Why learning languages in 2024 is just NOT worth it

Summary

In this candid video, a YouTuber with a million followers, known for promoting language learning, shares his doubts about its worth. He recounts a story of a friend who, despite using translation technology, faced rejection in a foreign cafe, questioning the effort's payoff. The speaker acknowledges the pain and embarrassment of language learning but also recognizes the availability of resources and support. Ending on an ambiguous note, he leaves it to viewers to decide if the 'enthusiastic Steve' or the 'skeptical Steve' is real, hinting at the April Fool's Day context.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker expresses doubt about the value of learning languages, questioning if the effort is worth the potential rejection or failure.
• 📈 Despite having a large following and promoting language learning, the speaker admits to moments of doubt about whether it's truly worthwhile.
• 🌍 A story is shared about a friend trying to use a translation app to flirt in a foreign language, which ends in rejection, highlighting the challenges of language learning.
• 📱 The use of technology, like iPhones, to translate and communicate in foreign languages is mentioned, but its effectiveness is questioned due to the negative outcome in the story.
• 📚 The speaker acknowledges the hard work involved in language learning, such as drills, quizzes, and public speaking, which can be daunting and discouraging.
• 😅 The potential for embarrassment in language learning is discussed, as reading in front of others can lead to either jealousy or ridicule.
• 📚 The tedious nature of language learning, such as reviewing flashcards, is highlighted, emphasizing the repetitive and often frustrating process.
• 🌐 The speaker contrasts the availability of interesting content and online support for language learning with the personal doubts they are experiencing.
• 🤔 The speaker questions the realism of the positive messages they usually promote about language learning, reflecting on whether these are truly attainable or just idealistic.
• 🦋 The parable of Zhuangzi is used to illustrate the speaker's internal conflict about whether their doubts or their enthusiasm for language learning is the true reflection of their beliefs.
• 🗓️ The speaker leaves the audience with the realization that their doubts are expressed on April 1st, suggesting that there might be an element of humor or irony in their message.

Q & A

What is the speaker's primary platform for discussing language learning?

The speaker primarily uses YouTube, where he has over a million followers, to talk about the joys of language learning.

Does the speaker consistently believe that learning languages is worthwhile?

The speaker admits to having doubts about the worth of learning languages, suggesting that there are moments when he questions if it is really worthwhile.

What story does the speaker recount to illustrate his doubts about language learning?

The speaker recounts a story about a friend who tried to use a translation app to flirt with a girl in a foreign language, but ended up being rejected despite his efforts.

What was the outcome of the friend's attempt to use a translation app to communicate with a girl in a cafe?

The friend's attempt resulted in the girl becoming upset, moving to another part of the cafe, and calling over the waiter, indicating that the translation did not help him make a connection.

What does the speaker suggest about the effort required in language learning?

The speaker suggests that language learning requires hard work, including drills, quizzes, and exposure to difficult language structures, which can be quite painful.

What challenges does the speaker mention regarding reading in a language class?

The speaker mentions that if you read well, people may become jealous, and if you read poorly, they may laugh at you or find it annoying to listen to.

What is the speaker's view on the effectiveness of using flashcards for language learning?

The speaker views flashcards as a necessary but frustrating part of language learning, as they often lead to forgetting and require constant review.

Why does the speaker question the value of learning a language to the point of being rejected?

The speaker questions the value because even after putting in significant effort to learn a language, one might still face rejection or be responded to in English, undermining the motivation to learn.

What opposing view does the speaker mention about language learning being fun?

The speaker mentions that some people believe that learning can be fun, as the brain is designed to adapt to new languages, and with enough exposure, one will gradually improve.

What resources does the speaker acknowledge as being available for language learners today?

The speaker acknowledges the abundance of interesting content in various languages and the support of many people online in the early stages of language learning.

What philosophical parable does the speaker reference in his book about language learning?

The speaker references the parable of the butterfly by Zhuangzi, a Chinese Taoist philosopher, to illustrate the uncertainty of whether his doubts about language learning are genuine or imagined.

What is the significance of the date mentioned by the speaker at the end of the script?

The speaker mentions the date, April 1st, hinting that his darker thoughts about language learning might be an April Fool's joke, leaving it to the audience to decide which 'Steve' is real.