The Importance of Languages
translated into any other language, since Chutzpah is a concept found only among the Jews. Other languages have not needed to invent such a word, since they do not know the phenomenon. Basically, it means unlimited, impertinent and unbelievable impudence and shamelessness." He was not being complimentary. Perhaps it was the German use of the word that shaded his opinion. What he did not understand is that there is a good and bad chutzpah. It can be a rude, ugly way of doing something, or it can be an example of power and courage. There is a depth to the word that can only be understood by experience. There are many words and phrases that share that trait.
For additional information on the word and its official use by the Supreme Court, see http://www.jlaw.com/Commentary/SupremeCh... Just looking up the word in a search engine reveals many uses and interpretations of the word. Ironically, it happens to be a word adopted by this country, and it is moderately understood. To truly understand it, you have to learn about the language and the people who invented it.
Just one word and a relatively short explanation should serve to show how much we have to learn by learning more about the customs and languages of those who share this world with us. Our language is rich and vibrant because it embraces other languages and cultures, but we do ourselves a disservice by not learning those other languages. We have to live with other people. We should learn to understand them better before we attempt to impose our will on them.
Incorporating languages in our school system is an important step to achieving the understanding we need to be effective citizens of the world. Our children will be better people for it, and so will we.
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