Poll: Do you think language learning among the general population could ease tensions in the world? Why? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Do you think language learning among the general population could ease tensions in the world? Why? ".
This poll was originally submitted by Gary Smith Lawson. View the poll results »
| | | | | It could, it should. | Mar 14 |
The ability to communicate never hurts, at least for those who seek harmony. But try telling that to MAGA!
| | | | Mónica Algazi 
Uruguay
Local time: 14:57
Member
English to Spanish
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Language learning is an instrument for peace.
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Not at all. A large percentage of the world's population is bilingual or multilingual and it doesn't seem to make much difference.
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Luis M. Sosa
Ecuador
Local time: 12:57
English to Spanish
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it is not only a matter of learning a language, but mastering it (at some reasonable level) along with some cultural awarness. It is about one party willing to hear what the other has to express, as some aspects of culture manifest through language.
| | | | | One language for all | Mar 14 |
Language divides us but it doesn’t define us.
| | | | Michael Newton
United States
Local time: 13:57
Japanese to English
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| Does language learning unite us? | Mar 15 |
For the answer, take a look at Canada, Belgium and Ukraine which are bilingual countries.
| | | | Daryo
Local time: 18:57
Serbian to English
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The Shredder wrote:
Language divides us but it doesn’t define us.
In fact it does ... indirectly!
There is no way that what you can't understand - because of the language barrier or any other kind of barrier - could ever 'define' you in any way, leaving ONLY what you can understand for that purpose.
As for 'easing tensions' language learning CAN contribute, but it's only a minor contribution - ways too many other factors with far more weight at play.
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I meant that having different languages is unnecessary and just another bit of historical tribal nonsense that only serves to divide us along with nationality and religion and “culture”.
If only we could ditch all of them and start again.
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The Shredder wrote:
I meant that having different languages is unnecessary and just another bit of historical tribal nonsense that only serves to divide us along with nationality and religion and “culture”.
If only we could ditch all of them and start again.
Having different languages is unnecessary? You mean we should all speak the same language? Which one then?
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Yep, I was referring to foreign languages, but I should have made that clear. (I've also lived in a bilingual region for several years). Of course, just because you speak a foreign language doesn't mean you actually listen to the natives and their media, their culture, etc., though that is usually the case. As somebody has mentioned in the comments, a high level of language includes cultural awareness, with all of the understanding that holds (religion, gender roles, taboos, history, legal syste... See more Yep, I was referring to foreign languages, but I should have made that clear. (I've also lived in a bilingual region for several years). Of course, just because you speak a foreign language doesn't mean you actually listen to the natives and their media, their culture, etc., though that is usually the case. As somebody has mentioned in the comments, a high level of language includes cultural awareness, with all of the understanding that holds (religion, gender roles, taboos, history, legal systems, moral codes, worldview, patriotism (or lack of it), work ethic, etc.). A basic level of language is not enough.
Michael Newton wrote:
For the answer, take a look at Canada, Belgium and Ukraine which are bilingual countries. ▲ Collapse
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Gerard Barry wrote:
Having different languages is unnecessary? You mean we should all speak the same language? Which one then?
Yes. Any one would do.
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