Does the ability to speak a foreign language change how you see the world?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:32:23 -0500

Scientists have been studying how linguistic differences can affect how we view events. It's an interesting study showing how emphasis used in language can affect how one puts emphasis on how he or she sees an event. Do you focus on any particular part of the event? The cause, the action, the after effect?

It makes sense to me that this would be the case and may affect why different countries give different responses to an event or why some link events together and others don't.

Would it be more to our advantage in the political arena, if we were more like the Swiss? The Swiss are amazing in their ability to traverse different languages. Swiss citizens speak four different languages French, German, Italian, and Romansh and they have these same four languages as their national language. Don't worry they're also excellent at English. :-)

http://news.sciencemag.org/brain-behavior/2015/03/speaking-second-language-may-change-how-you-see-world

Speaking a second language may change how you see the world

Research suggests speaking English nudges Germans to focus on process over goals

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 5:36 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:36:53 -0500

From my perspective...I think it does change the way you think and come to conclusions about specific topics. Depending on the language you learn, you're usually required to learn about the history of that specific country and region.

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Now I'm on my computer and able to type a bit more depth to what I was stating last night.

Like someone said in the thread - it enhances your thought process, but for me...not only did in enhance my thought process - it changed it. I view things from a completely different perspective, and as a member of the Civil Affairs regiment - I have to. Knowing the history about the country of your specific language can enrich you about their struggles, about their successes and failures and as to why they may have come about. When you begin to understand how that's important to language training and just learning in general, regarding a specific country and region - I would think that it opens your eyes to that things aren't the same all over and just because we do something here in the US, doesn't mean it should be done in country "x".

Learning a language should be more than just the ability to speak the target language, but to truly understand the nuances and intricacies of ones culture and history. Once you begin that process - then I believe you can apply that to any where you may find yourself conducting military operations (or even a civilian business or mission trip). You'll be less inclined to automatically revert to your comfort zone of "well we do it this way in America" and you'll begin to explore "how did they used to do it here" or ways that it may work and be accepted by their culture.

I wish America put more effort and focus on teaching our youth the importance of a second language. I know, we have Spanish and French classes in most high schools - but students aren't really expected to learn anything beyond the pre-k basics of the alphabet, counting to xx and a few basic phrases. I'd love to see the educational system revamped to have foreign language opportunities offered as young as first grade and sustained throughout the course of their school career. Young children are sponges and would be more apt to pick up the language(s) much quicker than your typical 16-18 year old, who is only taking the class because it's a graduation requirement.

Unfortunately, I would venture to say the majority of America would disagree with my notion of how important foreign language training is and how much it would benefit the next generation.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Nov 16 at 2015 5:39 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:39:10 -0500

No. It enhances how I see it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 5:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:39:22 -0500

Well, it surely does make you able to interpret nuances that get lost in translation many times. English is not optimal when it comes to give layers of information.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 16 at 2015 5:48 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:48:40 -0500

I have studied eleven languages in my lifetime. Lack of practice prevents me from retaining any skills. Those dastardly foreigners have the nasty habit of speaking my language better than I speak theirs. To be serious, studying foreign languages has helped me understand mine better as well as the differences in the way different people think about things.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 16 at 2015 5:51 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 17:51:27 -0500

Learning to speak German and Russian helped me expand my viewpoint based on communication CPT Private RallyPoint Member. Speaking multiple languages has been common in Europe for centuries. My British parents and my cousins are fluent in English and French at least. My parents spoke more languages. My Welsh cousins also speak a little bit of Welsh as well which is parallel to the Romansh of the Gypsies.
The Swiss have been somewhat aloof over the centuries because it is difficult for non-swiss armies to fight in that area. The geography of Switzerland is primary reason for their advantage.
I did find the Swiss to be somewhat closed minded. When I left the Geram part of Switzerland and crossed over the mountain to the French speaking side a mile or two away they denied all knowledge of German and English. I was on a trip to go to the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1984. We decided to press on and go to Geneva where they spoke English and some spoke German as well.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Nov 16 at 2015 6:07 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 18:07:09 -0500

Being Bi Lingual and born and raised in another country and experiencing two cultures simultaneously....Yes, I believe I see things with my eyes MORE OPEN than those who may only speak one language or experienced only one culture.

In my case...I had grand parents and great grand parents on my fathers side from Germany and Ireland....I didn't learn much about Ireland....but had no choice to learn about the German side...
....then there is my mom. She is Japanese....and very much into Japanese tradition...even after living in the states since the mid 70's.

