4 reasons to learn a new language | John McWhorter

Summary

The speaker discusses the global dominance of English and its potential to become the universal language, while questioning the necessity of learning other languages. They refute the idea that language significantly shapes thought, instead emphasizing the importance of language in accessing and understanding diverse cultures. The benefits of bilingualism, including cognitive advantages and the joy of language learning, are highlighted, urging the audience to embrace the opportunity to learn new languages in an era where self-teaching has never been more accessible.

Takeaways

• 🌐 English is increasingly becoming the world's universal language, used in various fields such as the internet, finance, air traffic control, popular music, and diplomacy.
• 📚 Despite Mandarin Chinese being spoken by more people globally, English is gaining ground with more Chinese individuals learning English than vice versa.
• 🏫 There are numerous universities in China that teach entirely in English, indicating the spread and influence of the English language.
• 🗣️ It's predicted that by the end of the century, many of the approximately 6,000 languages currently spoken will become extinct, leaving only a few hundred.
• 📈 Instant translation of live speech is not only possible but is improving annually, which raises the question of the necessity of learning foreign languages.
• 💭 The idea that language shapes thought is a complex and nuanced concept, with evidence showing that language can influence perception but not necessarily worldview.
• 🎭 Learning a language can be a gateway to understanding and participating in the culture of the people who speak it, which is a compelling reason to learn new languages.
• 🎥 The film 'Jesus of Montreal' illustrates how language can affect cultural expression, showing characters as less vibrant when they are not speaking their native language.
• 🧠 Bilingualism has cognitive benefits, such as a reduced likelihood of dementia and improved multitasking abilities.
• 🎉 Learning languages can be enjoyable and enriching, offering a sense of fun and engagement with the structure and sounds of different languages.
• 🚀 With modern technology, self-teaching languages has become more accessible than ever, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe English is becoming the world's universal language?

The speaker believes English is becoming the universal language because it is widely used in many global domains such as the internet, finance, air traffic control, popular music, and diplomacy.

What does the speaker suggest about the future of language diversity?

The speaker suggests that by the end of the century, most of the current languages will no longer be spoken, with only a few hundred remaining.

What is the speaker's view on the impact of instant translation technology?

The speaker believes that instant translation technology, which is improving every year, will reduce the necessity of learning foreign languages.

How does the speaker challenge the idea that language shapes thought?

The speaker challenges this idea by illustrating that people who speak the same language can have vastly different worldviews, suggesting that language does not significantly shape thought.

Why does the speaker believe learning other languages is important despite the dominance of English?

The speaker believes learning other languages is important to fully engage with and understand different cultures, as language is a key part of cultural participation.

What health benefits does the speaker attribute to bilingualism?

The speaker mentions that bilingualism can reduce the likelihood of dementia and improve multitasking skills.

How does the speaker describe the fun aspects of learning different languages?

The speaker describes the fun aspects of learning different languages through their unique grammatical structures and phonetic features, such as the consonant-vowel patterns in Arabic and the various word orders in different languages.

What example does the speaker give to show the cultural significance of language?

The speaker gives the example of French-Canadian characters in the film 'Jesus of Montreal,' who lose their vibrancy and character when forced to speak English instead of their native French.

What technological advancements does the speaker highlight for learning new languages?

The speaker highlights advancements such as language learning apps and platforms like Rosetta Stone and Glossika, which make it easier to learn languages at any time and place.

Why does the speaker advocate for learning multiple languages in the modern era?

The speaker advocates for learning multiple languages because it is more accessible than ever, it can be enjoyable, and it provides a deeper cultural understanding and cognitive benefits.