Life

Spend Time in India. Rewire Your Brain

Learning Hindi can even make your face look different.

This is part one of a dialogue between Christine Kenneally, author of The First Word: The Search for the Origins of Language, and Katherine Russell Rich, author of Dreaming in Hindi: Coming Awake in Another Language.

Hey Kathy,

Congratulations on Dreaming in Hindi! I loved it, but I’ve been trying to work out what genre it fits into. It reads part travelogue, part memoir, part personal survivor story, and part popular science. Just to catch up our readers on some background: You were 37, you'd had two harrowing bouts with breast cancer, and you'd reached critical levels of ennui in your magazine editor's job (the constant promotional parties, the fancy shoes, and the endless supply of giveaway moisturizers). Then, you were fired and you took a major left turn. You went to India for a year to learn Hindi.

This is where the story really starts. You sincerely gave yourself over to a new place, and you came out of it a different person. But this isn't a book about being different because you feel different, it's about actually becoming different. “Transformation” is one of these words we use loosely these days, but you doggedly track down the mechanisms of transformation. What happens to our brains when we take on another language? Do they change in fundamental, physical, and verifiable ways? Your book is an exploration of new findings in cognitive science as well.

You talk, for example, about a baffling silence that befell you early in your journey. You just couldn't find words, English or Hindi. This reads like a personal watershed, and clearly it was, but it was also, you discover, a predictable stage in acquiring a new language. You mention kids who are dropped into another language and go through a period of not talking before they suddenly open their mouths one day and, voila, they speak fluently. Like a virus, the new language has been quietly colonizing their brains. Who knew that for both one's character and one's neurons, silence is golden?

Other feelings and metaphors of your daily experiences turn out to have origins in neural connections as well. You write about how fragile you felt in this new world, how your English seemed to fall away. As one cognitive scientist tells you, the problem is that it was never your English to begin with. Language is constantly animated and reinforced by the world around us. If we give up that world, it's remarkable how fast our language dissolves. This dismantling of your self even affected how you looked—one day you glanced in the mirror and your face had changed. Again, you explain that this wasn't just a shift in self-regard. You looked different because the resting point of your face was different—the basic vowel in Hindi, the place to which your lips and everything else around them repeatedly returned—is different from the basic vowel in English.

Tags: Dreaming in Hindi, Katherine Rich Russell

Christine Kenneally has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Slate and New Scientist. Her book, The First Word: The Search for the Origins of Language, was a finalist for a Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Comments

juicy couture handbags

By: Emi | Thu, 02/02/2012 - 01:07

Juicy's newest collection, small rodent by Juicy Couture Sunglasses, meshes street-wear-chic with pedigreed luxury to create the quintessential wardrobe to the modern, downtown muse. Juicy Couture is supplied using the united states by means of around 100 Juicy Couture Sweaters and Juicy Couture Outlet stores, in choose out prestige division stores, and on the net. Internationally, Juicy Couture is at current supplied by means of full destinations using the UK, EU, center East, and Asia. The planet of Juicy Couture Laptop Case is expanding at an unprecedented pace, and we know you'll want in inside the fun.

Hi! Thanks for the great

By: alpha15995 | Thu, 01/19/2012 - 01:56

Hi! Thanks for the great information you have provided! You have touched on crucuial points! i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later.
wedding dresses online store,cheap wedding dresses,UGG Boots On Sale,cheap ugg boots,Down coats and jackets,Down coats,Down jackets,Classic And Fashion Boots,Fashion boots,Classic Boots,

