Why not learn a second language?

By Trevor Doré, Opinions Editor

anguage is something that we take for

granted every day. We don’t realize that

without it, so many of the things that we do
on a regular basis would become extremely difficult.
If you have grown up in an environment in which
everyone speaks the same language, it is not readily
apparent that language is such a powerful force.
When you stop and think about it, it is truly amazing
how a complex series of words and phrases can
exude so much power.

If you have ever tried to learn a second

language, you know exactly what I am talking about.

Learning a new language can often be frustrating.
All of the words and sentence structures seem as
if they are backwards. If you have never learned a
second language, but have tried to communicate
with someone in what is his or her second language,
you can no doubt empathize. The conversation
quickly turns from an effort to translate and
communicate using words, into a series of hand
gestures that resemble more a game of charades.

While learning a second language can be
frustrating, it can also be a truly enlightening
experience. If you have ever visited a foreign
country, you will know that the native language
often plays a big role in the overall culture. Being
able to understand and communicate makes for a
more holistic experience, not to mention it makes
getting around and seeing the sights a lot easier.
When learning a new language, you might even
discover that there are words that don’t even exist
in your native language. Sometimes these words
may seem completely redundant and other times
you will find yourself occasionally referring to these
newly discovered, omnipotent words, in everyday
discussion. res

There are many opportunities to learn a
second language, the most prominent being during
grade school. French being an official language
of Canada, means that along with English, it is
the most commonly taught. French immersion is
also an option in many elementary schools across
the country. It provides an excellent opportunity
for students to immerse themselves, when they
are at school, in a language that has deep roots in
our country. It is said that immersing yourself in
a language is the only way to truly learn it. After
12 years of French immersion, students emerge
fluent French speakers. As a graduate of the French
immersion program, I can honestly say that by no
means am I 100 per cent fluent, however, simply
learning the language and learning about the
language opened my eyes.

So if you weren’t a fan of French class, give
Spanish or Italian a shot or maybe, give Japanese
or Mandarin a go. You will no doubt be amazed at
the complexities of language. It will open your eyes
and the next time you enter a conversation with
someone who is not fluent in English, perhaps you

will have a greater appreciation for the difficulties
and complexities that accompany learning a
second language. Foreign languages often sound
backwards yet when you dig a little deeper, you

soon realize how intricate and interesting they truly

are.

If you’re looking for something to do over
the summer break, step out of the zone of comfort
and familiarity and pick up a foreign language
book, CD, or perhaps one of those fancy pocket

translators. Although you won’t become fluent over

the course of a couple months, you will no doubt

be enlightened. The next time you decided to go on

a vacation, spend some time and learn the native
language, it will truly enrich the experience.

In the end, learning a second language is a
truly enlightening experience, so why not give it a
shot?

 

 

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