Differences in Language, Essay Example

In “Could Your Language Affect Your Ability to Save Money”, Keith Chen explains that language differences could trigger different savings and spending behavior (Chen, 2012). Ultimately, these effects are related to the structure and specificity of a language, which requires cultures to speak about different things with a different frequency. Certain languages require different thought with regards to timing, money, and other factors, which can ultimately influence spending habits. When languages talk about the past, present, and future similarly, people who use these languages are more likely to save. Therefore, individuals who speak Arabic are more likely to save than speakers of English, in which there is a large distinction between tense (Johnson 26).

In addition, it is important to consider that different languages are spoken by people of different cultures. Therefore, a variety of habits that these individuals take on are a direct consequence of these two factors. Spending and saving habits are a part of this; some countries emphasize the belief that spending will enhance the economy and the individual’s lifestyle, while other countries believe that saving will have this same result. It is clear that citizens of the United States are encouraged to spend in order to increase the value of their GDP. Spending is also popular among Saudi Arabians, but the spending patterns exhibited by the United States is much more significant (Euromonitor International).

However, it is also important to consider that certain cultural aspects make people save or spend money. For example, studies have shown that Arabic speaking individuals are more likely to spend more money during Ramadan and English speaking individuals are expected to spend more money during Christmas (Fernandez). Since English speaking individuals have “money spending” holidays to a greater extent, this can be considered one of the reasons for these differential saving habits.

Works Cited

Chen K. Could your language affect your ability to save money? N.D. Web. 13 May 2015.

Euromonitor International. Consumer Lifestyles in Saudi Arabia. Jan. 2012. N.D. Web. 13 May 2015.

Fernandez E. Spending habits—Where does your money go during this Holy Month? 3 August 2011. Web. 13 May 2015.

Johnson, Paul. A History of the American People. HarperCollins, 1997.