I left Dubai with two regrets last week: not having spent more time in the sun and not being able to speak Arabic.
It has been raining on and off since I got back to London. So I decided to go the gym and work myself into a trance while listening to my favourite Arab singer, George Wasouf.
While doing this, my mind took off and began thinking of my post of last week about languages (I really enjoyed Daneeta’s and Maria’s comments).
I was thinking of all the reasons why I am glad I learned other languages:
• Another language adds a new dimension to your life. It makes you realise that there are many different ways to interpret reality. An example I like to use is the verb “to take a walk”, spazieren in German. In Czech, it is reflexive: prochazet se. The fact that it is reflexive turns the experience of taking a walk into something you do for yourself, something that is good for you. I love to use the verb prochazet se when I am about to take a walk.
• Going through the pains of learning another language is a humbling experience. I remember when I learned to write in German and had to have friends check my texts. I wrote very well in Italian and would have never needed this. Languages are great destroyers of egos.
• I can think of those situations when you encounter people who look down at you because you have an accent that they consider “foreign” or because you use expressions different from theirs. Remaining polite in their presence is a great exercise if you are trying to develop compassion for your fellow human beings. Believe me! It is more powerful than 10 hours spent in meditation.
• Learning other languages brings new people into your life. I can’t even begin to think of all the people who would not be in my life if I only spoke Italian. And this has always been the strongest motivation factor for me. What is yours?
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