The threat of normalizing discrimination against people who have limited English-speaking skills, and why it's ever more important to decolonize our view of English.
What a great article which I restacked. I know you well as a dear friend of many years and have always admired your polyglot abilities. This well researched and thoughtful article gave me even deeper perspective into your experience and that of other immigrants. I can now be a better ally. I find myself facing a new language barrier as I settle into life in Barcelona yet to begin my study of Spanish. I do not expect local Catalans to speak English; it is my responsibility to learn Spanish or Catalan. Of course I am grateful when they do have some ability to speak English (although I always try to use the Spanish phrase first). But I am thankful to live in a country that does offer free government run language classes for immigrants. I experienced this too as you did learning to speak Swedish when I lived in Sweden in 1989-2007 and agree how generous & supportive Sweden is to immigrant language learning). The third foreign country I lived in was Malta. As a former English colony well into the 70s, English has remained as an official language along with Maltese (and sadly the Maltese language has often taken second tier to English even by the natives). So it was perfectly possible to speak English there. I did admire those immigrants I knew who attempted to learn the difficult Maltese language. In short, multiculturalism and diversity of languages and backgrounds makes us better and stronger and more innovative nations and society. Infuriatingly, this current regime does not agree.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reflections, Amy. I really dig what you wrote about multiculturalism and diversity of languages and backgrounds making us stronger and more innovative. Your own family is a great example of this spirit! I also think that living among people of different cultures brings immense richness to our human experience, and teaches us to be more empathetic. 💕
I took so much from this post, Lily, thank you. While I'm absolutely aware of the struggle to learn the language of the country you've emigrated to having lived in Thailand for 15 years (I'm still nowhere near fluent but I do practice and have gone to so many Thai classes). But my native tongue is English and I'm aware that by its very nature makes me privileged.
I have also spoken with so many who were doctors and lawyers in their home countries, now forced into remedial jobs like driving taxis and packing groceries like you say. It's a broken system.
Hi Kaila, thank you for reading and for sharing your experience. I've been to Thailand and picked up some words and phrases from the locals I met. I have to say that Thai is one of the most difficult languages I've come across. I met a woman from China during my trip and we both agreed on the difficulty level as being even higher than Chinese itself (especially the script)! So kudos to you for making an effort to learn the language.
You're right about the lack of appreciation for the skills and experience that immigrants bring into the country. In HR terms, it's a waste of HR! Highly skilled doctors cleaning others' homes and toilets. Engineers working as cab drivers. Teachers picking vegetables, etc. etc. Imagine that immigrants are given a chance to learn English at the cost of the government (it doesn't have to be federal funds, but state/local). The specialized knowledge and skills can then be properly unleashed within the American context. That's just me daydreaming aloud! The reality is that the top echelon of America who owns most of the wealth wants to keep immigrants on the lowest social rung so they can continue to extract cheap labor (because there are no more slaves for them to use for free 😖). It's a sick and broken system.
That's a GREAT idea, Lily. But yes you're so right. It's beyond time for the Global Majority as you put it to unite, rise and take the power back. Lily for President! 🤩
Thank you, Kaila! I dream of the day when no single nation will bully over other nations nor its own people. Perhaps it will take millions of reincarnations... but then if reincarnation exists, I'd rather come back as a cat😹!!!
Well, you're too kind. I think I'm better as a warrior with a pen 🪶
Thank you for this post, Lily. The new U.S. language policy really highlights the narrow-mindedness of many English speakers. It’s amazing to me that people still don’t recognize the enormous benefits of learning another language—not just for communication, but for understanding different cultures, keeping the brain sharp, and even improving job opportunities.
We should be encouraging language learning, not discouraging it. Unfortunately, this isn’t just an issue in the U.S.—foreign language learning in schools is also in decline in the UK, where it’s no longer compulsory in many schools. Even in France, the situation isn’t much better.
