What if you didn’t need to say “I” in a sentence?
Many languages don’t. And that small difference reveals something powerful about how communication works across cultures.
Today, we explore Japanese politeness, subject omission, advanced English precision, and a German song that makes vocabulary stick.
Everyday Expressions
Japanese: “Yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします)
Meaning: There’s no exact English equivalent. It loosely means “please treat me favourably”, “I look forward to working with you”, or “thank you in advance”.
Why it’s fascinating:
This phrase is deeply cultural. It reflects cooperation, humility, and social harmony. It’s used:
When meeting someone for the first time
After asking for a favour
At the end of emails
When starting a new job or project
It’s less about literal meaning and more about relationship-building.
Example:
はじめまして。よろしくお願いします。
“Nice to meet you. I look forward to working with you.”
Why people love it:
Because it shows that language encodes social values.
Some languages prioritise clarity.
Others prioritise harmony.
Logic Behind Linguistics
Why Some Languages Drop the Subject
In English, we usually need a subject:
“I am tired.”
“She went home.”
But in languages like Spanish, Italian, and Japanese, the subject is often omitted.
Spanish:
Estoy cansado. (Literally: “Am tired.”)
Japanese:
行きます。 (Ikimasu. – “Will go.”)
Why this happens:
These languages encode information about the subject inside the verb or rely on context.
If it’s obvious who is speaking, the pronoun becomes unnecessary.
English used to do this more frequently centuries ago, but gradually shifted toward always stating the subject explicitly.
The result?
Some languages prioritise efficiency through omission.
English prioritises clarity through explicit structure.
Books We Recommend
Grammar and Vocabulary for Advanced Book with Answers and Audio
If you’re aiming for advanced English, this book is one of the most structured and comprehensive resources available.
It’s designed for high-level learners who want precision, flexibility, and depth.
Why it’s worth reading:
Develops nuanced grammar control
Expands high-level vocabulary
Strengthens collocations and natural phrasing
Bridges the gap between “fluent” and “advanced”
Music Without Borders
Song Spotlight: Haus am See by Peter Fox
This modern German classic blends storytelling with clear pronunciation and rhythmic repetition.
Why it’s powerful for learners:
Strong narrative structure makes vocabulary memorable
Repetition reinforces key phrases
Natural conversational tone
Realistic pronunciation at authentic speed
Endangered Languages/Voices at Risk
What The Aasáx Language Can Teach Us About Survival
The Aasáx language offers a rare glimpse into how words shape survival, memory, and identity.
Spoken by a small, endangered community, it encodes generations of environmental knowledge and oral histories. It also includes cultural values that have helped its speakers endure in harsh landscapes while preserving a unique worldview.
Fun Facts Worth Sharing
Some languages have grammatical gender for everything, not just people.
In German:
The sun (die Sonne) is feminine
The moon (der Mond) is masculine
In Spanish:
The moon (la luna) is feminine
The sun (el sol) is masculine
Same objects. Different grammatical identities.
Join the Conversation
What’s your favourite example of how language reflects culture? Share your thoughts with our community on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Every 2 weeks, a language disappears. With it, entire cultures fade. But apps like Duolingo, Memrise & IndyLan are giving endangered languages a digital lifeline — helping voices survive & thrive. Read more 👇 languagelearnershub.com/blog/endange... #langsky
— Language Learners Hub (@languagelhub.bsky.social) 2025-09-08T15:16:47.774Z
When you share Language Learners Hub, you’re not just inviting friends. You’re helping us create more free tools and resources for everyone.
What’s possible through referrals:
Pronunciation Cheat Sheet — available now for all members.
Mini Masterclass Video Pack — coming soon.
The Polyglot’s Private Collection — coming soon.