The importance of languages and how it can help you in everyday life.
We live in a world that is full of many different people, cultures, and languages. America is known as the “world’s melting pot.” It is where a variety of different people come together so that they can have a chance to prosper. Lets say you take any New York City square block. Any NYC block full of people you will find at least 3 different languages spoken by the people there. There are immigrants, foreign students, and working people who are bilingual, trilingual, or multilingual. Some may have been born into a non-English speaking family, some may be learning different languages for school, and others may have established careers where they had to pick up a language to make things happen. The amount of languages that this world has is immense, the amount of spoken languages is about 6,500! The brain only has room about 4-5 of those before it devolves into a weird UN meeting in your head. So there is no shortage of languages to learn but the real question is why should you learn another language at all?
In order for most nations to survive you have to reach out to other nations. However, trying to reach a trade agreement or establishing diplomatic relations by hand signs and adding “-o” at the end of everything, it will not end well.
“Oh I thought you said ‘launch‘ not ‘lunch‘…”
Communication is highly important in all that we do. When it comes to romance, work, family, and group projects you have to communicate effectively. Most of communication is language! So when in Rome, do as the Romans do. “What do the Romans do?” They spoke in Latin! So when you are going away to Rome, Italy learn some Latin! Wait…do not do that, Latin is a dead language as of a couple hundred years ago. Speak Italian when you are in Rome. But if you have a time machine and go visit the Roman Empire, speak Latin (also call me, I love Time Travel adventures).
“Well Mr. Hasson Moneybags Magee, I don’t have any money to travel the world. So I don’t need to learn another language!”
First off, I wish I had money to do anything. I’m in my senior year of college, this article alone cost me a couple thousand dollars in debt to publish (still <3 you WPI). But if you can’t go to the country, bring the country to you. Like I stated before, there are a lot of people around you that might speak a language or are from a culture that can change your life! By learning a language you can get familiar with a specific culture, people, and some delicious food. I can get closer to Venezuelan culture by learning some Spanish. Which can bring me closer to my Venezuelan friends as well as other Spanish speaking people and cultures. Which will in turn get me closer to eating some homemade Arepas and other tasty foods. Good God I love food.
Another thing, learning a language may keep your mind in shape! There have been studies that indicate, there are benefits of a bilingual brain. There are benefits early on in life all the way into old age. So if the crossword puzzles are getting too boring for you, pick up a Russian language textbook instead! Your brain will thank you.
Learning a language can bridge communication gaps, can strengthen your relationships, take you to another country, allow you to make and eat good food, and give your brain a workout! I can tell you from experience that learning a new language is phenomenal. When I learn a language or culture I am increasing my global awareness, and hearing voices from people that I was once deaf to. So I will continue to butcher the French language I love with the WPI French Circle, try to wrap my mind around the Russian language, and ponder why I went to Spain without knowing nearly any Spanish.
So Спасибо (thank you) for listening.
Have a belle journée (beautiful day).
Buena suerte (good luck) in your language pursuits!