If you have seen any of my previous posts on Germany, and learning the German language, you'll know that I have a certain affinity with it. And since learning German it has become more of a central part of my life. I thought it important to discuss why I think Germany is a country to be loved, and this has become seemingly more relevant since Germany has legalised ‘weed’ earlier this year; Germany is in the spotlight. The legalisation of weed is not very important to me, as I have never used drugs and I never will — but at the same time I would like to approach this sentiment and open people's eyes to other aspects of Germany that are worth discussing.
It is worth noting that I have been to Germany twice in my life — each for a relatively short period of time — however, each time I feel alive. I feel connected to the place, I feel connected to the people, and I feel as though it is important to in some way honour that connection.
As a writer, the use and development of linguistics — and how languages used — is a very important consideration. It is even considered in the way that I am writing this blog post, for example, because this is written with a tone that is meant to be accessible and engaging for everyone who wants to read it. The register can be considered, though different, in all manner of contexts — but that is a very small aspect of linguistics and address. Obviously I am fluent in English, and I'm doing an English literature degree, so I am fairly competent in regards to the English language and analysing it to a high degree (no pun intended). It is an interest of mine to teach English as a foreign language, so it feels natural to me to learn another language, as that would obviously develop my awareness. I can draw comparisons between two or more languages, and that in itself develops my perspective on the English language; how to approach it, how I think about it, and that can lead to some very interesting discoveries. Even if they are just passing thoughts. Learning another language certainly helps to explain the English language, and why the English language is the way. That is because I have another language to compare it to — and draw the similarities and differences from that. As I've said, I get the impression that as a society we analyse the world through literature, politics, and many other lenses. And another one of these lenses is through linguistics; how languages are used, and develop over time.
So why Germany?
As a very worrisome person, I prefer direct instruction and communication. As such, I find the Germans to be much more direct and honest with what they say. For example, if I make a mistake in German they are much more likely to pick me up on the mistake, and suggest that we switch to English. They are more likely to say that your German is mediocre (mittelmäßig) if it is — or that you have made a serious grammar mistake in your sentence. All of which is absolutely fine. Admittedly, for a few seconds I'm hurt because it's not as though I don't try my best, but at the same time I can see and appreciate that honesty. I don't want to go around making the same mistakes, and continue to make the mistakes. So, I value that honesty in being able to develop my understanding. Don't get me wrong, this honesty isn't purely directed at language learning, it is on all aspects of life. So if they are frustrated with you, you will know. I say this with a humorous edge, because it is not to say the Germans are horrible people. It is that they are more honest in their communication. The English are more likely to hedge and soften what we mean to say. With this more direct approach, I understand more so where I stand. Also, in a more literal sense, the more direct responses are useful when there is a language barrier — because there is less to focus on and decipher — you are told straight.
There seems to be this assumption that Germans are not kind people because of this directness, and the way that sentences are structured potentially coming off as more aggressive, and the way that the language means that they can convey information. However, once you begin to learn language, and the culture, and the way they live, you understand that they are not so different to any other culture or country — and just like any other country, there are good and bad aspects everywhere. It is by giving these countries and cultures time that we start to learn how we can appreciate them, rather than just making broad brushed assumptions and statements.
I do get the impression that countries like Germany are less popular by the consensus because they are less sunny and hot, as countries like Spain stereotypically are — but there is much more to a place as to whether they are hot and cold in climate. In fact, I prefer colder climates, so that does not bother me (but that is purely my opinion). As I've always said, if you're too cold you can warm up, but if you are too hot you can't necessarily cool down. And I hate sweating.
Hard and soft shell countries
That brings me very nicely on to my discussion of hard and soft shell countries. I'm not entirely sure where I heard this phrase, or whether I have just made it up on the spot, but essentially the idea is that a soft shell country is where everybody is much more open, you're likely to make friends very quickly. They are more likely to ingratiate you as part of their culture. Whereas hard shell countries tend to keep to themselves — and if they become friends with you they are more likely to be really reliable friends for the majority, if not the rest, of your life. So what I'm getting from this is that everything is more ‘serious’, but everything's more reliable because of that. Especially in terms of connecting with the people, it's nice to know who your real friends are and all that. But again, that is a generalisation and may not be the case everywhere, and with everyone.
Opportunity of learning a second language
As I mentioned earlier, learning a second language enriches my understanding of the English language, but not only does it help with my linguistic development, it also helps me develop as a person. Particularly, understanding what I want, and how to get there. Learning a language — no matter whether it's your fourth or sixth — is a serious commitment. At the end of it, though, will be an ongoing and large reward. Having said that I'm not entirely sure, in terms of language learning, whether there is actually ever an end — because there's always something to learn, even in your native language. Learning a second language is definitely a way of exploring the world that allows you to see things through different lens. I mean this on a broad and more local sense. For example, I have read the Harry Potter books multiple times in English, but reading them again in German is like reading them for the first time again, because I know the story, but it's translated, so there are ever so slightly different ‘layers’. I hope that makes sense. There is still the same dialogue, the same plot — but in order to be translated there are changes, so that meanings and nuances fit in with the rules of the language. This is the case with anything. Learning more than one language, I find you start to understand that certain languages have a different focus in terms of their goals. For example, I find that German is more focused on the grammar and who, what, and why something does something to something else — whereas English is more focused on being very precise in language — so having multiple synonyms for one word that have very nuanced differences (very useful for poetry!). As I mentioned before, it is only by learning more than one language that you start to consider these things. At least that's what I have found.
More opportunities
I don't just mean that learning a second language is a way of accessing media differently, because in a more literal sense, it gives you the ability to communicate with a wide range of people, and that just opens up so many doors and possibilities.
Immediately coming to mind are professional opportunities. If you learn another language, you can potentially live and work in said countries, and that is an exciting thought — though daunting and scary at the same time. It doesn't come without its many obstacles — particularly as a disabled person — but it's nice to have that option and that curiosity.
Acceptance of disability
Lastly, I have found that people are more accepting towards disabled people. I say this quite lightly, because I realise I have only been in Germany for very short periods of time, and so therefore my perspective is not representative of somebody who is a German native. However, I have found that the Germans in general are much more self-aware than I have otherwise experienced; more likely to assist you if you need it — but at the same time they understand when to mind their own business. If they see somebody struggling, they will ask if you need help, but if you say no they won't insist on helping you to make themselves feel better. I understand that when someone insists they want to help you, it is most likely with good intentions. A disabled person — to an able-bodied person — can look as though they are struggling, when actually it is just the way they need to things. Just because one person does things differently, that does not mean it's wrong. I for one definitely feel gratitude when people are minding their own business, but they are open to helping you should you need it without feeling like a burden.
I understand that I am speaking as somebody who is simply trying to learn the language in the hope of potentially moving there and working there, and I haven't physically experienced the country and the culture as much as I would like. However, to have formed such an opinion from relatively short interactions with the country — and the fact that I have this affinity with the country despite my not going there for such a long time — says to me that is important to follow my heart now I'm feeling about things and right now I feel this though I should explore my opportunities to the fullest.
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