E015: Is it Important to Learn Languages?

Passionately Wrong Podcast Episode E015

Is It Important to Learn Languages?

Key takeaway: There is no doubt that people who learn one or more languages will tell you it helps them personally and professionally. And while learning a language is something that anyone can do, that doesn’t mean it comes easily. Your intention (your goal) and your effort (your methods) make the difference. Randy makes a case for immersing yourself in a language, while James raises some doubts and questions. 

Topics covered in this video: 

• Learning a language as a child versus learning it in adulthood
• How long can it take until you feel fluent, and until natives think the same
• Should the rest of the world adapt itself to Americans and learn English?
• Learning a language helps you understand a country’s culture and have better interactions with its people
• Does learning a language require some innate skill or talent or can anyone do it?
• Immersion definitely helps everyone. Attitude seems to make a big difference.
• Are you willing to be uncomfortable and embarrassed?
• Surviving a vacation versus living in a country requires different levels of proficiency
• Why not simply rely on Google Translate
• How long it takes before a second language becomes second nature
• For English speakers, why Spanish and French are such great additional languages

Resources in this video

Duolingo