- Rachel Green
- Houston, TX
- United States
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Do you ever feel pressured, whether explicitly or implicitly, to pick up another language?
Maybe it's because I've grown up in America, and English is my first language, but I've always felt that there was a subtle pressure to know more than one language. Maybe it's because we want to preserve the idea of America as a melting pot of different cultures, which includes languages. Or maybe it's because in this era of globalization, English is still not a universal language and so we need to pick up another to be able to communicate. In light of this, my question is primarily for native English speakers: did you ever feel "pressured" to learn another language? If so, was it explicit or implicit?
Topics:
Language diversity
Marie Edwards
Chris Leebor
I chose Spanish even though i would be much happier learning a language like Japanese or Mandarin. In a way i was forced to learn but i feel if i had more choices, i wouldn't feel as forced.
fan wang
Edmond Allmond
There are indeed exceptions: the individual who is aphenphosmphobic and allows their isolation to increase, until they become fully anthropophobic. These individuals are exceptions, however.
We need to communicate. There is a natural curiosity about the sounds each of us makes in the course of normal and basic communication. The desire to learn a language beyond our own familiar one is, I believe, a natural desire, not something that most normal human beings would feel forced into. I include proficiency in music of any culture as another language.
I am mindful of pressure to learn a specific language, but pressure to learn any language (other than English, in this case) seems foreign to me. (ahhh... no pun intended...)
Individuals can be taught to be xenophobic and myopic, and thus suppress the normal curious desire to communicate with those outside their 'tribe'...
Michael Bradley-Robbins
The thing that I don't mind is that I love to sing in Italian, and I love to sing in German. I'm working on French, but am liking it so far. Spanish, partly because for me it symbolizes the slow and sure takeover of the Golden State by foreign nationals, is one that I do *not* want to learn.
Jeffrey Gibbs
Colleen Steen 500+
I've had a similer experience when traveling. Often people want the opportunity to speak English, at the same time I want the opportunity to practice their language, and often the conversation is a little bit of both. Usually, however, most people in the world have much more English than I have of other languages. I love the interaction and interconnectedness:>) Language is something like 67% body language or something like that? Sometimes I feel an understanding, even when neither of us has any of the spoken word!
Comment deleted
Colleen Steen 500+
I did not claim to be fluent in any language. I said I spoke French with my mom at home, and at the same time took classes in high school. That was a very long time ago:>) I do understand what you have written, and I have no desire to be tested...thanks anyway for the opportunity:>)
Marie Clermont
Your 2 sentences above sound *very much* like online translator gibberish to my French ears... =)
Colleen Steen 500+
My mom spoke Canadian French, which as an Irish lass living in a french community, she picked up from the other children she played with, so I understand gibberish...LOL:>)
I knew what Richard was trying to say, and I also know that he is trying to discredit me by following me around to various TED sites:>)
This is all very amusing. I didn't "fail" anything Richard. How'd you do on the "test?...LOL:>)
Colleen Steen 500+
There is no allegation anywhere by anyone that I am an "expert in French", and I did not study French in college. No need to twist information. Remember what the topic is, and try to stay on topic. This is not another site to "test" me. It is an opportunity to engage in ideas worth sharing.
Colleen Steen 500+
I learned something from my mother.
There was/is no implication or suggestion that I was/am proficient in any language.
I am grateful for Marie's input as well:>) We agree!
Colleen Steen 500+
Rachel Green
I'm sorry if I confused anyone: I wasn't really referring to formal language classes, although I too attended high school in a city where we were required to take foreign language classes. I guess that I'm trying to ask if you ever felt pressured to learn another language outside of that particular situation.
I still feel like I'm being a little vague, so I'll try an example: my friends and I might go to another friend's house and, over the course of the conversation, make small talk. Eventually, one of my other friends mentions that they know Spanish, or Chinese, and all of sudden, I no longer exist for the night. But, this is something that happens several times. I mean, I understand that talking to the person about speaking a second language might seem interesting at the moment, but it always feel like I'm being disregarded, like until I learn another language, I'm not that interesting or important. But, maybe this is just me.
Hopefully this will clear up any possible confusion. Thanks again!
Colleen Steen 500+
That's too bad that your friends would converse in another language for the whole time you are together. Perhaps you can say...hey friends...I'm here and I don't speak that language...would you mind speaking so I can participate? If they ignore you, then I would start questioning if they are truly your friends.
You ARE interesting and important:>)
Julie Ann 10+
Dong-Kuen Oh
My point is that English is common language and will be in our generation so, I guess, you will not be pressured to learn other languages in near future. But there are obviously some pressures to learn another languages, except English.
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
I've never felt pressured to pick up another language, but have always felt interested in learning other languages...at least a little bit:>) My mother spoke French, so in high school, I asked her to speak French with me at home, as I was taking French classes in school. I am amazed and humbled when traveling, and here on TED, that some people are fluent in so many languages. I try to learn at least a few words in the local languages when I travel, and it really helps to make connections with people. When I demonstrate an effort in learning the language, people are so helpful and understanding! I am truly honored that so many people in our world speak my 1st language, and I often feel inadequate for not being able to speak their languages as well.
Rachel Green
Colleen Steen 500+
I've been in several countries where I do not have a clue about languages, and somehow manage to move through the country connecting with people:>)
I usually learn the very basics at least...hello...goodbye...please...thank you...
When we demonstrate a genuine intent to try to connect with others, it is usually felt on a level that goes beyond the spoken word:>)
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
Julie Ann 10+
Colleen Steen 500+
I'm impressed with your friend!!! I agree that some people pick up languages easier than others, but it is never to late to try:>) It's like you say...the dialogue we have with ourselves is the most influential.
Cheers:>)
Rachel Green