Linguistic Anomalies Reflect Destiny: A Brief Look at the Correlation Between Grammar and Lifestyle
Photo of Shibuya (Photo by Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash)
When we decide to learn a language or relocate to another country, it's easy to focus on the practical aspects: How long will it take to become fluent? What will life look like after immigrating? However, these questions overlook something deeper—something embedded within the very speech and structure of the language itself. Before choosing a country to live in, it’s essential to consider whether the society aligns with your values and if you can adapt to behaviors that may initially seem foreign to you (because not all of them are going to be possible to adapt to).
Take, for example, the cultural contrast between the U.S. and much of Asia. In the U.S., it’s normal—almost expected—to openly share personal achievements and broadcast your thoughts. We ‘gush’ about what we do, our latest project, or how we're feeling, with little hesitation. However, this approach could easily be seen as boastful or out of place in many Asian countries. In Japan, for instance, office politics demand a certain vagueness when discussing your private life. Providing too much detail can make you stand out and be talked about.
This cultural phenomenon is clearly reflected in some of the grammar points found in Japanese that deal with conjecture or assumptions. These are worth paying attention to because they hint at how judgments and perceptions are made in Japanese society. Here are four key grammatical forms added at the end of sentences that reflect this:
ようだ (you da): Used to express a judgment based on situations (more formal)
みたいだ (mitai da): Spoken equivalent of ようだ (you da) above, less formal
らしい (rashii): Typically used when relaying hearsay or when something seems to be true based on secondhand information. It implies that the speaker is reporting what they’ve heard, without full ownership of the statement (or hearsay).
そうだ (sou da): This form indicates that something is likely judged based on hearsay as well, and can also be used to quote people.
I consider these distinct ‘warning’ signs that reveal the social tendency to make veiled judgments or observations, a far cry from the more straightforward assumptions made in English. When you cross check this with faux pas in the Japanese workplace, it all comes together. For example, in a Japanese office, discussing what you did over the weekend with your spouse might seem harmless, but such details could be problematic if a colleague is quietly going through a divorce. You might be quietly resented (i.e. ‘socially murdered’) for sharing too much, and it might not be a good look for you in the office. This heightened sense of social awareness and sensitivity is reflected in the fact that there are four grammar points to just relay such conjecture or information. Language classes don’t just teach vocabulary; they provide subtle clues (or in my own terms, ‘a free plane ticket’) about how that society views the world, as well as your own future. These clues serve as a primer and advance warning for the social landscape you'll eventually have to navigate.
I remember wondering during my Korean language classes why my workbook included so much dialogue about the ‘atmosphere’ in bars. It wasn’t until I lived in Korea that I realized these exercises were preparing me for a social environment where drinking plays a significant role in forming business and personal relationships. The language was hinting at the cultural reality I would face—one that might seem foreign to outsiders but is typical Korean small talk.
Understanding these linguistic and cultural cues is crucial for forming relationships in a new country. I have been fortunate to adapt and build meaningful connections across vastly different societies—whether in Europe, the Middle East, or East Asia—by paying attention to these cultural signals. For me, it’s not just about speaking the language but about engaging with the people and immersing myself in the society's unique ‘game.’ When I converse with someone in their native tongue, I feel a surge of adrenaline, as though I’m living a parallel reality in that country, even if I’ve only spent limited time there. It’s a form of linguistic and cultural gamification that keeps me engaged and energized.
This ability to navigate different cultural environments has been key to my success in helping others bridge gaps between teams. It’s what allows me to effectively connect businesses with the right people in the right places, ensuring projects thrive internationally.
How I can help
At Nexus Fusion Partners International, I offer multilingual Expert Network Services, working to connect you with industry-leading experts, delivering critical insights for your global projects. As the founder, I work across six to eight languages, including Korean, Japanese, and Mandarin, acting as the networking bridge across borders, ensuring seamless communication and valuable expert connections.
Unlike traditional agencies, my service offers tailored advisory and consulting for businesses seeking to enter or grow in East Asia and other parts of the world. I primarily support investment firms, consulting companies, research organizations, and corporate clients, using my extensive experience assisting Western companies across various industries.