Those of us from smaller countries, where only a few million people speak our native language, understand the value of learning foreign languages. We have to learn them to connect with the rest of the world. (English was actually my fourth foreign language, yet it’s the one I studied the longest and am now most fluent in.) But in the U.S., where so many people don’t even have a passport, it’s perhaps not surprising that there’s resistance to language learning. Still, it’s a missed opportunity. Instead of closing themselves off, English-speaking Americans could gain so much from embracing different languages—not just for their own personal growth, but also to navigate an increasingly interconnected world more effectively.
Liza, these are very wise words. I share your view about language learning 100%. Smaller nations often have to "look outward" but large nations (specifically, those in delusion that they are No. 1 in the world in everything) are content with "looking inward."
I have seen a few articles and academic research studies in the U.S. about the benefits of learning multiple languages. But such findings don't seem to hold the interest of the majority of people. They might be considered "niche topics."
Over the past few decades, I've noticed dwindling interest in the general population to broaden their worldview and learn from different cultures--unless there's something that benefit them directly, such as "oh, everything is cheaper overseas... I'd better get on the next plane and take advantage of that country." I admit I'm cynical about this, but the state of education in the America has gotten quite pathetic, and along with that, interest in the humanities and cultures.
What you wrote about Europe is new to me. Would you say the trend has to do with rising nationalist sentiments?
I honestly feel lucky and blessed that 1) my parents encouraged me to study languages, 2) I had some great teachers and 3) I have a passion and ear for languages. I am learning my 11th language and I look forward to the day I get to learn the 12th and maybe even 13th one.
These are my languages: Slovene, Serbo-croatian, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Swedish, Jula, Amharic. If I was dropped in a place where people only spoke one of these languages, I would get by, not perfectly in most of them, but I would do ok. I am only fluent in the first 4 (so technically I am not a real polyglot, since I am not truly fluent in 5.) I would love to speak Arabic (this is the one language I failed to learn- I took classes for almost a year- but had a teacher who didn't allow asking any questions, so I never learned a thing). Swahili is another language I would like to learn.
That's an impressive number of languages, Liza! I hadn't heard of Jula and Amharic until you mentioned them. Arabic seems very difficult, esp. the script. But knowing it will allow you to speak to so many people from a wide geographical range. The way your teacher taught it though... seemed problematic! Is Swahili spoken in many African nations?
I'm not sure what languages I'd like to learn next. In the past, I always wanted to learn Japanese but never got serious about it. I love the Japanese culture and have some Japanese friends. It would be so nice to be able to know the language. Well, I already know some of the kanji (Chinese characters) that the Japanese language carries. It's the Japanese characters that are hard for me.
Then I thought maybe I could learn German, simply because I believed my Swedish language skill would make it easier to learn German. I'm not sure though. One day I might find myself studying in Europe, and depending on which country it is, I'll learn the language of it.
I admire you and those who are multilingual. It’s incredible how it broadens perspectives and enriches lives in ways I can’t experience. I regret that I've only mastered my native language. After I visited Italy, I went home and enrolled in classes, hoping to tap into my ancestral roots for better learning. However, balancing my job and studying proved challenging, and I long ago abandoned that aspiration.
Thank you Paulette! I understand the frustration of learning a new language. I learned the languages through immersion. I find that to be the quickest path to mastery. But I also was kind of "forced" to learn them. It was for survival (except for French). When I'm outside of a country whose language I would like to learn, I find it extremely difficult and I seem to lack motivation. Besides, as you mentioned, there is work and lots of other factors. Perhaps one day if you find yourself in an extended period in Italy, you can consider restarting your lessons?
Thanks so much for restacking my article. I’m curious what you think. Do you resonate with some of the sentiments I shared?
