Why English Isn’t the Only Language You Should Know
English is spoken by 322 million native speakers and after Chinese and Spanish, is the third most popular language in the world. Furthermore, there are 300 million people worldwide who use English as a second language and an additional 100 million who use it as a foreign language.
That said, it is impossible to deny how countries such as China, Japan, Russia and India are becoming increasingly important, both in the world of politics and the world of business. Of course, without the arrogant American understanding of the ‘Rest Of The World’, this wouldn’t need to be pointed out. Whilst those in Asia and Russia are breaking down barriers for themselves, learning English and building on the already established ideas of the United States, we are simply not reciprocating and continue ignorant to the benefits foreign countries have to offer.
Coming across as rather hypocritical and arrogant, Americans really do love a joke about the poor English of immigrants. However, it goes without saying that the poor language skills of the immigrants are undoubtedly better than the non-existent language skills of the average American.
Here are some reasons to expand your horizon and learn a new language.
Cultural Reasons
Sure you enjoy American cinema, but there are so many great films away from Hollywood that you cannot appreciate without understanding the language (yes, there are subtitles but not in all cases and furthermore, the original is always better).
As if being an ‘American tourist’ wasn’t stigmatizing enough, do you really want to be the one to go to a different country, know nothing of their culture or language and spend two weeks playing charades trying to communicate? By speaking the native language of the country, you will greatly help yourself to integrate with the local people and gain a unique insight into their culture and lifestyle, opening doors to exciting new opportunities.
Somewhat of an embarrassment to the US, there is a YouTube video in circulation which features a reporter asking a few typical Americans some simple questions. Amongst them, “what language is spoken in Latin America?” is asked. The answer given is “Latin”… The other answers are just as “inspired”
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuNgBkloFE[/youtube]
Furthermore, there are 300 million people worldwide who use English as a second language and an additional 100 million who use it as a foreign language.
That said, it is impossible to deny how countries such as China, Japan, Russia and India are becoming increasingly important, both in the world of politics and the world of business. Of course, without the arrogant American understanding of the ‘Rest Of The World’, this wouldn’t need to be pointed out. Whilst those in Asia and Russia are breaking down barriers for themselves, learning English and building on the already established ideas of the United States, we are simply not reciprocating and continue ignorant to the benefits foreign countries have to offer.
Work Reasons
Learning a language other than English looks impressive on any type of job application and it will always help you to stand out. Furthermore, as well as giving you more chance of getting the job you want because of the boost it gives to your resume, speaking a second language means there are more jobs to chose from – you can do everything you wanted to do in more places!
The financial, teaching, translation, business, media and tourism industries all provide excellent opportunities to those who can speak more than one language, often offering opportunity for travel to the country which has always captivated your interest.
Social Reasons
English is spoken by a great majority of people meaning if you know a language which is not English, you can say with certainty that you are “special” amongst your friends, family, school and work colleagues. Define yourself and dare to stand out!
- In countries such as Egypt, France and Spain, it is not so common to speak and understand English. In order to still be able to communicate in social and business environments, speaking and understanding the local language comes across as a nice touch, is a way to be remembered and demonstrates a desire to learn about local culture.
- Learning foreign languages increases listening comprehension, creativity, critical thinking and capacity for remembering. All universally applicable skills!
- Your new international friends will serve to educate you about the real culture of the country, help you understand the language in more depth and open your eyes to a completely new environment.
Not only will you make friends learning a new language, you may also make contacts for your future career – a head start on anyone else and much more fun than trawling endless career fairs! Stop being ignorant and start embracing!
November 15th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
Apart from English and my native language (Bulgarian, which is spoken by only7 million people ), I speak 3 other languages – French, Russian and Italian. I hope to start Suomi (Finnish) soon.
But it was perfect when I was in France that I could understand everything and I didn’t have communication problems.
I love learning new languages – this is the way to understand a whole new culture. Not that I love french cheese..
And also – reading famous books in the original language is so beautiful. No translations is so good as the original.
So, people, learn new languages to expand your horizon!:)
November 15th, 2007 at 11:23 pm
And do not forget another couple of things:
The anti-americanism that is spreading around the whole world is partly due to the fact that you americans come across as arrogant and ignorant f***s, because you expect the whole world to be able to speak your language.
English is sh*t* as a communication, business and universal language, and has failed big time in every aspect. In fact, it’s done more harm than good.
