Language is an art practiced by every person in existence today. Language is an integral part of cultures around the world. Language is verbal and nonverbal, and is, first and foremost, a tool for connecting two people.
In a world of globalizing economies, political spheres, and social systems, language is more important than ever. New languages have even been developed to help connect people face-to-face or miles away; computer programs are a way to use characters and patterns as a language to communicate. But the traditional language of spoken tongues still survives, representing a valuable part of culture and a means of maintaining identity amid modernization.
Learning a foreign language is a way to show respect for another person. Whether you are traveling in a another country simply to see more of the world, volunteering time or service abroad, or conducting business with those of another culture, the willingness to learn about and understand someone’s culture is a force that penetrates physical space and cultural differences.
It can be easy to say that learning a language is just too hard. It can be easy to say that a translator is just as efficient, or that the world should adapt, that everyone should learn the same language.
But that would also involve losing a part of culture as old as the human race. Language is a clue to the past, part of our present existence, and an essential part of maintaining a peaceful future. Even if we aren’t all fluent in languages other than our native tongue, the readiness to try a few phrases or to study the culture of another group before participating and interacting shows a peaceful mindset and the ability to cooperate before business even starts.
Being able to learn another language is a privilege. Certain people in the world do not have the time or resources to expend toward learning new verb conjugations and lists of vocabulary – for anyone, survival must come first. Poverty can be a handicap in the process of education. But in seeing privilege as an opportunity, we have the ability to close the gap between those who can afford to learn a language and those who cannot. By learning a language and reaching out to those who speak it, we can become equal and help people around the world find social and financial stability. In speaking another’s language as you help them, you show respect for their culture and way of life.
Luckily, it’s never too late to learn a new language. Well-known CEO David Bailey was featured in TIME Magazine as he volunteered information about how he learned basic French in just a few weeks (see the article here). Many studies (like this one) have even proven that language improves cognitive ability in children and adults, enhancing concentration skills, memory skills, and overall intelligence. If nothing else, this type of learning helps us become better at speaking and writing our own language.
Looking for something to do this summer? Pick up a few key phrases in another language! I would recommend DuoLingo if you’re an on-the-go learner who would prefer a mobile app, or LiveMocha, a slightly more complicated online platform. Happy learning!
I knew learning a new language was difficult and respect is deserved to those who can learn one, but I never knew that learning a language was a form of respect for others. I feel more inclined to pick up my old spanish books and re-learn it.