Food can mean many different things. Of course, its basic purpose is to provide nutrition and sustenance. But it’s so much more. It provides joy, memories and connections to others. It’s been called the language of love. But has it evolved into something bigger? Has food evolved into the new global language?
When growing up, I recall that music was given this prestigious title. Songs and melodies, no matter what genre and or in what language, have always been able to cross cultural barriers and reach into our hearts and souls. Music has and continues to be a way in which we learn words and phrases of languages different from our own. But over the last couple of decades, food has grabbed the baton and, in my opinion, surpassed music as the GLOBAL LANGUAGE. So what exactly is “language?”
According to Google definitions, language is a system of communication used by a particular country or community. https://www.google.com.
Language is a way in which we express ourselves. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be spoken words. It is the way we express emotions and feelings. And food does just that.
So read on and learn why I believe food has evolved into the new global language.
Food is the most primal communication method.
Where ever you live in this big beautiful world of ours, there is no denying that food is a way in which we communicate our feelings. Whether we are the cook or the guest, we express ourselves in its preparation and consumption.
Food is used as a centerpiece at important events in our lives — birthdays, weddings, holidays, cultural celebrations, funerals. The list goes on. There is no “language barrier” with food. We all understand it and love it!
Food is the language of love.
We all love, want love and understand love. So of course food is an instrument used to show love.
Romantic candle light dinners, chocolates on Valentines Day, special dishes for birthdays and holiday celebrations…these are just several examples of how food is used to communicate our feelings of love.
“Food incorporates all the other five languages and all five senses. It’s a very powerful way of creating a connection and expressing love,” relationship and human behavior expert Patrick Wanis, Ph.D. tells SheKnows. https://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/2148218/food-love-language/
Food is ever evolving.
Food is always changing and evolving. Recipes, ingredients, food sources, preparation methods — they are constantly changing and adapting to what we, as humans and society, want.
An example of this “evolution” is how chefs have put their own spin on classic dishes to appeal to more people . Take the simple “kids” dish — macaroni and cheese. Today, this comfort dish has been dressed up with expensive ingredients like lobster and truffles and appears on menus in upscale restaurants. (Getting hungry? Try my yummy macaroni and cheese recipe by clicking here: https://followmyyellowbrickroad.com/?page_id=3600)
And cooking is not just about cooking anymore. It has evolved into something bigger. Food has become a celebrity of sorts. Just take a look at all the cooking shows, food websites and food blogs.
Food transcends ALL language boundaries.
Although food is a language with many different “accents,” it can communicate to us and transcend cultural barriers. One does not have to speak the native language from which a dish originates from to successfully prepare it and enjoy it.
A Tuscan cooking class. 
Enjoying tapas in Lisbon.
And one doesn’t need to speak the language to enjoy food when traveling. Fluency in another language is not a criteria for dining in restaurants, shopping in marketplaces and enjoying local street food. Of course, learning some basic words and phrases is always a good idea!
Food is probably the easiest way to experience a different culture.
Nowadays, we can all luckily enjoy multi-ethnic cuisines without traveling far. No need to jump on a plane and travel to a far away place for this experience. Most of us have access to a variety of foods and ingredients right in our local restaurants and markets.
Our own kitchen is another place where we can tap into cultures different from our own. .
Artem Beliaikin at Pexels 
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
Cooking up and feasting on dishes from other cultures gives you an insight into its people and traditions. We discover new ingredients and methods of cooking that may be somewhat alien to us. “Food fusion” is what this is. It’s a form of cooking that combines contrasting culinary techniques into a single dish. So go for it and try a new recipe!
Food is a way to communicate to the masses!
Everyone can participate in it! There is no denying that the food industry has completely exploded and taken hold of our societal psyche. Every where you turn, or log on or tune in, there is food. Cooking shows have turned chefs into celebrities. Travel shows explore food. Social media is the new medium for foodies to share their food experiences. We are more obsessed with food than ever.
Food connects us as ONE world.
An increase in people traveling, the popularity of cooking shows and the increased presence of food on social media has definitely been instrumental in its impact on all of us.
The easy access to foods from around the world has made its impact on what we cook in our kitchens, where we choose to eat and, thankfully, expanded our food palettes. We’ve realized, I hope, that we’re all more alike than different. And, like many foodies out there, I couldn’t be happier!
After all,
FOOD BRINGS EVERYONE TOGETHER!