Profile Blog Joined May 2010
United States1865 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-02 22:35:03
March 02 2012 22:34 GMT
#10
I'm a terrible writer, or my ideals are just terrible, probably both. I want to make good blogs like you but I have difficulty coming up with good topics. My last blog was a real sham. Maybe because I was trying so hard to just get my opinion out there- which could just be a big no-no in general and should be avoided.

A novice like me should keep writing right? I should take a different approach to blogs if that were the case, because I'm so discouraged now from doing another one.
thedeadhaji *
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
39489 Posts
March 03 2012 04:13 GMT
#11
On March 03 2012 01:34 GoTuNk! wrote:
Can it be how different languages are or how you relate to them? I like english way more than spanish, so in the rare occasions I have to write using it I enjoy it and therefore find it easier oo. Writing in spanish is just tedious.


I find that different languages affect my personality that comes to the surface when speaking, but I personally don't think I see what you describe in my writing.

On March 03 2012 02:01 Murlox wrote:
Could also be due to the fact that you recently read a lot more japanese than english?

I know it becomes harder to write french for me when I read a lot of english, words don't come as easily as usual, interference occurs, too.


The thing is, when I write Japanese, I'm unsatisfied with what I write but I don't know how to make it better so it gets published. With english, even when I reach the same quality as said Japanese writing, I know that I can make it better so I agonize for a while then oftentimes it sits there unfinished.

Or at least this was the case a month ago.

On March 03 2012 03:00 Recognizable wrote:
You just made me realize why It is much easier for me to write an essay in English than in Dutch. Just weeks ago I had to write an Essay for History class and I remember thinking alot on how to structure/write almost every sentence, but I don't do that with English just because i'm not that proficient, I used to think it was because I am more proficient in English, but now I know that thought is probably crap. Thanks for the insights ^^



Ya that's how I feel :O
In writing my blog these days, I do my best to suspend those thoughts though.
thedeadhaji *
Profile Blog Joined January 2006
39489 Posts
March 03 2012 20:49 GMT
#12
On March 03 2012 07:34 Snuggles wrote:
I'm a terrible writer, or my ideals are just terrible, probably both. I want to make good blogs like you but I have difficulty coming up with good topics.


For topics, reading books/magazines can help.
Also, the more you personally experience in life, the more your develop your perspective and knowledge bank.
Lastly, having thoughtful discussions with your friends (who also enjoy those kinds of discussions) can be one of the most fruitful activities in bringing you new thoughts and realizations.

My last blog was a real sham. Maybe because I was trying so hard to just get my opinion out there- which could just be a big no-no in general and should be avoided.


Why would getting your opinion out there be bad?
If you read my past blogs, I bet you that the vast majority of them are expressing my opinion. Of course, I do use passages to set the frame, provide information, etc and intertwine that with my opinion to make a thesis. Maybe the thing that you want to think about is the structure of your writing.

A novice like me should keep writing right? I should take a different approach to blogs if that were the case, because I'm so discouraged now from doing another one.


10 years ago, I was definitely not very good at writing. I'm passable now, through the reading I have done during my studies and my personal time, as well as the writing I've done (mainly during my academic years). If you're unhappy with your writing style, then reading others' style will definitely bring you inspiration on how to improve. Maybe subscribe to the blogs of authors/bloggers whom you want to emulate (ex: Lessig), or start reading some opinion pieces on Bloomberg/NYT/New Yorker/Atlantic.

In the end though, you won't improve without writing, even if the process is painful.

I remember GTR's writing back in 2007. It was horrid. But fast forward 5 years, and his sentences are pretty good now! It takes time, but we all have potential.
StarStruck
Profile Blog Joined April 2010
25339 Posts
Last Edited: 2012-03-03 23:08:15
March 03 2012 22:51 GMT
#13
Welcome to my world.

Not a big problem anymore because I'm a screenwriter. Feels way more natural, unless I have to get into dialects.

Little aside, I remember a critic lampooning one of the cast members for his dialect in a play. The actor was born and raised in Derby, U.K. Guess where his character was from? Derby.

Where was the show? In Canada.


Go figure.
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