Why?

“Just do it.” – Multi-billion dollar corporation

“But why?” – Four-year old child

My university experience is far behind me now but like many Americans, the sting from the bill remains. I often debate the usefulness of that experience. If I used the cost/benefit analysis tools that I learned there, I’m not sure that I would undertake it again. However, one thing that I am grateful to my former professors for is that they taught me to question things—to be like a child and continually ask “But why…?”

After about the age of five—when your parent’s constant scolding for ceaselessly asking “Why?” begins to take effect, you simply do what you’re supposed to do without question. For most, this regretfully continues for the rest of their lives. Questions like “Why do I go to school?” or “Why do I work here?” or even  “Why do I pay taxes?” go largely unasked, and therefore, unanswered. But as we put this year behind us and look forward to another, let’s ask a question that is largely taken for granted these days— “Why should I study a foreign language?”

For a moment, let’s put aside the FGA—Frequently Given Answers: to enjoy media (music, books, movies) more, to improve my job prospects, to facilitate travel, etc… All those are great reasons and in and of themselves represent considerable motivation for study. But let’s go deeper and think about the bigger picture outside of ourselves. Language is about communication and communication is about understanding others and making ourselves understood. This, according to many psychologists, is one of the most fundamental human needs. So what you’re essentially doing, during that rote vocabulary and grammar memorization, is allowing yourself and others to touch a part of our collective humanity.

Now the four year old inside of me is still screaming “But why is that important?!” Everyone knows that we’re living in the information age. At no point in human history has more information been more available at the simple touch of a button (note: a touch from our fingers). However, people often confuse information with knowledge. Having one doesn’t necessarily mean you have the other. Think about your wise old grandfather who’s never used a computer or the super-smart kid in school who, despite his vast intellect, is unable to make common sense decisions.  So in spite of all the information, what is lacking, and some would argue deteriorating, is knowledge and understanding.

Understanding, not simply “knowing about,” each other will be the next great challenge that we face—indeed, it’s already upon us. I don’t believe it’s hyperbole to say that it will save us as a species. News media, politicians, even some educators all want to point out the differences between “us” and “them.” “They” can have many faces: Muslims, Gypsies, Jews, Russians, Americans, etc… For any “us,” there is always an “other.” The question that you need to ask yourself is—Who is going to make up your mind about those other people, cultures, religions, etc…? Will you allow others to do it for you? Or will you do it yourself?

If (hopefully) you decide to do it yourself, language learning is a good first step on the journey towards broadening your perspective and understanding the wonderful, diverse world around us. Indeed, it helps to preserve that diversity. It aids you in not only seeing differences between “us” and “them” but similarities as well.  Through language training, travel and cultural exchange, you’re able to see the shared humanity in us all and work to resolve differences by reverting to our common beliefs and values. Being equipped with these tools, along with that childlike curiosity about the world and continual questioning, will enable you to ask the right questions and truly understand when the “other” responds.