Certain individuals argue that the key to learning a culture is to speak and know its language. I personally hold the view that although language opens a path for connecting with people and accessing valuable resources for information, culture goes far beyond words and is better learned through traditions, customs, and experiences.
Firstly, learning a language opens the way to a wider literature and sources of knowledge about that culture. This is because some historical novels, legends, and other little-known information written in the native language have never been translated. Furthermore, a key factor in understanding a culture is interacting with its people, and language serves as a bridge to facilitate this connection. By communicating directly with native speakers, learners can better understand social norms and customs that are often not found in books. For instance, understanding jokes, idioms, or traditional expressions in their original language allows learners to fully grasp the subtleties of the culture.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that mastering a language is not enough for full immersion in a culture. More specifically, culture includes traditions, national holidays, cuisine, festival dances, and music that can be easily studied without acquiring a language. For instance, in Armenia, participating in traditional dances, celebrating Vardavar, or attending local festivals allows both locals and visitors to experience values such as community, hospitality, and respect for nature – insights that cannot be fully understood through language alone. Moreover, tasting national dishes such as lavash or dolma offers a direct connection between family traditions and culinary heritage, which are central to Armenian identity.
In conclusion, even tho studying a language can break the barrier between learners and locals, as well as play a key role in accessing cultural resources, it is not the most effective way to become familiar with a culture. Traditions, celebrations, and lived experiences often help gain insights about cultural values more vividly than anything else. Therefore, immersing oneself in these practices is a more reliable method for gaining a genuine appreciation of a culture.