The Power of Words and Language in Different Cultures
Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a powerful tool that shapes our thoughts, emotions, and interactions with the world. Even the words or phrases of choice can be very different across cultures, which in turn impacts how we understand and react to various situations. This variance is not only a matter of different languages, but it’s also deeply involved with cultural norms, values, and worldviews.
For instance, in Australia, if someone greets you with “G’day” or “How’s it going?”, they usually follow up with a chat about the weather or the day’s events. This reflects a cultural emphasis on being friendly and building social connections. In contrast, in Chinese culture, a common greeting is “你吃了嗎?” or in Taiwanese “呷飽未?”, which translates to “Have you eaten?” It’s more than just a question about food; it’s about caring, rooted in ensuring one’s basic needs are met. Such linguistic variances highlight how language is intertwined with cultural identity and social norms.
The Cultural Nuances of Expressing Emotion
Language also plays a critical role in how we express and interpret emotions, including pain. Imagine you accidentally hit your hand on a table. How would you react? In English, you might exclaim, “Ouch!” In other countries, people would make different sounds—Filipinos might say “Aray!”, Thais might say “Oy!”, Japanese might say “Itai!”, and Chinese might say “Aiya!”. Check out this video for more expressions from around the world.
The words we choose in such moments are often automatic, yet they carry cultural connotations. In some cultures, expressing pain can be quite reserved, or it may be seen as inappropriate; while in others, it may be encouraged as a way to release emotional responses that accompany certain situations. This variance also includes how different cultures perceive and articulate emotions. In some parts of the world, emotions are considered actions rather than states of being. For example, in some Indigenous cultures, it’s common to say, “I am doing anger” rather than “I am angry” (Beaudoin & Monk, 2024). This subtle difference in wording suggests that the person is not the centre of the emotion, but rather views the emotion as a temporary state of action rather than an inherent part of their identity.
Narrative Therapy: Moving Beyond Diagnostic Labels
Narrative Therapy is a unique approach to mental health that goes beyond typical diagnostic labels, which are often culturally defined and can stigmatise those diagnosed. Instead of focusing on a diagnosis imposed by society, such as the DSM-5, which categorises mental illness through a Western cultural lens, or as defined in the traditional Chinese medicine book Huangdi Neijing written over 2,200 years ago, Narrative Therapy emphasises the uniqueness of an individual’s problems and strengths.
This therapeutic approach helps individuals identify and articulate their personal stories, allowing them to externalise their problems and redefine their experiences. In Narrative Therapy, the language used in sessions is crucial. It’s not about labelling someone as “depressed” or “anxious”; rather, it’s about exploring how they experience their challenges and how these are connected to broader societal narratives. By doing so, individuals can rewrite their stories, highlighting their abilities and the skills they have to face any challenges. This process empowers them to move forward with a renewed sense of agency and self-worth.
Fighting Stigma in the Australian Context: A Narrative Approach
In Australia, the role of the narrative approach within Narrative Therapy cannot be overstated in fighting the stigma that often accompanies mental health issues. Stigma is often the result of social labels and misconceptions that continue to be reinforced through language. Therapists can assist clients by helping them to deconstruct these stigmatising stories using a narrative approach and by writing alternative stories that highlight resilience and capacities.
This approach is particularly important in Australian society, where increasingly open conversations are being encouraged through initiatives like R U OK? Day and Mental Health Week, or other mental health event and promotions. These programs promote a shift in language from being judgmental and diagnostic to supportive and empathetic, aligning with the principles of Narrative Therapy and social work values that influence the structural environment.
Moreover, Narrative Therapy can contribute significantly to addressing mental health within diverse ethnic communities, particularly the Chinese community in Melbourne that still associates mental health concerns as personal weakness or a permanent degrading label, and is particularly influential on those with strong association with patriarchy way of living. Narrative approaches are especially relevant in such communities where the stigma surrounding mental health is high, providing a culturally sensitive way to explore and reframe mental health issues.
Reflecting on the Role of Language in Mental Health
The language we use within our cultural groups strongly shapes how we think, feel, and engage with the world. Narrative Therapy offers an appreciative view of these linguistic forces in understanding and reshaping our lives, helping individuals liberate themselves from limiting stories and embrace more empowering ones. As we reflect on our use of language and actively reframe our stories, we can challenge stigma and contribute to improving mental well-being for ourselves and others.
If you’re interested in exploring how Narrative Therapy can support you or your family members in rewriting life narratives that allow you to step forward into a meaningful and fulfilling life, Ashore Wellness offers personalised counselling services tailored to your unique needs. We are here to support you on your journey towards mental wellbeing.
References
Beaudoin, M., & Monk, G. (Authors), Li, K. (Narrator). (2024). Narrative practices and emotions: 40+ ways to support the emergence of flourishing identities [Audiobook]. Tantor Audio. https://www.audible.com.au/pd/Narrative-Practices-and-Emotions