Please take a look at this video and let me know what you think:
http://dotsub.com/films/thelanguage/index.php?autostart=true&language_setting=es_1683
November 16th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Wow that video on “latin america” was great, lol. I’m sure there’s a lot of people who answered correctly, but they only showed the idiots who had no clue. For shame, for shame.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:02 am
Come on, the stupid America trick has been done before. Yes, there are very stupid people out on the street. How many of those people were edited out because their reaction wasn’t amazingly retarded? I bet I could do the same in any other country.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:03 am
[...] Why English isn’t the only language you should know [...]
November 16th, 2007 at 12:04 am
Thanks for a great post. Fuels my fire even more for my trip abroad to Guatemala to learn Spanish.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:46 am
Chinese & Japanese are not that easy to learn. Spanish is much simpler at least for me in California as even if you don’t want to learn its almost impossible not to pickup some thing. However as for myself I am working on Russian. IMHO think China & Russia offer good opportunities for business now and in the future.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:15 am
In countries such as Egypt, France and Spain – this is a lie, i live in france and we are forced to learn english in school. anyways, i really feel you talk a lot of bad about the american people. i agree that not just americans but everyone should learn a 2nd language. you have to understand in europe 1 country is no where near the size of america. so for us to have trade we half to speak another language. in american you can drive just about 300miles in any driction and still speak english. not so here. another point, everyone is arrogant, no one wants to change how they speak. people are lazy and it doesnt matter where you live this is true.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:17 am
sorry, didnt copy the whole qoute “In countries such as Egypt, France and Spain, it is not so common to speak and understand English.”
November 16th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I have to ask, why doesnt the rest of the world just learn english? I come from india & each state has a language & we have more than 20+ official languages & I speak 2 of them. I moved to america in 97 when I was 9 & whenever ive gone back to india ive had stops at london, milan & frankfurt. If I had any business I dont think id work my ass off to learn another language because it is too much of a pain to grasp. English is the easiest language in the world, I dont see how anyone can complain saying english speaking people need to learn other languages cause the world is becoming more competitive & we should learn it so we dont look like arrogant people.
Look at europe, why should I learn any language of theirs? My state in india Andhra Pradesh drawfs them in the number of people who speak it. Other than former colonies no one speaks any european language outside the country a lot or as a 2nd language. Fudge you, everyone should learn english to make it easier even if it bites. Better than me learning another 20+ languages casue the markets are becoming bigger. Fudge you.
November 16th, 2007 at 6:44 pm
This entire post is arrogant. You’re simply suggesting that others are superior to Americans because they know an extra language or two. I’ve been throughout Europe and Asia and I know for a fact that a considerable amount of the population in those continents are unable and unwilling to speak other languages. There will always be those that are willing to adapt, and they do so because the situation that they are in calls for it. Its not the fault of Americans that many cant speak multiple languages, but merely a product of the environment they are subject to. When placed in a situation where they need to be able to communicate with others in a different language, most would be up to the task just as they would be anywhere else in the world. The mere fact that Americans are more isolated from other cultures simply decreases the need for this to occur. And while it may be true that there are a significant number of people within America that are unwilling to change, that is no different than most other countries I’ve been to as well. I’ve been to France and attempted to speak French with the locals and in return have been looked at with disgust, at which point they only will speak English with me. I’ve been to Japan and China and have met thousands of people who don’t understand a word that I say, are they even more ignorant than an American because they choose not to learn a language that is at the forefront for international business? You’re entire commentary is ludacris and unless you’re a highschool student I can’t comprehend how you could post this, learn to be more objective in your analysis instead of simply throwing out things like ‘arrogant americans’ fifteen times. Look at the entire population as a whole, not just the section of America that isn’t willing to change, what about the millions of highly educated individuals that work on a daily basis internationally and who may speak multiple languages. Or if you would like to stick to your restrictive samples, maybe go into 90% of rural areas in any country in the world and see how many of them speak another language, from my experience its going to be mininal.
November 16th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
I am an American in Pamplona Spain.. and .. of course all English speaking foreigners are teachers.
People may be forced to learn English in School.. in the last 10 years or so.. but Spain has so many regional languages like Catalan or Basque.. I had students.. who upon finishing high school being unable or refusing to speak English.
Fortunatly, the US has bought some companies here, so the workers must speak English to advance.
November 17th, 2007 at 2:35 am
That video left me speechless… I’m amazed those people walk upright.
November 18th, 2007 at 11:01 am
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November 22nd, 2007 at 7:40 pm
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November 23rd, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Very good article. The youtube video is really good.
