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We are not our emotions
(lemmy.world)
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this post was submitted on 05 Sep 2025
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"I am sad" doesn't at all mean that sadness is my defining characteristic. It usually means sadness is a temporary state.
Non-linguists trying themselves at linguistics always often come up with pseudo facts like this.
Language does shape how we think, so it's possible that saying it that way has a subconscious effect. I guess.
Without a doubt.
Language and how we specifically say things are huge. It's why we are big pushing to redefine a host of things now.
We are meant to use "I feel" statements instead of indirectly blaming others with you statements. Using more specific pronouns to avoid little harms that can build up. To say more specific and less derogatory things like unhoused or inclusive things like people of color. It all adds up.
This won't be the solution or the cure for depression but every little bit helps. If you have depression and are stuck, the making a small differentiation that you FEEL sad instead of BEING sad can be just enough to get you in gear for that day at least. That can be huge.
I read 1984 as a teen, and there's a huge (dry) section in the middle where Orwell basically does a treatise on language and how it affects behavior, and I remember thinking it was boring and far-fetched.
Nowadays, I understand that it's the most important aspect of the control in the novel.
Exactly.
The way we speak is so important. Think about when people throw out something like "that movie was bad", "that restaurant sucks". That's making it objective. It ends the conversation. There is no room for improvement or talk at all. In their minds those things are bad and that's the end of it.
You see this a lot in online communities, especially gaming.
If they instead said "I didn't like x", a conversation can be had. Now there is a chance they could like that thing if something we're adjusted. By changing how we say something we can be open others opinions, to differences we share.
Language is powerful.
I doubt it. I'm not depressed because I use the language "I am sad/depressed/" its uncontrollable environmental factors. I imagine its similar for anyone with lasting similar conditions like anxiety etc
I didn't really say that though did I.
But if it shapes how I think subconsciously it would've had an effect.
Edit: if you think the effect is negligible why mention it without adding that?
Did you even read my comment? Where did I imply I had any certainty about it whatsoever?
I wasn't trying to start a fight, just an interesting thought that I had. Language 100% does affect our thought, whether we know it or not.
This is a comment section abt how the Irish language talks abt emotions you said "language shapes how we think so its possible" I understand this to mean the English language shapes how I am feeling am I wrong? If it is a negligible effect why mention it? Language isn't the cause of pretty any of my emotions so what's the point in the speculation of an negligible effect?
For normal people yes, for people who lack emotional regulation, "I am sad" can be an identity because you might get stuck in it for years at a time. Decades.
I think the author here is speaking to those people more than just your average joe who could care less about the distinction between state and characteristic because they understand the difference already.
But like my depression isn't caused by thinking "I am depressed" is my identity itscauseed by uncontrollable environmental factors. It sounds good for normal people but it won't help the people its meant to. If you think you can fix my sadness because of my experience w discrimination in pretty much every part of my life by js changing the way I identify with sadness go ahead but like good luck is all I'm saying.
It would be more correct to say "I feel sad", but colloquially "I am sad" is used for the same thing.
Can something be more correct? Is correct not a binary option?
Not when we're talking about the English language lol
Translating, conjugating and undestanding "To Be" is always fraught with peril. :)
I mostly agree with you, but I do find it interesting how some languages and therefore cultures account for things like this. I saw a Sunn M’Cheaux video about it and it was super interesting!