I suppose that sometimes it is hard for older folks to understand the need to speak more than one language. But, I am thankful that kids are much wiser than we were when we were young enough to learn another language easily. Being multi-lingual is the way of the world, especially for those who are young. That’s not to excuse all of us older people for not learning to say “hello” in another language, at the very least.
Years ago, when I was younger and my mind was faster, I had the opportunity to work in several European countries. Of course, I speak nothing fluently except English — and sometimes I wonder about that. But, I did learn enough to get by. We all know that what you don’t use, you loose. And, the truth is I have lost some of my ability to communicate with people from other countries.
This morning some of our tennis enthusiasts (kids) were down in the cabin watching the French Open. The winning woman spoke in English, although she is from Russia. Of course, she said a few words in Russian. One of the kids who was sitting on the floor translated as the lady spoke — even before the announcer. I smiled. Several of the other youngsters cheered for the victor — in Russian.
It is easier for kids to learn a language from the get-go, when their little ears pick up sounds and nuances with ease. What is most interesting is that the bi-lingual or multi-lingual kids in our neighborhood speak with the accent one would expect to hear if on foreign soil.
Now, I have to admit that we are particularly lucky in our neighborhood. We have a diversity of cultures and languages. Of particular interest is that some of the younger kids are teaching the older kids another language. Not only is that helpful for the older kids (and some of us adults) but it gives the youngsters a feeling of importance, that they have something of value to share.
I know that lots of people — well, some people — say that if you are in America, you should speak English. I guess if you are going to stay in America, it is a good idea. But, what about when we go abroad? Shouldn’t we be able to speak the language of the country we are visiting? I’m not so naive as to believe that each of us will learn to fully converse in another tongue before a trip across the water, but learning to say “hello” and “goodbye” wouldn’t be so difficult. I’m sure the natives of the country we visit would appreciate it.
Of course, that can get us into a little trouble from time to time. I remember my first trip to France. I was very young and about all I could say in French translated to English to say “the pen of my aunt is on the bureau.” You know, I did not have one single occasion to use that phrase. Maybe we should have taken my aunt.
Anyway, on the second trip — I thought I had learned my lesson the first trip — I could ask where the train station was, where a hotel was, directions to the bank (I was too young to have money, but my parents thought it would be a good idea to know that) and how to make a few other inquiries. Well, I could ask. But, I surely couldn’t understand the answer. So, I would ask. The person being asked would answer. I would stare blankly at him. And, I never did get anywhere.
By the time I was old enough to travel by myself, I could get by. But, I have good friends from many countries and when I would visit them on their native soil they would only speak to me in their native language. I have to tell you that on one trip to Spain I asked directions to the bank — or so I thought — and ended up in the bathroom. (The two words are similar.)
We cannot learn every language in the world. That would be about as silly as not learning a second language. But, you know, each of us can learn a few greetings and a couple of magic phrases like “please” and “thank you.” Think about it. I always smile and feel very grateful when a foreign person attempts to greet me in English. Maybe that’s a smile we can share. Or, maybe we can show that we are willing to extend a welcoming hand by greeting others in their native language.
Now, if you will excuse me. Two of the kids are arguing in French — and that is one language I do understand. Too bad for them! Oh, yeah! I am grateful for multi-lingual kids, especially when they speak a language I know.
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