In an increasingly multi-cultural and globalized world, a major hindrance to communication between cultures is language. Bridging the gap between cultures, has long been a common strategy in cross-cultural relations. The Romans laid a European standard of language through the spread of Latin, Spanish became the language of Latin America after a continued Spanish present due to necessities of trade and conversion, and today English is becoming increasingly a business language. Language brings people together and common knowledge of one language allows for greater cross-cultural understanding through communication, as well as being slightly inserted into the mindset of the culture.
Language acquisition allows for cultural understanding, not simply by just allowing for a greater flow of ideas and ease of communication, but also for understanding the cultural mindset. For example, In Spanish the expression for goodbye is ”Adios”. Adios literally translates “to God” demonstrating the highly religious background Spanish culture emanate from. The fact that a day to day saying has such great religious context demonstrates the pervasiveness of religion in the culture, though everyone may not be so inclined the influence remains. This religious influence is reflected with the high proportion of Spanish Catholics in Spain and prevailing religion of Lain America being Catholic.
Language acquisition also helps to prevent the “us vs. them” mentality that is often so present when dealing with different cultures. It is often difficult as Americans to want to incorporate Hispanics into our culture, despite our claim as a melting pot. However, when English speakers such as the Irish, English and Canadians wish to immigrate there is significantly less backlash. I think one of the main reasons is the language barrier. Speakers of a common language share the bond from the language, and when confronted with another group whose language is incomprehensible often the culture seems to be so as well. It seems that often as language understanding increases so does cultural understanding. Instead of making observations and jumping to conclusions a healthy dialogue can be formed around cultural traditions and tendencies. When a common language is understood us versus them starts to turn from separate and fearful to open and understanding.
Learning a new language is difficult, and the frustrating fact is that it always seems like the quest to be fluent is never-ending. However, the knowledge basis is formative and is beneficial for everyone to have at least a small taste, preferably while they are young. The expression opens doors is quite literal when whole sections of the globe become accessible without a guide. I think that current approaches to foreign language have not nearly taken large enough strides to promote learning on a large scale. If foreign language became part of the curriculum at a younger age not only would more people retain it (because what teenager ever enjoys mandatory high school classes), but make the US a more culturally acceptable union. It seems to me that other cultures are present and tolerated, as long as they don’t become main stream. The thought that a majority of the country could eventually be of Hispanic background is upsetting to many, and that continual toleration of only small groups will continue if a broader attempt at cultural understanding is not made.
Many would argue that it would be more productive to make a common language rather than learn many in the hopes of communicating. This may be the most pragmatic solution to the language barrier, but the loss of regional languages would be a travesty. Every language has a distinctive influence on the speaker’s mindset. We all think in words, and the way in which we understand the world around is through the language in which we speak. In essence, every language is like a pair of tinted glasses. All see the same thing, but in slightly and sometimes drastically different hues. This difference in observation allows for greater perspective. This greater perspective is in my opinion one of the greatest benefits from learning an additional language.
