The Unspoken Freedom: Lessons from Language on Identity and Presence

We often say, “I am a leader,” “I have a great team,” or “I want success.” These phrases, deeply ingrained in our Western linguistic structures, subtly shape our perception of identity, ownership, and desire. But what if a different linguistic approach could unlock a profound sense of freedom and agility in our professional lives?

Consider the Irish language, a tongue that offers a fascinating perspective on these very concepts. It doesn’t use a direct equivalent for “to be” or “to have” in the same possessive sense. Instead, it employs constructions that subtly reframe our relationship with states of being, possessions, and aspirations.

When an Irish speaker expresses “I am happy,” they might say, “Tá áthas orm,” which translates more literally to “Happiness is upon me.” This isn’t a permanent, defining characteristic, but rather a transient experience, like a wave washing over you. Similarly, “I have a house” becomes “Tá teach agam,” or “There is a house with me.” It suggests a companionship, a journey with a possession, rather than an outright claim of ownership. Even “I want money” transforms into “Ba mhaith liom airgead,” meaning “I would like to be with money” — again, a less demanding, more emergent relationship with desire.