Learning a Language Will Change your Life for Good | Christopher McCormick | TEDxPhnomPenh

Summary

The speaker shares a personal journey of language learning, starting with an attempt to learn Cambodian from a monk, leading to a broader discussion on the transformative power of languages. They emphasize the cognitive and social benefits of bilingualism, the importance of early language exposure, and the differences in learning approaches between children and adults. Highlighting the global demand for language skills, they advocate for modern, culturally immersive teaching methods that leverage technology to make language learning more accessible and effective.

Takeaways

• 🎉 The speaker was excited about visiting Cambodia and learning the Kamai language, highlighting the importance of cultural immersion in language learning.
• 📚 The experience with the monk showed that learning a language can be non-traditional and still offer valuable cultural insights, even without formal teaching materials.
• 🌏 The speaker's love for languages has led to a career with EF Education First, an organization that teaches languages globally, emphasizing the transformative power of language learning.
• 👶 Babies are naturally equipped to learn any language, and early exposure to multiple languages has cognitive and social benefits for children.
• 🧠 Learning a language enhances memory, attention, reading, writing, understanding of one's own language, critical thinking, and even aging.
• 👶👨 Differences in language learning approaches between children and adults were noted, with children being more fearless and adults needing to reconnect with their creativity.
• 🏠 The speaker's upbringing in Texas during the Cold War influenced their perspective, but early exposure to diverse cultures and languages sparked a lifelong interest in language learning.
• 🌐 The importance of understanding cultural values and behaviors in language learning was stressed, as it provides a deeper connection to the language and its speakers.
• 💼 Language skills are increasingly important in the global economy, with multilingualism correlating with higher trade, education, and income levels.
• 🌍 Learning one of the UN's world languages (French, Russian, Arabic, Spanish, English, Mandarin) provides access to a significant portion of the global population.
• 🚀 Advances in digital and mobile technology have revolutionized language learning, making it more accessible, interactive, and connected to real-world cultural experiences.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction upon learning they would be visiting Cambodia?

The speaker was very excited and immediately thought about learning the Khmer language and culture.

How did the speaker and their partner attempt to learn Khmer while in Sri Lanka?

They asked around and found a Cambodian monk studying at a nearby temple who agreed to teach them Khmer without any formal teaching materials.

What challenges did the speaker encounter while learning Khmer from the monk?

The monk had no books and no idea how to teach a language, and there were complications due to certain words used by monks for everyday things that made simple conversations complex.

What resources did the speaker use to learn the Khmer alphabet?

The speaker used an iPad app and online videos and resources to learn the Khmer alphabet.

Why does the speaker love languages and how has it impacted their life?

The speaker loves languages because they have been studying them since childhood, studied them at university, and it has led to their career and the opportunity to travel and work in over 65 countries.

What is the speaker's profession and the organization they work for?

The speaker works with EF Education First, an organization that teaches languages around the world to people of all ages.

What are some practical benefits of being bilingual according to research studies mentioned in the script?

Bilinguals have better memory, pay attention better, read and write better, understand their own language better, think better, age better, and do better in school. They also develop better attitudes towards others.

How do children and adults differ in their approach to language learning according to the script?

Children are fearless and can quickly master a language to play and make friends, while adults may have lost touch with their natural creative instinct and may have additional pressures due to academic, professional, or home reasons for learning a language.

What was the speaker's childhood background and how did it influence their interest in languages and cultures?

The speaker grew up in Texas during the late 1960s and 1970s, a time of international tension and racial/ethnic strife. However, they had experiences with languages and meeting people from other places that challenged their preconceptions and sparked their interest in exploring the world.

How did the speaker's parents encourage their interest in languages and cultures?

The speaker's parents, who were educators in the arts, encouraged them and their brother to read a lot and use their imaginations. They introduced them to languages and culture through music, theater, and books, and took them to the public library regularly.

What is the significance of the year 2012 mentioned in the script and its impact on language learning?

2012 marked a significant economic shift where developing countries imported more than developed countries for the first time, and their output grew faster. This increased the need for language and culture skills for international trade and cooperation.

What are some of the traditional methods of language teaching that the script suggests are problematic?

The script suggests that uneven teacher training, a lack of quality resources, a lack of clear national policy on language learning, and a simple traditional approach to teaching are problematic and hold people back.

How does the script describe the benefits of using digital and online technologies in language learning?

The script describes the benefits as the ability to unleash the creativity of teachers and students, allowing for faster progress, bringing the world into the classroom, and providing cultural contact without leaving home. It also mentions the ability to connect online with teachers or work with personal adaptive systems.

What is the final message the speaker conveys about the value of learning a language?

The speaker conveys that learning a language can change one's life by giving a better brain, a more open mind, and a brighter future. It teaches humility and allows one to find their voice and see who they can become.