November 29th, 2007 at 11:33 pm
[...] Why English Isn’t The Only Language You Should Know [...]
December 1st, 2007 at 5:16 am
Kevin, you made some good points. I’m an American, who also speaks Spanish, who lived in Cambridge, UK for four years, and has traveled to about 25 countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. I do get sick of the America bashing. It is true that we must learn a lot more about other cultures, and we do have a lot of ignorant people, but there are a lot of Americans who are not like this as well.
But there are differences that make this environment in the first place that must be taken into account.
One, the world is a lot easier for native English speakers. Mostly any major airport, descent hotel, and people conducting business with tourists speak English in the countries I’ve been too (except Morocco where you really did have to know French), where as if you only speak Italian you’ll be out of luck.
Second, we are not a class-based society, so learning foreign languages and having to show other people how educated and sophisticated we are, is not in the forefront of our minds.
Third, we are a country of immigrants who left our native countries because of its traditions/values/economic hopelessness or social situation (thus my 2nd point) and didn’t look back much. So we will not approach the world the same way.
Fourth, a lot of music, and a lot of movies, Friends etc…, comes from here, not Paris, Tokyo, or China. India does have a thriving movie center but it’s catered to a narrower audience. So again our culture being exported, a lot more than imported.
I agree we must learn more about the world. And I think it is getting better in this country slowly, but portryaing all Americans as ignorant is ignorant.
December 3rd, 2007 at 10:25 am
English is really influential and widely used in many aspects and in wide perspective ways in the world-it could be either in community, organization, social activities or gatherings, and the most is in our economy. But undeniably, this language is not the only one which everyone must know and learn. There are many instances wherein, we should converse differently using various medium of utterances or language.
Thus, in most non-English speaking countries such as Egypt, Afghanistan, Korea, China and much more, it is not in great use since the people comprising it are mainly using native language. As in economic world, of course, it’s so hard to deal with people who could hardly understand what someone is saying in English if the listeners are too aloof of the said language. Thus, in business it’s very important that everyone does comprehend each other for the benefit and for the progress of the business.
Why I’m saying this? It’s because, in scene, one must be (if possible) a multi-lingual. Being so, it’s easier to talk and to discuss things regarding business with various business men. And considering the article above, its true that must of Chinese and Japanese people are so inclined in business world. Thus, learning their language too is quite advantage!
December 6th, 2007 at 9:33 am
I want to pin point what Keven had said. I think, the idea here is not to discriminate those Americans. The least word to be use is ‘Awareness’ (just for me). There’s nothing wrong pointing an example then. The blog is just an eye opener for all of us. It doesn’t say that those people who learn two ,three or number of languages are powerful than those who learn only one. But, in reality, learning lots of languages brings amazements and fame. Let’s not deny it! It’s really be seen now a days, why not try to observe around? Thus, it completes the thought that, if you are learning English, why not try to learn other languages aside from it? It’s more of fun!
It’s correct that, even in entertainment industries, learning languages is a help. How come? Try to buy or watch movie such as German and Italian, Let’s see if you could comprehend it without any translation. My point is that, English is really useful as well as the other language. Thus, if an individual manage to learn the English language, why not to other foreign language then? I’m speaking this way because I’ve experienced a lot of times watching foreign movies such as, Dutch, French and Italian, through Cd’s. And without luck, I hardly understand what I was watching. If only I could learn those languages then..
December 7th, 2007 at 9:29 am
As one of the pro-English language learning, I do conclude that its not the only language that must be taken into consideration. The other languages too are mainly existing and contributing human nature any where in the world. Though, English is internationally used, its important too, if we can learn to speak other languages.
In behalf of English flourishing, and widening use, there are still individuals who could hardly use it, nor understand it. Therefore, it matters not how fluent you are in English, if your listener doesn’t understand what you are saying; its still remain- USELESS.
In conversation their should be enough changing and understanding ideas, principles and facts, both for the speaker and the listener. There are people who are incline of understanding English, but couldn’t speak it in words. Thus, it makes them use their own language in their daily living. This could be a reason too for the people to adjust each other s’s differences in languages actualization.
In adjusting, it must include the learning to the language of the people you are dealing with (in any part of the world it my be), and socializing with. By then, probably, the seemed dilemma for you to interact with people using foreign languages will he ceased.
December 10th, 2007 at 7:15 am
English is always be the international language use for almost all of transactions globally-basically business, as what others above conferred. It’s true! Many of businesses now are running with this language as the medium of exchanging ideas. Thus, it’s that important! But we should be more open with the possibility that world isn’t revolving with only one language. I accorded those views above. We are in one, to long for more languages to learn then!