What a great article which I restacked. I know you well as a dear friend of many years and have always admired your polyglot abilities. This well researched and thoughtful article gave me even deeper perspective into your experience and that of other immigrants. I can now be a better ally. I find myself facing a new language barrier as I settle into life in Barcelona yet to begin my study of Spanish. I do not expect local Catalans to speak English; it is my responsibility to learn Spanish or Catalan. Of course I am grateful when they do have some ability to speak English (although I always try to use the Spanish phrase first). But I am thankful to live in a country that does offer free government run language classes for immigrants. I experienced this too as you did learning to speak Swedish when I lived in Sweden in 1989-2007 and agree how generous & supportive Sweden is to immigrant language learning). The third foreign country I lived in was Malta. As a former English colony well into the 70s, English has remained as an official language along with Maltese (and sadly the Maltese language has often taken second tier to English even by the natives). So it was perfectly possible to speak English there. I did admire those immigrants I knew who attempted to learn the difficult Maltese language. In short, multiculturalism and diversity of languages and backgrounds makes us better and stronger and more innovative nations and society. Infuriatingly, this current regime does not agree.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful reflections, Amy. I really dig what you wrote about multiculturalism and diversity of languages and backgrounds making us stronger and more innovative. Your own family is a great example of this spirit! I also think that living among people of different cultures brings immense richness to our human experience, and teaches us to be more empathetic. 💕
I took so much from this post, Lily, thank you. While I'm absolutely aware of the struggle to learn the language of the country you've emigrated to having lived in Thailand for 15 years (I'm still nowhere near fluent but I do practice and have gone to so many Thai classes). But my native tongue is English and I'm aware that by its very nature makes me privileged.
I have also spoken with so many who were doctors and lawyers in their home countries, now forced into remedial jobs like driving taxis and packing groceries like you say. It's a broken system.
Hi Kaila, thank you for reading and for sharing your experience. I've been to Thailand and picked up some words and phrases from the locals I met. I have to say that Thai is one of the most difficult languages I've come across. I met a woman from China during my trip and we both agreed on the difficulty level as being even higher than Chinese itself (especially the script)! So kudos to you for making an effort to learn the language.
You're right about the lack of appreciation for the skills and experience that immigrants bring into the country. In HR terms, it's a waste of HR! Highly skilled doctors cleaning others' homes and toilets. Engineers working as cab drivers. Teachers picking vegetables, etc. etc. Imagine that immigrants are given a chance to learn English at the cost of the government (it doesn't have to be federal funds, but state/local). The specialized knowledge and skills can then be properly unleashed within the American context. That's just me daydreaming aloud! The reality is that the top echelon of America who owns most of the wealth wants to keep immigrants on the lowest social rung so they can continue to extract cheap labor (because there are no more slaves for them to use for free 😖). It's a sick and broken system.
That's a GREAT idea, Lily. But yes you're so right. It's beyond time for the Global Majority as you put it to unite, rise and take the power back. Lily for President! 🤩
Thank you, Kaila! I dream of the day when no single nation will bully over other nations nor its own people. Perhaps it will take millions of reincarnations... but then if reincarnation exists, I'd rather come back as a cat😹!!!
Well, you're too kind. I think I'm better as a warrior with a pen 🪶
Thank you for this post, Lily. The new U.S. language policy really highlights the narrow-mindedness of many English speakers. It’s amazing to me that people still don’t recognize the enormous benefits of learning another language—not just for communication, but for understanding different cultures, keeping the brain sharp, and even improving job opportunities.
We should be encouraging language learning, not discouraging it. Unfortunately, this isn’t just an issue in the U.S.—foreign language learning in schools is also in decline in the UK, where it’s no longer compulsory in many schools. Even in France, the situation isn’t much better.
Those of us from smaller countries, where only a few million people speak our native language, understand the value of learning foreign languages. We have to learn them to connect with the rest of the world. (English was actually my fourth foreign language, yet it’s the one I studied the longest and am now most fluent in.) But in the U.S., where so many people don’t even have a passport, it’s perhaps not surprising that there’s resistance to language learning. Still, it’s a missed opportunity. Instead of closing themselves off, English-speaking Americans could gain so much from embracing different languages—not just for their own personal growth, but also to navigate an increasingly interconnected world more effectively.
