Day 46

Day 46:

It's always good to remember that there are countless mediums through which you can tell a story. This one has existed for thousands and thousands of years, the written word. From stone, to paper, to screen, written words and symbols have been used to tell everyone's stories, in all kinds of different languages. When in person, or over the phone or internet, the spoken word contains more nuanced emotions and colloquialisms between friends, especially when combined with facial expressions and gestures. However, with this nuance comes the cost of less people being able to understand the communication. Written languages are easier to interpret, but there are so many used globally, that it would be almost impossible for one person to know them all.

Thankfully, there are more universal languages, which can convey emotion and basic messages incredibly quickly. Facial expressions can show joy, sadness, pain, tiredness and so much more, to almost anyone that you meet. Specific details are scarified, but fellow humans (and some other species) can understand what you are expressing. To give an entertaining example, 'Mr Bean' is one of the most popular television programmes in the world. Set in England, it has been shown in almost every country with access to television, yet very little translation has been needed. That's because the main character, Mr Bean, hardly says a word throughout the entire franchise. The comedy and storytelling is almost entirely physical, shown through action and facial expression. 

Of course, there are methods of communication that are yet to be invented. Who knows what they may be, but it may one day be possible to communicate with others without words or actions. Whether this will be for better or for worse is unclear, but whatever they are, I truly believe that there will never be a substitute for physical expressions of emotion. It has existed for as long as we have, and crosses all borders without the use of technology. It is eternal and immortal.