As many individual are doing now, languages are put into account as the basic element intrinsically or extrinsically in countries.Let’s put everything into order then, and show the equilibrium to languages use in this world! Let’s learn English, as well as the other languages too!
We could be more reliable with those languages . We could use them in so many things, and its a big edge for us to step forward. We could use also as a stepping stone! We could deal alien easily, with so wide wings, and soar as high as we could to the world! That’s what learning more utterances could brings us above.
Therefore, we should be proactive persons, lets do better things for our better and inspiring future.Let’s make this as our healthy motivation for successful tomorrows!
March 6th, 2008 at 5:49 am
not much diversity dah comeon english speakin people dont make chanel bags ! or my gucci gavori sandels english and other languages should be spoken not jusst english … your princess paris h.
April 16th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
i think it is a neat idea to learn another language because one it is fun, two it beneficial if there is needed assistance of a translater if in any emergency is at hand and three it teaches you about different cultures and broadens your knowledge
April 16th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
its not the fact that americans are ignorant but it is that they do not wish to learn another language other than their own and society really doesn’t promote learning one they might post sometimes in the achedemic field that there might be a few Spanish classes or chinese or french.
April 19th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I must say after reading all of the posts as well as the article I am both insulted and inspired. I agree that being multi-lingual is indeed a plus. It helps in many areas of life. However as an american myself I disagree with the bashing. I must say I agree with Bob, our culture is one that doesn’t really encourage the learning of other languages. Not to say they discourage it, but that it doesn’t come up, it is not a requirement in any way.I have been to many other countries and found similar circumstances. Many people across the world are unable, unaware, or too busy/lazy to learn another language. So lets not put it off as “arrogant Americans” and accept that people all over the world need to be inspired to learn another language because it is so helpful.
May 16th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
It is really, truly unfair to judge Americans in this way. I am an American, born and raised here, but my ethnicity is still German and many others. Does that make a difference? I would have to say, I wish our education system was better. It is not the Americans that are unwilling to learn it is the school systems that do not promote and teach. The schools here only teach about American Government and seem to focus more on our Constitution and History than other countrie’s systems. We do have a World History class that is required but, I strongly believe we should reform our school system to teach more about the world. But discriminating against us isn’t right either. High school students are required to learn a secondary language… so… =) Just stop discriminating, I promise not all Americans are as dumb as is portrayed of us. ^^
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Hello to all.
Reading the posts here, I am saddened to have noted that many were of a “bashing” nature.
As individuals, we are gifted with the Freedom Of Choice … this includes .. to learn a language or NOT to.
I am a Canadian citizen by choice, but consider that perhaps I am more a citizen of the world. I say this only because I have been travelling the world since I was knee high to a grasshopper; living and working in many countries.
My ethnic roots go to many countries, but the main (two branches) are Spain and Philippine with connections to The United States Of America.
As a child growing up I spoke English, Cantonese, French and Macanese. Since, having lived over 40 plus years in Canada, and speaking mostly Englsih, I am out of practice with the others … which is unfortunate.
I currently reside in The Netherlands, and would very much like to learn Dutch which I find to be an extremely difficult language.; especially since my hearing (pitch & tones) have been damaged .. due to a severe auto accident when I was still living and working in Canada.
My purpose for having joined Abroad Language, was primarlily to find friends who would like to penpal with me and learn (online) …
Todate, I have only received messgaes from young women seeking an intimate relationship … I am NOT interested!
I am trusting that with this posting, I will succeed in achieving my goal which is linguistic knowledge.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:57 am
somebody has an inferiority complex!!!
September 1st, 2009 at 5:06 am
yes, i would agree that learning foreign language is an advantage in taking jobs and not only foreign language but also learning how to speak English and being fluent on it especially in foreign countries because it is a very good advantage for you. I also admit that it amazes me when i hear someone speak in many languages or people who are linguist because it makes them look smart, but not just to look smart but in some studies it shows that when you know different foreign languages, your brain also changes and improves. So i guess it is best to learn many languages..by the way nice post!!
Leslie
Learn English with Mary
September 1st, 2009 at 10:26 am
We always see the need of learning other languages since it gives us a key of understanding their culture, their lifestyle and a means of understanding us. A lot of people are engaging themselves to a online learning and spend money just to learn the language for personal reasons, some are for career reasons but most of the point is to be understood and understand other people.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
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