Cheap UGGs

By: 200991 | Tue, 01/10/2012 - 20:18

A nearly century-old hunting Cheap UGGs is catching on with a younger generation that sees the utilitarian footwear as hip.L.L Bean's familiar duck UGG Bailey Button with leather uppers and rubber soles - designed for slogging through mud and snow - has become something of a statement owing to its newfound popularity on campuses, UGG Amberlee the company said. Another reason is new styles, UGG Tularosa including something Leon Leonwood Bean surely never envisioned in 1912: bright blue and pink leather, new for spring.Part of the success of the UGG Kensington is its versatility, in barnyards or in cities, in snow or rain.Defying a trend toward offshore production,UGG Bailey Button Triplet the outdoors retailer is adding 125 full-time employees to its Maine manufacturing operation to keep pace with orders.
The well-known UGG Classic Short Sparkles appears to be benefiting from a retro trend, whether it's penny loafers or Gap's 1969 series blue jeans, said Candace Corlett, UGG Caspia president of WSL Strategic Retail in New York.Another factor that could be helping Bean: There's been little that's new and exciting in footwear in recent years beyond UGG Montclair boots and Crocs, said Alexander Geyman, editor of Focus on Fashion Retail. Trendy UGG Classic Cardy boots and the Timberland brand outstrip Bean's in sales, he said.
The duck UGG Classic Short carry the "Made in the USA" label, something that's hard to find these days in footwear. Nationwide, the number of shoe-manufacturing jobs dropped from more than 200,000 in the 1970s to 12,500 this year, UGG Fox Fur according to the U.S. Labor Department. In Maine, shoe-manufacturing jobs peaked at more than 25,000 in the 1960s, UGG Delaine and last year there were 1,300 jobs, according to the Maine Department of LaborWell-known Maine brands like G.H. Bass, Cole Haan, UGG Knightsbridge Sebago and Dexter are now made abroad. But L.L. Bean has resisted the notion of making its Bean UGG Plumdale.As the story goes, L.L. Bean created the hunting UGG Classic Tall for himself after his feet got wet and cold on a hunting trip, and it was not an instant success. Ninety of the first 100 pairs sold in 1912 were returned after the leather separated; Bean had a satisfaction guarantee, UGG Annabelle so he returned customers' money.These days, UGG Retro Cargo the original L.L. Bean Hunting Shoe is available unlined or with various linings, UGG Finnegan including Gore-Tex, Thinsulate and shearling. There are plenty of other variations, including quilted, canvas and plaid, UGG Sheepskin Cuff and even bright blue and pink leather. There are low-cut versions as well.All of them are still made by hand. The rubber soles are made by L.L. Bean workers in Lewiston, UGG Mayfaire and they're sewn to the leather uppers at an L.L. Bean plant in Brunswick.All told, there are 320 workers at L.L. Bean's factory in Brunswick, making UGG Highkoo, dog beds, canvas totes and other products.Each Gore-Tex liner is inflated and dunked in a tank to make sure it's watertight before being dried and put in the UGG Roslynn.

Most of karen millen dress

By: karenmillens | Mon, 01/09/2012 - 21:30

Most of karen millen dress sale who care and loveshort-haired ones love the warmth added. So when it comes to being the life of the party in costume and getting tons of petting and doggie is, I doubt many would object Chihuahuas. However, a Halloween costume for a karen millen outlet store needs a few requirements to be safe for a dog, no matter cheap karen millen dress race they are. Two points are important to do some holiday clothes is comfortable and visible. dog Clothing comfort is important not only because it will make your dogfeel better. If a sweater or a jacket is too warm, your furry friend could overheat and nausea. At the same time, if your dog is going to be out with the cool air of autumn, the Clothing should be warm enough if the dog has thick fur.

Use a full Karen Millen

By: karenmillens | Mon, 01/09/2012 - 21:25

Use a full Karen Millen Dublin suit baby bed in the first week during the day -you will need these 50-10. * For use when changing diapers and night, are 4-5 baby clothes, because they make the job much easier. * Bibs 5-10 – although children do not take solid food that have a tendency to drool and spit up. * Buy a large quantity of burp Karen Millen 2011 so that your clothes can last for more than a burp session! * Keep the child's feet warm with socks, no matter how well it heats the house. You will need 5 pairs of these. * Decide whichkind of hat of the time it is likely that the experience and get two of Karen Millen One Shoulder. * Keep baby warm with a child's hand, choosing what you want the games of the season and the weather in your part of the world.

