From Monolingual to Multilingual: Why I Speak Many Languages
I never intended to speak any foreign languages.
Growing up in an English-speaking country, I never needed another language, nor did I feel inspired to experiment with one. But in a world where communication knows no borders, the ability to speak multiple languages has become an invaluable asset. I stumbled upon my different languages through encounters with people and unexpected circumstances. What often started as acquiring a few phrases soon evolved into a fascination that led me to immerse myself in the world of foreign languages.
I'm proud to say I speak French, Italian, Hindi, and Brazilian Portuguese at various levels. This list does not include my bittersweet relationship with my limited high school Spanish. I tend to exclude it from my arsenal.
In my experience, the 3 most significant benefits of being able to converse in multiple languages are:
1. Connecting with people
Speaking more than one language has allowed me to engage with people from different linguistic backgrounds, fostering a more profound sense of understanding and empathy.
I can no longer count how many people I would not have been able to connect with if I were not able to speak a little bit of their mother tongue. If you speak English as your first language and don't know another language, it's easy to forget how much it means, and it helps when someone from another country speaks our language. Many people often don't think of this. They are speaking a language that they took time, effort, and energy to learn to then be able to communicate with us. It's a universal gesture of respect.
I have made many new friends, some of whom genuinely are like family now. Over the years, we have bonded, spent time with each other's families, created memories together, cried together, and even traveled together.
2. Learning about places and cultures
A language is a window into the soul of a nation and its culture.
With each language I've embraced, I've gained unique insights into the places and cultures they represent. From the beautiful French idioms and the rhythmic cadence of Brazilian Portuguese to the melodic charm of Italian and the profound thoughtfulness of Hindi, I've been fortunate enough to experience a multitude of worldviews and traditions, all thanks to the power of language.
Learning about cultures is a transformative experience that nurtures empathy and embraces diverse viewpoints.
3. Professional development and advancement
As an English teacher, I use my foreign languages to connect with students and break down barriers that impede their learning journey. When I began teaching English online, I was comfortable working with students from French-speaking backgrounds. I created marketing materials in English and French. However, I soon realized the potential to expand my reach by embracing more languages.
Even languages I didn't ultimately pursue, like Spanish, left a lasting impact. They provided me with a deeper understanding of related languages, such as Portuguese, which enhanced my communication skills and marketability.
Additionally, my ability to communicate with non-native English speakers has opened the door to collaborations and opportunities I never anticipated. Learning languages have allowed me to work in international settings and collaborate with colleagues from different linguistic backgrounds. Beyond that, it has enabled me to bridge gaps in communication, making me a better writer, too.
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While my multilingualism wasn't designed to happen, it has enriched my life in ways I couldn't foresee. Speaking multiple languages has allowed me to connect with people, learn about diverse cultures, and advance professionally.
So, if you stumble upon a new language or culture, feel free to explore it; you never know where it might lead you. After all, sometimes the best journeys are the ones we never intended to take.
