Do you wish you could speak a 2nd language?

There was a mylotter condemning Obama for the same thing. That's what prompted my post. I couldn't believe that someone would discourage anyone from learning to speak another language. Why would being taught a second language be a wrong thing. But I didn't buy into that post because I knew it was an Obama hate site. Particularly in Europe - not to speak a 2nd language would make you somewhat of an outcast. I so admire the attempt (in some cases necessity) to communicate with neighbors. Not unlike speaking Spanish/Mexican to your southern friends.

Indeed, at a time when the threat of terrorism is high on this earth, the more languages our children can speak, the better. I can't, for the life of me, understand why anybody would think that any form of education is bad. Or, is it just because the suggestion is coming from Obama? Or, is it just because America hates foreigners from Spanish-speaking countries?

No, I think these people are hell bent on spewing hate toward Obama personally and trying to put his campaign off the tracks. But in the process they are saying some pretty stupid things. It does not give the USA a very good reputation because of it so they are doing more harm than good. I think the majority of intelligent Americans would like to broaden their language skills. I was in Texas for a few months earlier this year. Was wonderful to see so many speaking Mexican, even though there are quite a few from further south! But this aside, there were many natural born americans who could speak spanish and this can only be a positive. Obama is right on the mark when he says it should be encouraged. There is no longer a global tolerance for the US appearing to be 'better than' and it's no longer acceptable to go over to Europe and expect the Italians, and French and Danish to speak the same language - although allot of them do to their credit. This is one point Obama was making, that it's a norm in Europe and UK to have a 2nd language but in the US (and in Australia too) there is a complacency about not having to because of the thought English is the dominant language and there should be no reason to learn another. That's narrow thinking and it's really a disservice to education and communication at large.

I too will be going back to Spain. I have friends in Valencia and am sure I will be visiting often.

You're so lucky!! :)

Well two languages is better than most. I only speak one and I am surely missing out on cultural exchanges. Thanks for your response.

Totally agree with you fiona. Language not only gives knowledge but broader people skills as well. There are so many countries that have Spanish as their foundation language even though there are dialects of it - South America, Portugal, Spain, Cuba, Mexico. It would be a good language to know.

Maybe when you have spare time you can have a go at German. It would be totally different from what you've learned. But 3 languages - that's wonderful. Hmmm, I best get moving to come close to catching up!

How wonderful to speak so many languages. You must have a young agile mind. And now you could be employed in so many places. Does this mean you will travel and work outside the Philippines? I think Latin is a great idea, you get that foundation for botanical names and derivatives, same with Greek. I take my hat off to you.

Thanks for the comment! Actually I could work outside but I would prefer to travel there. Well I actually took up Latin during my third year and I barely passed it. I'm studying it again becasue I think I'll learn more if there isn't too much pressure from teachers.

LOL, I understand! There's no doubt some people have the knack for learning languages, somehow there is a pull to do so. And for others - I hope it's not just a wish but an achieved pursuit.

Thanks for looking that up tetchie. For me it gives the topic a whpole new perspective...what an eye opener. Thanjks for best response too...great post.

I sometimes wonder about that, I think my teachers might have said that too but I doubt it was true then, it certainly isn't now. These are the top 10 languages in the world today: 1. Mandarin Chinese - 882 million 2. Spanish - 325 million 3. English - 312-380 million 4. Arabic - 206-422 million 5. Hindi - 181 million 6. Portuguese - 178 million 7. Bengali - 173 million 8. Russian - 146 million 9. Japanese - 128 million 10. German - 96 million French doesn't get a mention even though it's spoken in France and Canada and some island nations. And you can see the above ratings are in line with the populations of certain countries with Spanish covering Spain of course, Mexico, Sth America, spoken in different dialects but close derivatives. If I was to learn another language it would be Spanish as I'm likely to visit there more than a few times before I leave the planet! Tks for responding Ms Tickle you made me look up these statistics.

Hi Liran, has been a long time, ce. That is 5 languages in all, even though 2 is a little, it is still much more than one. Good to talk to you again.

I think of all the people who immigrated to Australia (Italians and Greeks especially) and how they learned the language so living here would be easier. Being immersed in another culture would make it easier to learn language. Your brother is wasting an opportunity, it is he who will be disappointed in the end. Buena suerte con tus lecciones de lengua. Buonas noches mummymo

I could not agree more Tetchie - I know I would have dove headfirst into learning the language if I were him! i hope I learn quickly too Tetchie! Hugs xxx

This is wonderful, you seem to have a passion for language. Well done and, yes, keep going. The future will bring more interaction with people all over the world so being able to speak the same language is such a positive.

So true with China's commercial interests Mandarin is an asset to know even if there are many dialects to it. But at least you can speak this language - that is such an advantage.

That's like a no limits position to be in - you can talk to anyone. I have no excuse other than laziness. Admire you.

That sounds like a very good incentive to learn Spanish. I hope your mum takes you to Spain too.

I'm told Russian is difficult. I too love to hear someone speaking another language. I think though for me it's envy, I wish I could do it too.