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231 points rntn | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.205s | source
1. porkbrain ◴[] No.35420681[source]
Perhaps this is going to be the first step in Italy becoming real world Anathem.

Jokes aside, I understand the fear of your own language erroding in front of you. I see how this plays into the sentiment of "these goddamn young people, polluting the language of my youth with words I don't understand!"

Yet, after calming down my own emotions, I realise that I cherish the Polish and German words in my own accent of Czech. I value immensely the work of Czech intellectuals fighting for my language against German "overlords" in the 19th century. However, I wouldn't want to give up the trace influence of German on own language. I hope future Italians feel the same way.

I think about this general problematic often. My girlfriend and I are both Czech. Yet, considerable chunk of our conversation happens in English. We both intellectually grew and continue to grow with English, making it typically a more effective modus of discussion. But Czech has its unassailable place in our relationship. The fact that we use both languages and associated idioms, cultural baggage, ..., makes for a richer life.

Good luck to other non native speakers who have to ponder and navigate the same concerns about their identity.