Language: The Opportunistic Sounds that Connect Us

Over 6,500 languages are spoken all over the world—all different and unique in their own way. Furthermore, over 75% of the world’s population speaks more than one of those many languages (BBC News).

Language is one of the most important ways we communicate and share ideas, information, feelings, and much more. It’s a complex system comprised of unique vocabulary, grammar rules, conjugation, tenses, and formalities. All of these intricate, yet individual ideas mesh together to form what we call a language, which, when you think about it, all boils down to a jumble of sounds.

Knowing a language offers a plethora of things other than just allowing you to share ideas; it gives you an abundance of opportunities, especially if you know more than one. One of the things that knowing more than one language does for you is that it can give you more job opportunities. 

“When I was in France, I had the privilege of working at ICOM (International Council of Museums). If I didn’t know French and all for the other languages [I know] I would have never gotten that job. It was just an internship but they were very excited to have me,” said Erika Stamper, the French teacher here at Riley High School. 

Although Stamper was born in France, her first/native language, was Czech. When she was very young, she moved with her parents to the US where she learned English, her second language. Later on, when she was around 12, she moved back to France for a short time where she learned French through immersion 1, making French her third language. In high school, she took Latin and Spanish, adding two more languages to her repertoire. Further on into her college studies, she took German and Italian, making for a grand total of 7 languages learned, which she has definitely reaped the benefits from.

“When I was on an archeological dig in southern France, I was the only one besides some the other professors who knew French[the dig was comprised of American students], and it was a little bit of an intimidating experience because I was only 21 or 22 at the time. But I was asked to greet all of the scholars and show them and explain to them what the dig was about and what we were doing,” Stamper explained, “They actually made me director of the small museum that was there at the dig.” 

Knowing more than one language can give a lot of different job opportunities you wouldn’t have had otherwise. Not only does being multilingual give you access to more jobs, but it can also raise your salary. Additionally, it can give more incentive to an employer to choose you for a job position instead of someone who only speaks one language. 

“Let’s say you might have two or three candidates, and there’s a job that requires some language. Say one candidate knows two languages, but might not have some technological skills. They’re still going to take the one candidate who has two languages because language is harder to learn whereas technology is something that can be learned on the job,” Stamper reinforced. 

 It’s quite obvious that being multilingual gives you new job options. However, knowing another language also connects you to another culture. 

“It opens up a deeper understanding of other cultures. Because I speak Spanish, I have a connection to Latinos that I would otherwise not have since I am not a Latina myself. Spanish speakers have always treated me very positively and appreciate my interest in their language and culture,” said Jennifer Pflugner, a Spanish teacher here at Riley, “Learning a language goes beyond memorizing words; culture is embedded in language with how we speak with respect, how we describe things, and the products, foods, and experiences we describe with our words.” 

Culture is an integral part of language. The two are intricately intertwined, helping to define each other and their aspects. How you may address someone in a certain language helps to set up how we respect them. The different foods and items that are special to a specific culture are cornerstones of that culture’s language. They work hand in hand and when you are exposed to a new language, you are also exposed to the adjacent culture. 

Furthermore, the addition of a new language to your skill set also helps to improve your brain function and the way you think and make connections. 

“It actually improves and challenges how your brain functions,” Pflugner added, in support.

People who learn multiple languages can make more connections in their brains than those who don’t study another language. It also helps increase your memory and your ability to focus. Language learning has many benefits and positive effects, though some see it as a foreign concept and a hindrance. 

Often when foreigners move to the US, they only speak their native language and either have to learn English or depend on a friend or family member to help translate for them. Americans can often take extreme prejudice against foreigners who don’t speak English, harassing them and making it a requirement that they speak English and not their native language. However, this idea is often flipped on its head when Americans are put in the same situation when they travel abroad outside of the US. 

Americans may travel to another country and expect that country’s natives to speak solely English to them. Americans may not even bother in trying to learn even the most basic of phrases or instead, mockingly use these phrases. In a juxtaposition, foreigners who come to the US will often try to learn some English, while some Americans won’t bother to in the slightest.

“That bothers me that people aren't making an effort when they go over to another country like France, to learn because when they come here they're those very same people who are very obnoxious to foreigners and say, ‘oh, you should be learning English’. I know personally because I used to teach English to ESL (English as a Second Language) learners from Korea and China,” Stamper replied. 

This mentality needs to be stopped and replaced with one that better encourages multilingualism and language learning. 

“It disappoints me that some Americans view speaking a second language as a hindrance, and I think we could learn a lot from countries around the world that promote multi-language learning at a young age. This perspective points to a focus on a broader community and collaborating with others, which I think should be more highly valued,” Pflugner stated. 

Despite the herd mentality that views learning a language as a nuance, language learning still provides many benefits and opportunities to those who study it. Increased job opportunities and experience, a bump up in pay and cognitive ability, as well as a connection to people, places, and cultures you wouldn’t have otherwise. Not to mention it’ll make your next trip abroad a heck of a lot easier!