Linguistics

Linguistics are a key area of the human intelligence. The domain of linguistic skills is a rough indicator of the rest of a person's intellectual capabilities. Learning languages is a process that begins early in one's life, as an infant. Nevertheless, one can still find many a person struggling to express themselves lucidly in any tongue.

  Languages determine the way we think and in an indirect way, act. A person's thinking is sometimes, limited by the limitations in the language that he/she speaks. Therefore, language has a direct bearing on the manner in which the cognitive senses of a person develop. 

    A recent study by Dr.Janet Werker of The University of British Columbia, has suggested that bi-lingual babies are more likely to have better developed cognitive skills when compared to their mono-lingual counterparts. This has been attributed to the fact that bi-lingual babies are often required to modify speech-patterns when shifting languages thereby, exercising their analytical skills.

   One's grip over a language is often determined by the extent of his/her vocabulary and the correct application of grammar. Building a strong and sufficient vocabulary may take years, and is a slow and gradual process. Conversely, as far as my observations go, grammatical applications are to be learnt in the early stages of the period when one learns a language and are to be retained. If one does not retain the essence of a language's grammar, he/she never quite gains mastery over it. 

   Generally, linguistic intelligence is listed as one of the most relevant spheres of intelligence in day-to-day life, as it determines the extent to which a person can be a successful communicator. I personally feel that being a good communicator always helps establish good relationships with people around. Furthermore, I think that somehow, good linguistic skills and an ability to process profound thoughts are interlinked.

Recognition

Recognition for one's work, however insignificant it may be, is something everyone appreciates. In today's world, thanks to blogging, social networking etc, recognition has easily come to those who deserve it. Be it writing, poetry, photography etc, one can be recognized for one's talents through these vistas.

   One often ponders about the importance of recognition. One might argue that true talent will stand irrespective of whether it gets recognized or not. But one can definitely not deny that being recognized does feel very heartwarming. Nothing is more encouraging than to be lauded for one's work. 

   Looking at this from the receiving end of good art, in the 19th century, for instance, one only had access to the works to a certain amount of writing or poetry. But in today's age, with a little help from google, one can access tons and tons of quality writing from around the world. Thinking of these immense benefits that this seems to offer us, it seems stupid to me that people have a problem with the generation of today's apparent "propensity to document every happening in their lives". Even if this is a big deal , as it is being made out to be, I guess it is a price we would all gladly pay.

   

The grand finale

Finally, the day of the final encounter of the world cup 2011 is upon us. An event which the entire cricketing world awaits for with bated breath. As always, it so seems that the past month has passed by in a surreal fashion. 

   For the first time in the history of this tournament, we are going to witness an all-Asian final. Indulging in a moment of silent gloating, i would like to point out  that India and Sri Lanka were my two predictions (in a now-deleted entry to this blog) to be the favourites at this world cup.  Guess the home advantage played a bigger part than was expected.

  Looking forward to the final, it is a very evenly matched tie, it every possible respect. In fact, i would not hesitate to go on and say it has been one of the most evenly matched world cup ever. Both the teams are going into the final with an even win-loss record and nearly even injury concerns. India is being touted as the favourite due to the home advantage and also due to the exaggerated inadequacies of the Sri Lankan side. Nevertheless, I would like to point out that Sri Lanka's victories over England and New Zealand left many a face agape. India , on the other hand, impressed many with their resilience,indomitable spirit and ability to hold on to nerves. Sri Lanka, albeit due to their own might, haven't had to deal with a lot of nerves in this competition and therefore, this is being touted as an attribute that is going to shift the balance in India's favour. 

   The familiarity between the two sides over the past couple of years is only going to make it a much-more equally poised contest. Sri Lanka would definitely have benefited by a fit Murali and losing Angelo was also a shocking blow. In comparison, India's loss of  Nehra seems less drastic. 

  I could go on and on about how close a match this is going to be. But to be absolutely clear, there are no favourites to this one as one may debate the distribution of odds all day. One thing is for sure- WE GOT A GAME OM OUR HANDS!!!