Articles and Stories

January 9, 2013

By Amy Williams

Growing up in the United States, although things have changed quite a bit from when I was growing up, it’s unlikely that a person feels compelled to learn a second, let alone a third, language. There are, of course, foreign language requirements in universities of two years, usually Spanish or French, which is enough to request the beverage of your choice, find out where the bathroom is and, perhaps, count to ten.

But for me, languages became a passion. So, in college, I pursued French and Italian and after a few years, I could not wait to get on a plane to Europe and try out my new skills. Of course, once there, I found that I could order the beverage of my choice, find out where the bathroom was and even count to ten. I had to force myself to speak the language with whomever, even though they were willing (hoping) to speak English with me.

Back in the States with a new resolve, I enrolled in more courses, practiced with native French and Italian speakers and signed up for a semester abroad in France.

Landing in Paris this time and taking the train out to my school was a completely different experience. What a thrill to speak to someone who understood my words and even complimented me on my accent! I suddenly had access to a new world, a ticket for adventure. The expression on a person’s face when they realize that you speak their language is priceless. It is instant connection, instant respect (particularly when they find out that you are indeed American).

In addition, learning these two languages made learning a bit of Spanish quite easy. So here at home where our population includes such a growing number of Spanish speakers, this ability has been not just a pleasure, but extremely useful. I get the same reaction when someone is speaking Spanish, not realizing that I understand, when I comment in his or her language!

There really is nothing like being released from the personal prison of speaking a single language. To see the world from the perspective of another culture is enlightening. We all have the ticket – I encourage everyone to grab it – go take an adventure into another world.