This short article is devoted to changes in the language that affect the change in consciousness not only of one person, but of the people as a whole. What are these changes, who are they introducing and why? Let's start with a little discussion and analyze for example a few words, for example, we learn that indifferent is ...
The relationship of language and consciousness
Scientists have long proven that language and consciousness are interconnected. This is absolutely logical for us and requires no explanation. We communicate through language and understand each other. Of course, we may not share the views of other people (this is another matter), but we understand the process of understanding as awareness of the position of another individual. The language was developed, in fact, in order to be able to express a thought and convey it to the interlocutor, who, in turn, uses the same symbolic and sound systems of the language, launching instantaneous mental activity for understanding and comprehension.
Conditional changes
Therefore, if for some reason the consciousness of people changes (the onset of a new era, the rapid development of society, or the seizure of the territory and the accession of it and the population to the predatory), then this will certainly be reflected in the language. New borrowed words appear, obsolete or obsolete words completely disappear. But it works and vice versa: changes in the language also affect the change in consciousness. Let's look at our example.
Indifferent is ...
Unfortunately, we often hear in our time about the manifestation of indifference by people. It is condemned and discouraged. Indeed, such people in difficult times may not help, because they do not care. This is understandable, because what is the meaning of the word "indifferent"? This is considered a cold person, not showing participation and interest (to the neighbor or the situation), he is completely indifferent to everything that happens in the world around him. This is a description of a completely apathetic and passive personality (quite logical if, moreover, she is always under stressful conditions). For example, how do you understand the expression: "an indifferent person does not admire happiness and does not lose heart in misfortune"? Remember the sensations. Most likely, you now recall the word "indifferent".
Now let's pay attention to the fact that when this word came into our language from Church Slavonic, its meaning was completely opposite. In the XII-XIII centuries there was the following interpretation of this word. Indifferent is an equal-minded person with an equal soul. In other words, a like-minded person whose soul is close in its experience and passing lessons in this life and is equal to another soul (or souls).
In the XVIII century, the word "indifference" began to be understood as internal firmness and resilience, constancy and spiritual stability of man, his core. The spirit of such a person will not be disturbed by danger and anxiety, because he knows that everything that happens is deservedly deserved, and will cope with difficulties. Indifferent is “a calm spirit looking at everything”. Now with this meaning, once again read the expression: "an indifferent person does not admire happiness and does not lose heart in misfortune." Understanding and feeling are different, right ?!
In this sense of the word, we would like to be surrounded by indifferent people, and not indifferent.
There are a lot of such words. For example, "freak." Previously, it denoted a very worthy and strong person born in the family first (that is, the firstborn). It was believed that he came into the family from God himself. From this the word came: his soul was in Rod, so being a freak was respectful, respectful and very responsible. Then the meaning of the word was distorted. This has happened before and is happening these days with a huge number of words. Where does it come from, who benefits from it? One must think that if the connection between language and consciousness is very strong, then one who tries to change the language affects the change in the consciousness of a person, people, masses ... However, we will leave this question open. If this is really interesting, you can turn to the literature.
In conclusion, we suggest that you, as active users of your native and foreign languages, think about what you are saying and (at least sometimes) take an interest in the history of native speech with the goal of self-development and a deeper understanding of yourself.