One of the biggest karen

By: karenmillens | Mon, 01/09/2012 - 21:25

One of the biggest karen millen sale dresses breakers is clothing. When you have a big family to shop for, it is even moredifficult to stay within budget. If you buy clothes online, you can stay within your budget, taking advantage of discount prices on brand name karen millen discount salefor men, women and children.

nike air max

By: lovenike | Mon, 01/09/2012 - 04:22

Nike Air Max series will belong to be changed. They are the best face of a shock protection system. Setting the standard for excellence, Air Max 2011 consistently combines great styling with exceptional quality, performance, and comfort:Air Max 2011.Air Max 2012.Air Max 24-7.Air Max 90.Nike Free 3.0.Nike Free Run

christianlouboutinhots

By: zhenhua | Sat, 01/07/2012 - 03:09

Christian Louboutin | Discount & Fashion Christian Louboutin online.Christian Louboutin is one of the many designers we feature at www.christianlouboutinhots.org.Women who wearing a pair of Christian Louboutin Shoes can attract all men's attention.There are so many Christian Louboutin for your choice.Cheap Christian Louboutin | Christian Louboutin Boots | Christian Louboutin Bridal | Christian Louboutin d'Orsays | Christian Louboutin Evening | Christian Louboutin Flats | Christian Louboutin Galaxy | Christian Louboutin Heels | Christian Louboutin Mary Janes | Christian Louboutin Platform | Christian Louboutin Pumps | Christian Louboutin Replica | Christian Louboutin Rolando | Christian Louboutin Sandals | Christian Louboutin Slingback | Christian Louboutin Sneakers | Christian Louboutin Wedding | Christian Louboutin Wedges | Christian Louboutin black boots | Christian Louboutin Black Leather Patent Pigalle Pumps | Christian Louboutin Alta Arielle A Talon Python Tall Boots Gray | Christian Louboutin Altbotte platform boots | Christian Louboutin Decollete 100 jazz pumps | Christian Louboutin Embroided satin shoe Annees Folles | Christian Louboutin Bow Satin D'Orsay Black | Christian Louboutin Bow Satin D'Orsay White | Christian Louboutin Black Scrub Sheep Leather Evening Shoes | Christian Louboutin Carnaval Black | Christian Louboutin Big Kiss Studded Leather Flats Purple | Christian Louboutin Flats Big Kiss Studded Black Leather | Christian Louboutin Field Boots Black | Christian Louboutin Ginevra Black | Christian Louboutin Altbotte platform boots | Christian Louboutin Astraqueen shoe boots Black | Christian Louboutin Platform Mary Jane Slingbacks Black | Christian Louboutin Platform Mary Jane Slingbacks Red | Christian Louboutin Apricot-colored Slingbacks | Christian Louboutin Leopard High-heel Boots | Christian Louboutin Ambro Lace Pumps white | Christian Louboutin Banana Platform Pumps | Christian Louboutin Ariella Clou Silver Studded Boots |Christian Louboutin Mamimo 140 platfoam shoe boots | Christian Louboutin Rolando Blue Suede Hidden-Platform | Christian Louboutin Rolando Patent Python | Chrisitan Louboutin Josefa 120 Platform Sandals | Christian Louboutin 100 Stud-embellished Watersnake Sandals |Christian Louboutin Glitter Slingback Heel Silver | Christian Louboutin Mille Cordes Black | Christian Louboutin Freddy Studded Lace Ups Black | Christian Louboutin Freddy Studded Lace Ups White | Christian Louboutin Engin 120 Patent Court with Spikes | Christian Louboutin Pump With Studs Trim | Christian Louboutin Almeria 120 espadrille wedges | Christian Louboutin Chain Espadrille Christian Louboutin can make you Lovely, beautiful and sexy mature quieter.With the best price and best quality,you won't be disappointed.Expect you and your friend to have a nice shopping here.Good luck.

