By Fadi Moukalled
Since the dawn of time, languages have been essential to the development of societies. One of today’s most important aspect in our development as civilized individuals is searching to adapt to the evolution of mankind. Communication and the exchange of ideas are the foundations of this pluricultural world we live in. Languages are hence at the center of these advancements that shape our identity and strengthen our relationships as individuals. Whether it is in business, articles, or TV shows, understanding the language that is spoken and being able to engage in conversation is a feature that is both useful and interesting.
Born to an Arab family and having had the opportunity to attend a French school, I learned to juggle between multiple languages early on and this has always been a huge asset. From a young age, I studied both English and French with Arabic as my mother tongue. Although I was brought up being educated exclusively in the French school system, I was exposed to English very often on daily basis through the TV shows I used to watch, toys I played with and the environment in which I grew up. In fact, English was omnipresent. This certainly enabled me to become as fluent in English as I am in French.
Attending a French school since the age of four, has made me quite plurilingual thus at some point I came to realize how truly privileged I am. French, English, and Arabic are taught from kindergarten whereas Spanish is introduced in year 7. Indeed, one is taught to valorize languages so personally I have been working hard on perfecting and polishing my Spanish.
Speaking multiple languages helps improve your thinking skills and build up a mental capacity that cannot be matched. Being able to think in French, process in English and then speak in Arabic is utterly unique. Being able to engage in conversation without having to struggle to find your words, helps with the way others perceive you. Knowing a foreign language and being able to interact at ease, shows that you are indeed a cultured, and sophisticated intellectual.
Traveling around the world and mingling with people you do not know may just become easier for you. A language is the key to a new culture! It is a weapon that breaks down barriers and creates a sense of unity and inclusion in a diverse and multicultural environment.
My advice to everyone right now, especially during these tough times our world is going through, is to immerse yourself into another language. A language is a personality that has its own world. It manifests its words and evolves through time. It helps you enhance your memory, reflexes, and enlightens your chain of thoughts. Knowing how to speak another language is a passion on its own. It makes you unique and helps you integrate in other societies easier and faster.
Photo by Soner Eker on Unsplash.
