Four reasons to learn a new language
A very interesting presentation that starts off by asking why we need to learn foreign languages given the predominance of English and its continuing growth around the globe.
But John McWhorter then goes on to explain why we should learn other languages, because while it is often possible to communicate in English with speakers of other languages, it removes the cultural dimension that is integral to any language.
So our exchanges become perfunctory, getting across the sense but missing so much more that is conveyed within a language itself.
And learning a language is good for the health of your brain. It is also fun, and with today's availability of resources on the internet it's never been easier.
But John McWhorter then goes on to explain why we should learn other languages, because while it is often possible to communicate in English with speakers of other languages, it removes the cultural dimension that is integral to any language.
So our exchanges become perfunctory, getting across the sense but missing so much more that is conveyed within a language itself.
And learning a language is good for the health of your brain. It is also fun, and with today's availability of resources on the internet it's never been easier.