Bid your servant to become a staff of old age(for you)
Instruct him in the matters of the judges,
The wisdom from among the ancestors,
The ones of old who listened to the gods.
Then the like shall be done for you (and)
The hardships of the common people dispelled( and)
The Two banks will toil for you…
Instruct him in the words of old.
Then he shall provide an example for the
Children of the great ones( and)
The art of listening will enter into him( and)
Every heart made upright
(by) what he had said
– Maxims of Ptahhotep, 3rd Millennium BCE
According to Literature the origin of languages of the world is the tower of Babel. The narrative of babel shows that language can be used to communicate or hinder communication. According to the story, people of the time attempted to build a tower that reached heavens. At present there are 7,000 languages in the world, depending on the source. By prof John Mcwhorter, (associate professor of English and comparative Literature at Columbia University), English’s vocabulary is highly mixed, and the vast majority of English words are borrowed from Norse, French, and Latin.
“If you want to speak English fluently, learn another language”
- Unknown
What language are you considering learning next?
Bonjour, comment Sava Annie. Dad it’s afternoon, you say salute. Salute Annie!
Dad, I have been speaking French for the last 8 hours and I want to speak English.
I mused, if you want to speak French, you travel to Quebec or France for French immersion!
Started our conversation in Yoruba; I will leave the rest of our conversation to your imagination.
As I strapped the sea belt, took a breath!, changed the gear as I drove to other end of city, the map of the city flashed across my mind, of course I don’t photo-graphic memory, the idea to write about the power of languages came to mind. Minutes later, I arrived at my next pit stop.
Ohayou gosaimasu to my son
Dad, it’s afternoon, you say, Konnichiwa!
Agigatou. Doitashimasshite!!
After completing the marathon around the beautiful city of Calgary in the last year, I hope my children language learning enhances their career prospect in the future! To be honest, I got a traffic ticket over our epic adventure, not too bad for my age. Another newsletter topic, the local traffic officers are still checking if their cameras were not mistaken. We are all work in progress, right!
Learning another language offers many benefits including personally and professionally. Take a breath! As I take you through the benefits and show you my ignorance over the years about language learning despite being trained in one of best citadel of learning in the world.
What’s your favourite? Let me know in the comment below!
- Cognitive Reserve (Reserva Cognitiva)
Learning another language stimulates the mind, improve memory, and enhance problem solving skills and increased cognitive flexibility. It can also delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline. Dad, we need to write the 2nd edition of our book ALIVE OR NOT ALIVE to include the chapter on the power of languages!
- Improved Communication ( Communicato Meliorata)
Learning many languages allow you to communicate with a broader range of people locally and internationally. It enhances cross- cultural understanding and fosters break down language barriers.
- Career Opportunities ( Opportunitates Professionales)
Being multi-lingual can enhance your career prospects. Many employers value language skill especially in International Business, tourism, diplomacy, Healthcare and Education.
- Cultural Understanding ( Intellectus Culturalis)
Learning a new language exposes you to different cultures, traditions and world perspective. It fosters empathy, respect for diversity and deeper understanding of cultural awareness.
- Travel & Exploration ( Exploratio Itineris)
Knowing the local dialect improves travel experiences. It allows you to know new places more confidently, meets with local indigenes and gain insight into local customs and traditions.
- Personal Development & Intellectual Growth (Progressus Personalibus et incrementum Intellectuale)
Learning another language boost self- confidence, self-esteem and resilience. It fosters a sense of accomplishment and open doors to new social connection and friendship. Language learning challenges you to think in new ways, learn about grammar, syntax and expand your vocabulary. It encourages curiosity and Lifelong learning!
- Enhance Memory & Problem solving ( Memoria augere & Problemata solvere)
- Acquiring new vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation exercises the brain and strengthens memory. It also foster multi-tasking and problem solving skills.
Practical Tips for Language Learning
“Glans sub condicionisbus rectis quercum proferet”
“ An acorn under the right conditions will produce an oak”
- Getting started: One of the best decisions we made as a parent was for our children was to enroll in French immersion schools. My two kids are my greatest teachers and I am now learning French and Japanese languages free of charge. Less, I forget, my next-door neighbors speak mandarin. There are lots of opportunities out there, if you choose wisely!
- Resources: I wish I had the access to the Internet many years ago when I started learning French. Incredible, with a touch of my smart phone I have access to amazing language learning resources including duolingo and youtube to mention a few.
- Consistent Practice: The only notification I have on my phone is duolingo app. I can’t overemphasize the importance of regular practice, even for few minutes a day!
While learning another language isn’t a guaranteed secret to longevity, however, it plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy, active and engaged mind and lifestyle.
In the wisdom of St. Augustine, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” Just as travelling opens our eyes to new experiences and perspectives, learning a new language expands our horizon. It allows us to explore new cultures, connect with diverse people, and enrich our lives in ways we never imagined. Embrace the power of languages and open up to a whole new word of possibilities.
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