ugg kensington

By: zhenhua | Fri, 12/30/2011 - 02:27

If you want want fashionable ugg boots, if you want good quality of ugg boots,if you want beautiful ugg boots,if you want comfortable ugg boots, sincerely welcome to our website http://www.uggbootskensingtons.org which we make sure can meet all of your requirements. There are series of distinctive ugg boots showing in our store. Such as UGG Kensington Boots | UGG Kenly Boots | UGG Retro Cargo Boots | UGG Fox Fur Boots | UGG Highkoo Boots | UGG Jimmy Choo Boots | UGG Jimmy Choo Kaia Boots | UGG Jimmy Choo Mandah Boots | UGG Jimmy Choo Sora Boots | UGG Jimmy Choo Starlit Boots | UGG Kona Boots | UGG Mayfaire Boots | UGG Sandra Boots | Jimmy Choo Siobhan Boots | UGG Bailey Button Boots | UGG Bailey Button Triplet Boots | UGG Broome Boots | UGG Dakota Flats Shoes | UGG Delaine Boots | UGG Desoto Boots | UGG Elsey wedge Boots | UGG Felicity Boots | UGG Gissella Boots | UGG Knightsbridge Boots | UGG Payton Boots | UGG Plumdare Boots | UGG Roseberry Boots | UGG Roxy Short Boots | UGG Roxy Tall Boots | UGG Siennar Miller | UGG Sunburst Tall Boots | UGG Tularosa Route Cable Boots | UGG Adirondack Boots II | UGG Adirondack Tall Boots | UGG Amberlee Boots | UGG Annabelle Boots | UGG Ashur Boots | UGG Bomber Jacket Boots | UGG Brookfield Tall Boots | UGG Caroline Boots | UGG Classic Argyle Knit Boots | UGG Classic Cardy Boots | UGG Classic Crochet Boots | UGG Classic Flower boots | UGG Classic Leopard Boots | UGG Classic Mini Boots | UGG Classic Paisley Boots | UGG Classic Short Boots | UGG Classic Short Sparkles boots | UGG Classic Tall Boots | UGG Coquette Sheepskin Slippers | UGG Corinth wedge Boots | UGG Cove Boots | UGG Dauphine Boots | UGG Finnegan Boots | UGG Gaviota Boots | UGG Greenfield Boots | UGG Infant's Erin Baby Boots | Ugg Kid Bailey Button Boots | UGG Kid Boots | UGG Langley Boots | UGG Liberty Boots | UGG Lo Pro Button Boots | UGG Locarno Boots | UGG Men Boots | UGG Men Classic Short Boots | UGG Montclair Boots | UGG Nadaleen Boots | Ugg Neema Shoes | UGG Nightfall Boots | UGG Original Sundance Boots | UGG Rainier Eskimo Boots | UGG Rosabella Boots | UGG seline Boots | UGG Shoreline Boots | UGG Smithfield Boots | UGG Stella Boots | UGG Suburb Crochet Boots | UGG Suede Boots | UGG Sundance II Boots | UGG Swell Tall Boots | UGG Tassel Short Boots |UGG Tess Boots | UGG Twisted Cable Boots | UGG Ultimate Bind Boots | UGG Ultra Short Boots | UGG Ultra Tall Boots | UGG upside Boots | UGG Gloves And We update the new products almost everyday, you can get your favorite ugg boots with the reasonable price and best service.Come on ,you will experience much surprise here . Thanks .

abercrombe

By: xuntong01 | Wed, 12/28/2011 - 21:21

Dressed in abercrombe below, to spread leg, leaning against a all kinds of rose petals herbaceous peony with jade clip yarn new pillow, and fang officer two HuaQuan first. When the hot mouth fang shouted, dressed only in a abercrombi girded with a under, also to spread trouser leg. Head forehead with a circle (eyebrow plait, goal to centers, "a root ELuan degree of finish total plait, allsaints dragging in brain. The right ear plug in the eye with the size of a rice only a small jade lid, the single left ear with a abercrombie & fitch 8 , the show's face as the full moon of the white, eye such as autumn pay off.

This YouSanJie walking arm in arm with loose hair, abercrombie & fitch cheap half attack by surprise half open, revealing the light green wiping a bosom, a mark Snow White meat. Underneath , a pair of lotus or become warped or and, no moment sven. Two is like a swing in general, the light under, the more the LiuMei cage cui fog, wingceltis mouth DanSha point. This is a pair of autumn eye,

The qing-wen wear only abercrombie & fitch clothing, red XiaoYi red sleep shoes, be covered with hair, riding in the male on slavery. Musk month is , dressed in a suit , where the catch neither rib limb. Male slaves back on the kang, but, dressed in abercrombie & fitch coupon , red pants green socks, two feet disorderly deng and the smile of breath

See wonderful jade head wearing a abercrombie & fitch outlet cover a water TianQing satin edge long vest, tied chou-heung color silk sash, waist of a pale MoHua of white silk skirt, follow a shi son, waving the drag drag comes along.