Language of Deeds

A language is at the heart of our identity. It has always been central to our nature and carried within it our spirits. Developments of the past several decades and the rhetoric of globalization have heightened even more the need for better understanding of languages. So far, however, there has been little discussion about the “language of deeds.” This article will explore some of Fethullah Gulen’s thoughts on the meaning and functions of such language.
The essay will emphasize several aspects of Gulen’s philosophical approach to the issue. The first section will examine the role of language in preserving a nation. The second part will assess a use of a language as a means of communication between people. The final part will discuss the notion of a “language of deeds.”

Language and Nations

In many ways, the strength of any nation depends on its language. It is primarily so because a language is an essential part of our cultures. It plays a decisive role in linking the past to the present and bridging the gap between generations. It is also a means of transferring historical heritage to the future members of the society. Gulen argues that “only a rich and powerful language may convey the intellectual and scientific legacy of earlier generations to the successors” (Gulen 1999). It helps to avoid mistakes made in the past and keep our families safe. For a nation to remain strong it should preserve its language. If a nation becomes unable to speak for itself, others will speak for it.

Language and Dialogue

"Thank you" in various languages

A language has always been a means of communication between people. Nations thrived as they passed accumulated knowledge to their successors. However, it has been much more difficult to benefit from the experience of other communities without knowing their languages and cultures. Indeed, the ability to communicate in foreign languages opens up new worlds to explore. In part, for this reason, Fethullah Gulen has encouraged traveling, learning other languages, and sharing the knowledge for the benefit of humanity as a whole. In the meantime, Gulen also urges to keep cultivating your own traditions and be aware of new developments in science, medicine, technology, social sciences, engineering, and other fields in order to remain competitive and be useful for others.

Language and Human Souls

Language may be a key to human souls and hearts. It can translate our feelings as well as it does our thoughts and ideas. Language abilities are indeed important in conveying your message to the audience. However, according to Gulen, if the words do not come out of your heart, and not supported by your deeds, they will not have any enduring impact. For him, its your sincerity that matters, not the beauty or mastery of your language skills. In other words, you can only be successful, if you are heartfelt and honest in what you say. Since the words have to come out of your soul in order to be convincing, the secret of your ability to convey the message is hidden in your attitudes and deeds. According to Gulen, the shortest way to achieve this is to be selfless, benevolent, and altruistic. In his opinion, so far, majority of those who have been successful in reaching out to people did not expect to gain anything in return.

If your opponent is unbiased, he will understand you. Otherwise you can only explain as much as your counterpart is willing to receive. In any case, your honesty will leave an imprint and, perhaps, one day will come into his sight.

Conclusion

Gulen has a unique approach to languages. In addition to widely-acknowledged roles of a language in preserving cultures and carrying a dialogue among the people, he views it as an interpreter of our souls. As Gulen has once implied, the words of soul never leave unnoticed.

References:

• Yağmur, April-June 1999, Issue 3
• Yağmur, October-December 2005, Issue 29

Published on fethullah-gulen.net, 16 November 2012, Friday