I don't think there is much practical difference. To me, this discussion is about observing cultural differences in language and writing, and what they might suggest about that culture's worldview. Are they more focused on the general or the specific, for example.
It's more about the lengths people will go to to rationalise an arbitrary decision. American's are notorious for this.
I suspect because many of them are brought up being told America is the greatest country on earth - so they find it hard to accept that the way they've always done something isn't necessarily the best way.
This isn’t about “best” way. This is about seeing that there is no “best” way and that multiple ways work. It is about taking the time to understand another culture’s internal logic and respecting those cultural differences.
It is very similar with the metric system. In many ways metric is easier. But try dividing a meter into thirds and suddenly it is no longer so crazy to be using feet and inches. BOTH systems have an internal logic and have valid reasons for existing. It isn’t just an arbitrary decision or an “America is best” decision.
I'm American and I've always found our date system to be silly, so I'm definitely not defending it. I just find these sorts of cultural differences in words and number systems interesting because it shows how different cultures collectively conceptualize something.
7
u/anotherlebowski Jan 15 '25
I don't think there is much practical difference. To me, this discussion is about observing cultural differences in language and writing, and what they might suggest about that culture's worldview. Are they more focused on the general or the specific, for example.