Liza, these are very wise words. I share your view about language learning 100%. Smaller nations often have to "look outward" but large nations (specifically, those in delusion that they are No. 1 in the world in everything) are content with "looking inward."
I have seen a few articles and academic research studies in the U.S. about the benefits of learning multiple languages. But such findings don't seem to hold the interest of the majority of people. They might be considered "niche topics."
Over the past few decades, I've noticed dwindling interest in the general population to broaden their worldview and learn from different cultures--unless there's something that benefit them directly, such as "oh, everything is cheaper overseas... I'd better get on the next plane and take advantage of that country." I admit I'm cynical about this, but the state of education in the America has gotten quite pathetic, and along with that, interest in the humanities and cultures.
What you wrote about Europe is new to me. Would you say the trend has to do with rising nationalist sentiments?
I am not sure it has anything to do with the rise in nationalism: here are two websites I found that say some stuff about UK https://www.britishcouncil.org/about/press/most-parents-england-support-mandatory-foreign-language-classes-survey#:~:text=Language%20learning%20is%20compulsory%20in,modern%20foreign%20language%20since%202004 and France on this topic https://www.touteleurope.eu/fonctionnement-de-l-ue/les-europeens-et-leurs-langues/
I honestly feel lucky and blessed that 1) my parents encouraged me to study languages, 2) I had some great teachers and 3) I have a passion and ear for languages. I am learning my 11th language and I look forward to the day I get to learn the 12th and maybe even 13th one.
Thanks for sharing those links. I'll read with great interest.
It's wonderful that you have learned 11 languages. That's A LOT! Which ones do you speak? And what would you like to learn as your 12th and 13th?
I am hoping that I'll get to learn at least 1 or 2 more languages in my life time and to speak them reasonably well.
These are my languages: Slovene, Serbo-croatian, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Swedish, Jula, Amharic. If I was dropped in a place where people only spoke one of these languages, I would get by, not perfectly in most of them, but I would do ok. I am only fluent in the first 4 (so technically I am not a real polyglot, since I am not truly fluent in 5.) I would love to speak Arabic (this is the one language I failed to learn- I took classes for almost a year- but had a teacher who didn't allow asking any questions, so I never learned a thing). Swahili is another language I would like to learn.
What languages would you like to learn next?
That's an impressive number of languages, Liza! I hadn't heard of Jula and Amharic until you mentioned them. Arabic seems very difficult, esp. the script. But knowing it will allow you to speak to so many people from a wide geographical range. The way your teacher taught it though... seemed problematic! Is Swahili spoken in many African nations?
I'm not sure what languages I'd like to learn next. In the past, I always wanted to learn Japanese but never got serious about it. I love the Japanese culture and have some Japanese friends. It would be so nice to be able to know the language. Well, I already know some of the kanji (Chinese characters) that the Japanese language carries. It's the Japanese characters that are hard for me.
Then I thought maybe I could learn German, simply because I believed my Swedish language skill would make it easier to learn German. I'm not sure though. One day I might find myself studying in Europe, and depending on which country it is, I'll learn the language of it.
I admire you and those who are multilingual. It’s incredible how it broadens perspectives and enriches lives in ways I can’t experience. I regret that I've only mastered my native language. After I visited Italy, I went home and enrolled in classes, hoping to tap into my ancestral roots for better learning. However, balancing my job and studying proved challenging, and I long ago abandoned that aspiration.
Thank you Paulette! I understand the frustration of learning a new language. I learned the languages through immersion. I find that to be the quickest path to mastery. But I also was kind of "forced" to learn them. It was for survival (except for French). When I'm outside of a country whose language I would like to learn, I find it extremely difficult and I seem to lack motivation. Besides, as you mentioned, there is work and lots of other factors. Perhaps one day if you find yourself in an extended period in Italy, you can consider restarting your lessons?
Yes, there is quite a difference between being "forced" to learn and luxuriously immersing oneself in a country one wants to learn and live in.