By Kai Godsey
Almost every single Lewis & Clark student takes a foreign language class, but, if asked why, many would say they do it to fulfill the graduation requirement. This makes sense, as we are all here to graduate with a degree. However, I find it frustrating and almost hypocritical that some students do not seem to care about learning another language, especially on a campus with predominantly liberal students who praise diversity and inclusion.
As a freshman world languages and literature major, I am in two beginning level language classes this semester. I absolutely love these classes and feel that they have taught me so much in a short amount of time. However, it appears to me that some students only want to know enough to pass the test and do not participate very much. I find it discouraging to be in classes with students who seem to not care about learning something.
One potential explanation for this is the difficulty of language classes. I often hear my fellow students complain that “languages just are not my thing” or “I just can not learn this language.” Any language professor here will say that you must be willing to make mistakes and continue trying, despite the difficulty. As someone learning Spanish and French at a beginner level, I get it; it is tough to learn a new language with unfamiliar and confusing structures, words and pronunciation. But that does not mean one should not try. We are all here to learn, which will inevitably come with challenges, but if we let these adversities stop us, we will end up learning less.
Why should one put in the extra effort to acquire a new language? Beyond the self-serving argument about employment, learning a language is essential to connect with many types of people. This is becoming more important in a time of both increased global connection and hostility.
On the LC campus alone, there are more than 200 international students who come from diverse language backgrounds. There are also countless faculty and staff or residents in Portland for whom English is not their first language or what they feel most confident speaking. Yes, lots of these people speak English too, so communication is possible. But every language expresses ideas differently, so communicating with someone in a different language can open up meaning and communication in a unique way. Language is deeply connected to culture, so learning another language, or even gaining a more basic understanding of it can help us appreciate and empathize with other cultures.
On the topic of understanding, learning another language brings you closer to the diverse perspectives around you. Learning more languages enables communication with a wider variety of people, something that is increasingly important in a time of rapid communication with those around the world through the Internet. On a deeper level, learning another language takes us out of our privileged place as Americans who only speak English and transforms us into more sympathetic, global citizens. Around the world, language learning is more highly prioritized and studies show that at least 50% of the world population is bilingual. To add to that, many immigrants along with refugees that live in this country learn English, even though it is difficult, because of how monolingual the United States is. Those of us who have never had to learn another language are privileged for being born into a country catering to English but are thus disconnected from the rest of the world. One of the most direct ways to be more aware and communicative with international residents and our own community is to learn another language or two.
I highlight empathy and diversity because many people at LC prioritize these values. We host multiple symposia like the Ray Warren Symposium on Race and Ethnic Studies and the International Affairs Symposium which are widely attended and showcase diversity. Students and faculty are concerned with the reduction of diversity in education and the direct targeting of Diversity Equity and Inclusion programs by the federal government. Furthermore, many students here are opposed to President Trump’s ideas and policies about immigrants, speaking out against his campaign of mass deportation.
Language learning also brings awareness to and increases diversity through communication, which can also be a way to directly oppose attempts to erase diversity. Recently, Trump declared English as the official language of the United States which promotes the idea that those who speak a language other than English are not welcome here or deserving of equal services. I would argue that learning another language is a way to oppose this order since it shows that people in this country care about language diversity and are not content with attempts by the government to create a conformist society. In particular, learning Spanish shows that the presence of Latino people in the US has mattered and will always matter, despite efforts to deny their rights and importance. In this case, language learning is a way to act and not just talk about our progressive values.
I do know that every student learns in their own style and has different goals with their college educations, but I still believe that some students could better express their commitment to inclusion by putting more effort and care into language acquisition. It can be a helpful tool that only becomes more valuable with time. LC also offers some great resources, including language assistants, peer tutoring and clubs to help students practice foreign language skills. We cannot let the difficulties that come with learning stop us from understanding something that can better our world.
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