One Word, Two Ways: Translation

A couple of years ago, my cousin told me about the book “The 5 Love Languages®” by Gary Chapman.  Though I haven’t read the book myself, I am very interested in its premise, which as I understand it states that each person has a primary love language.  It is the method by which feelings of love are translated into our outward ways of giving and receiving love.

The 5 languages Chapman identifies are:

• Words of Affirmation – “Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.”
• Quality Time – “In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.”
• Receiving Gifts – “Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.”
• Acts of Service – “Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.”
• Physical Touch – “This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.”

I think it’s interesting to consider the primary language of various people in your life.  It helps me remember that we are all love.  And though none of us speak exactly the same language, the ability to translate the messages we receive from one another’s heart connects us to what lies at each of our cores: love.

You can take the Love Languages quiz here.

LOVE image found here.

When I first saw the video below, I thought it was SO weird. As I watched it a second time, I couldn’t stop laughing. The video’s title is Prisecolinensinenciousol and is a parody by Adriano Celentano for an Italian TV program called Mileluci. It is sung entirely in gibberish and is supposed to sound like American English.

Not only is the dancing totally amazing in this video, but I find it hilarious that this is what English sounds like to Non-English speakers. Most American’s hardly recognize that they are not speaking English in this segment. So, please enjoy this hilarious video. Ciao!!