Understanding how meaning aligns across languages is essential for effective translation and cross-cultural communication. A recent study published in PNAS has shed light on the factors that impact this alignment. Contrary to previous beliefs, the research revealed that meanings across languages are similar within specific domains but vary between domains. Concrete meanings, such as “hand” or “tree,” show less variation compared to abstract meanings like “democracy” or “happiness.” Interestingly, languages spoken in close proximity tend to have more similar meanings.
Led by Prof. James Evans and Molly Lewis from the Department of Sociology at the University of Chicago, the research team employed machine learning to analyze a vast dataset. They used Wikipedia articles, which cover the same topics in different languages, and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) essays written by non-native English speakers. By examining the data, they found evidence supporting relativism in meaning, showcasing how a person’s native language influences their thought processes and worldview.
According to Evans, the study introduced a new perspective on language differences. Instead of focusing on the abstractness or concreteness of words, the researchers explored the local and global associations between them. For instance, specific domains like healthcare or religion tend to have consistent meanings across languages. However, the difference lies in the distance between these domains. Evans illustrated this with the example of Mandarin Chinese, where family discussions often involve physical space metaphors, while other languages may use metaphors related to health and healing.
Understanding these associations can enhance translation accuracy and language learning. Rather than providing word-for-word translations, machine learning algorithms and language platforms like Google can take into account the cultural associations within a language. By shaping translations to align with the reader’s native language and appropriate associations, the meaning can be preserved. This approach can also be applied to teaching second languages by incorporating metaphor and association. Additionally, it may aid in drafting universally comprehensible laws and regulations for multilingual populations.
The study highlights the embedded cultural influence in language and its profound impact on the way people perceive the world, construct metaphors, and communicate ideas. By acknowledging and leveraging these cultural associations, we can improve cross-cultural understanding and communication.
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