That's the great thing about being in the Military and or being a BRAT. The Military allows one to experience other cultures which I believe helps round out a person and gives them better perspective.
With my father in the Air Force and AF sending him to Okinawa, he met my mom....I'm born, but we live off base with my grandparents who only speak Japanese and Okinawan....I learned their language first....and then finally learned English.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Nov 16 at 2015 6:08 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 18:08:46 -0500

Obviously, well that could be debatable , I speak English, or I try to, but I also speak, read and write French. Now that's a chore in itself. I was born here in the US but my grand-parents were from Canada and they only spoke French. So I grew up speaking both French and English. I found it very confusing at times and I really couldn't master either language. I think I spoke Frenglish. Anyway, my ability to speak French really paid off in Vietnam and once I became a NH Trooper, I was an interpreter during our famous "Motorcycle Weekend" as we had many French motorcycle gangs show up for that event. And yes, it definitely gave me a different perspective on life's events. But one thing for sure, I sure know how to swear like hell in both languages. lol

Response by SN Greg Wright made Nov 16 at 2015 7:24 PM

SN Greg Wright — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:24:57 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I'm sure it does, but probably not as much as actually being in another country/culture does. The differences in culture in a new place really ram home when you're immersed in them.

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 16 at 2015 7:32 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 19:32:08 -0500

When I was stationed in Germany, I spoke ok German. But haven't had a need for the last 20 years.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 8:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:19:03 -0500

It certainly does not hinder. I am studying German by immersion and looking up verbs and their conjugations...

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 8:44 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:44:30 -0500

I do. I think learning and knowing foreign languages broadens one's horizons. I wish we Americans stressed foreign languages more in our education system.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:12 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:12:48 -0500

Absolutely. I won't talk about concrete Army experience, as I am brand new into the service, but my different background is a real plus when it comes to think outside the box. Currently a sophomore in college, I often bring new ideas to the group, mostly due to my French education (French education system is different than in the U.S., after graduating from high school, I spent one year in law school). There, I learned to have good work ethics and to develop my critical thinking.
I wouldn't be the same if I would have spent my entire life in the United States. In today's Army, diversity is a real advantage.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2015 9:19 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:19:42 -0500

I guess it depends on the language. I used to speak passable Klingon when I was in college. loQ tlhIngan laH pejatlh!

Response by PO3 Sherry Thornburg made Nov 16 at 2015 9:37 PM

PO3 Sherry Thornburg — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:37:35 -0500

The ability to understand and hear other points of view would enlarge a person's outlook. Military members get that change of perspective by the constant travel serving in other countries. I can see it.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Nov 16 at 2015 9:41 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 21:41:59 -0500

Yes. It gives you the ability to talk unfiltered with people. The media gives you no raw intel the way they slant it. You actually have to travel, speak with locals, and find out what's going on yourself.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 7:15 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 07:15:00 -0500

It is not about language ... it is about knowledge.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Nov 17 at 2015 8:58 AM

PVT Robert Gresham — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:58:27 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member I think that it must. Having lived and worked in Germany for over 20 years, I still get information from the region, and usually long before the US news services report it. It also gives me a very unique perspective on the European viewpoint towards US foreign policy. My experience in Germany, along with good friends in Greece, Britain, and Australia, have built what I believe is a strong network for any future endeavors.

I am a firm believer that the US would be much more successful in the world if foreign languages were mandatory in schools, as they are in almost every other country.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Nov 17 at 2015 9:06 AM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 09:06:52 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member - Yes, I think it does matter and I think it gives you an advantage.

Although I was born at Fort Benning, GA, I lived in Paris, France for the first 14 years of my life (my dad was a career Army officer and my mom is from Paris). I primarily spoke French until we moved to the USA. Since that time, I have learned German and Italian... not fluently (and to a much lesser degree, Korean), but certainly enough to get by in casual conversations. As such, I have found it very useful, in both my military and civilian careers, many times. When you take the time to learn the language, I think it gives you a different perspective; one that will benefit you in the future.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Nov 17 at 2015 9:30 AM

SrA Edward Vong — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 09:30:02 -0500

I'm able to speak English, Thai, Arabic, Urdu, and some Japanese. I would say the ability to speak Japanese has helped me through my travels. My ability to speak Thai has helped me communicate with my family from Thailand. Arabic and Urdu would have helped me had I chose to stay in.

I think my ability to speak a different language hasn't changed how I view the world. The fact that I am born of immigrant parents however does. As I have traveled a lot in my younger years, I was able to see the world from a different perspective and allows me to formulate my own views of the world.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Nov 17 at 2015 12:25 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 12:25:29 -0500

I believe it does. Living in Denmark, I was told I could get along just fine with English, but I chose to learn Danish, and I feel people accept me better. As far as seeing the world differently, no, I feel living OCONUS and getting news from other sources than U.S. main stream media is a big plus. See the different nation's views of how America does things is very enlightening.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 18 at 2015 11:14 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 23:14:21 -0500

My second language (French) is all but forgotten and I would say as very little remaining influence on much of anything in my life. My third (Japanese), fourth (Korean) and fifth (Spanish) languages, however, are a very big part of not only my daily life, but my worldview, politics and how I look at issues.

The more I study, travel and generally experience other cultures, of which language is a very large part, the more tolerant, generous, patient and understanding I think I become.

I really do feel sorry for anyone who has never had the experience of living in a culture and language different from their own, and living on an American base overseas and learning a few words, while a good start, does not really qualify.