Why Learn A Language?

Why Learn A New Language?

The benefits of learning a new language are beyond the scope of this Blog. 
An entire book could be written on why multilingualism is one of life's most underestimated skills. 

We often hear of some benefits being: more job opportunities, more friends abroad, better business skills, etc. These things are nice, but none of them have lasting value in my opinion. What I am suggesting is that there is an underlying indispensable value to learning new languages that only a small percentage of people in the world have discovered. That there is an invaluable global benefit that broadens our mind to create peace within ourselves, and within the environment around us. 
Alright.... this got too deep for me. Let's stop with that.

But here's the best part: YOU can do it too. I would wager that 99% of people wish they could speak another language. ANYONE can do it. Anyone can master any language if they have a clear goal and process, and it doesn't take a genius or hours of your time. All it takes is BELIEVING it can be done. It doesn't matter if you're old or young, American or Japanese, black or white. In fact, I believe with 100% confidence that adults can learn a language faster than children if the right techniques are applied. (someday I'd like to challenge a kid in a language learning contest!)

OK, so I've decided to just outline a few benefits that I've found to have the greatest impact on my perspective of life and the world. Simply put:

It Gives Us Clear Thinking - When we study a language, it raises our awareness of our own thoughts and perspectives, as well as those of others. Prior to studying Spanish, I had no interest in the lives of Hispanics living in America. In fact, I really didn't care about them. But I became aware of their cultural existence everywhere around me because I had a gateway through their language. Now I think Mexican culture is just awesome. They know how to live a simple life, only consuming what is necessary for happiness. Fun fact: Mexico has one of the highest marriage rates and lowest divorce rates in the world. 
Understand Culture - To me, language and culture are one and the same thing. They are inseparable and essential to each other. With that said, it’s impossible to fully understand a culture without fully understanding the language. Don’t believe me? Go to Japan and live with an English-speaking family for one year. Then come back and tell me how much you learned about Japanese culture. Impossible. 
Similarly, if I told you, “I know French,” you could comprehend that in two different ways: “I know French language” or “I know French people (culture).” I think there is more wisdom here than we think.

Develop A Global Mindset - We develop an instant connection and fascination in someone that speaks our own language. Image two enemy nations or ethnicities learning the language and culture of each other. That is how I believe real peace will come about. 

I'm not suggesting that everyone should spend all their time and money on learning new languages and gallivanting across the globe (although that's my plan). In fact, I spend an average of 5 hours per week learning a new language (that's less than an hour each evening). How many hours does the average person spend working, watching TV, and Internet surfing in a single week? (for Americans, it's 46 hours, 13 hours, and 34 hours, respectively). 
What I'm saying is this: my life has never been the same since I picked up language learning. My mind is clear and globally-inclined. The world's governments, religions, and opinions may be at war with each other, but I am at complete peace. 
Thanks for reading my rant :)

Benjy Uyama
September 16, 2013 (Home, NC)