I grew up speaking 4 languages. Even as a young child, I recognized the value of speaking different languages. But what does it actually mean to be able to speak a language?
Languages are primarily about communication and being able to convey feelings. However, language is much deeper than that. It is through language that people preserve the history, customs and traditions, memories, unique ways of thinking, meanings and expressions of their community. To really master a language, you have to dive into its culture.
Here are 3 big reasons why you should be able to speak multiple languages:
1. Global Network
Most of the world now speaks English. So why should you be able to speak another language besides English?
English is spoken by most people and has lost its value precisely because of this. All speak English but most have not learned to express their culture in English. This means that it is difficult to have a deep connection with a person who cannot express himself in English the same way as he is able to in his mother tongue. Because many speak English, but not many speak good English. It is therefore worthwhile to learn other languages besides English. When you choose to learn another language after English, it is of great advantage to learn a language that is spoken by many people. That way, you unlock huge new levels on the globe, like in a video game.
Here are the most spoken mother tongues in the world:
- Mandarin – 1.12 billion native speakers
- Spanish – 460 million native speakers
- English – 380 million native speakers
- Hindi – 340 million native speakers
- Arabic – 319 million native speakers (dialects included)
2. Travel
Similar to the last point, this is about connecting more closely with people by speaking their native language. As a result, as a tourist, you are welcomed with much more love. It’s also happened to me a few times that I’ve been invited by locals just because I’m a foreigner who speaks their language. It also saves a traveler from being ripped off on everything from expensive tourist prices to muggings. Mastering the language in a foreign country means being able to see into a new world.
3. History
Really mastering a foreign language means knowing another culture in addition to your own. The history of a people is written in its own language and is thus also adapted to the culture and values of the people. Merely delving into history in your native language is therefore something that can hardly bring any truth to light. Learning a foreign language means being able to see your own history through the eyes of others and no longer being blinded by the black-and-white history written in the history books of your mother tongue. An example of this is the contrast of morals in the West compared to the rest of the world. The West is stuck in many conflicts around the world, but is only criticized in isolated cases in its own society. The Wester countries prefer to criticize the other side of the globe. However, the same rule applies in all other countries and peoples around the world, where they point fingers at the western world. Immersing yourself in different cultures means realizing that most of the time nobody is really right or wrong.