Speaking in Tongues

t is commonly accepted that language is an essential part of life. The benefits of knowing more than one language, however, provides more than it takes. Languages open the boundaries between different peoples, cultures, nations. It is not unimpressive how much knowing more than one language can do. In our native tongues, we are comfortable; we are confident of our competence and skill in the familiar.

To those who know or learn another, however, there is more to the world. The comprehension of multiple languages is, to borrow a cliché, greater than the sum of its parts. Knowing more than one language helps each one to be seen not only more clearly, but also in a different light. Connections will be drawn, realizations made. There is nothing so uplifting as the process of gaining insight, of making sudden discoveries in addition to simple understanding. Every language is a branch or form or relative of another, alive or extinct. There are similarities to be sought, changes to be uncovered. You will understand why your own language functions the way it does.

Even brief encounters with other, unfamiliar languages are like looking through windows you never knew were there.

Sometimes, one hears of, or even encounters, extraordinary individuals who have mastered half a dozen (or more) languages. This induces a certain amount of envy, to be sure, but mostly a sense of awe. But, more commonplace an occurence, are the ordinary people all over the world who speak two. Sometimes one wonders: how many people speak English in addition to their own language, as opposed to native English speakers, many of whom speak only English?

Learning languages may not be the center of everyone’s focus or foremost of priorities, but ultimately, it really is or will be one of the most enriching and valuable experiences one might experience- not to mention the merits of learning in itself. Discussing such matters is in this University setting is rather redundant, I realize (most need no encouragement), but the message is for everyone. Learn another language; one can never know too many.
____
Drop cap credit to Jessica Hische; visit for inventive and impressive illustrations.