Yes, there's a big difference. Atleast in our family.
My father was a spirited person. He gave us the greatest gift a parent could give a child - Reading. Not only was he a voracious reader himself, he would always make sure we have a huge collection of books at our disposal all times in the house - didn't matter that they were mostly used and tattered ones. And, he used to talk to us constantly when we were little. There would be debates on literature, science, philosophy, religion, travel - you name it. We have had discussions on just about everything. He loved it even more when we question on why's and how's and argue with him. To him, this was a sign of progress. Also, his sense of humor was unstoppable and infectious. Seriously.
My favorite quote of his - You have been given a brain. Use it.
My mother on the other hand always stayed out of these things and was always busy with household duties. Came time and when we grew older, she took charge. She is the most mature parent that a child could ever have. So forgiving and always giving others the benefit of doubt. I have never seen her bad-mouth anyone, anytime. She has been teaching us how to lead our life and even this day continues to do so. So strong and resolute that you would feel nothing can shake her. A monument of support. And, always positive and looking at brighter side of things.
My favorite quote of hers - No situation remains the same for ever. Everything changes. Just wait.
So, the ability to use language as a mode of communication is one of the main differentiating factor between us and the rest of our primate friends. It gives us that crucial "one-up" to dominate the earthly scene, making us feel all superior. Of course, we easily gloss over the fact that some of us can share so many other traits with the animal kingdom - don't we have enough samples of sly foxes, wise owls, slimy weasels, scared chickens, sharp eagles, vain peacocks etc all around us? Makes one raise an important, poignant question: are we so different after all? Me thinks nah, not so much. More on this topic, it's also fascinating that there are around 3000-6000 languages spoken by us humans around the world (as per our friend "Wise Wiki"). In India, even if you're linguistically-challenged like me, there should be an average of at least two languages acquired over a life time by each person (this is my own extrapolation, so please don't ana...