The Importance & Value of Learning About Another Language & Culture
Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico. Photo by Ryan Harrison
Language & Culture
As some of you may know, my passion for travel, culture and language all started with an international exchange to Tres Cantos (Madrid), Spain in 2012. This was at a time when I just completed my 3rd year of Spanish class in high school and contemplated taken a 4th year seriously in my Senior Year. During this experience, I was opened up to an entirely different perspective on life and it had a profound impact on me. I went onto learn Spanish for the next 4 years in school (7 years total), went on the exchange after my Senior Year, studied abroad in Madrid in 2015 in college, and traveled to many Spanish-speaking countries since then.
I saw then (and see now) how important it is to learn another language and the value of learning about cultures outside our own. Being down in Riviera Maya, Mexico last week and getting the opportunity to converse (and translate for my friends) with staff and other guests in Spanish, I made a LIVE video on Facebook on this particular topic. To add to it, I thought I would write a blog including more of my thoughts on the matter!
why learning another language & culture is important and should be valued:
Communication. The initial interaction between you and someone else is through communication, most of the time verbally. Now, if you are unable to speak their language, it is very hard to communicate with them, develop any type of friendship or dialogue, etc.
Business & Networking Opportunities. Alongside communication, if you are unable to speak to someone because of the language barrier, you limit opportunities, negotiations, networks, etc. In addition, learning another language can be a crucial part to your application or as to why you could be qualified for a specific position, especially internationally.
Friendships & Experiences. I have met SO many people from my experiences and travels because I speak Spanish. I have taken the time to learn more about their language and their culture, and in turn, have made a lot of friends that I potentially would not have if I was unable to speak their language.
When I was in Cancun 3 months ago, I had met an individual that had a phone case with a soccer jersey on it. The jersey happened to be of Peñarol, one of the top football club teams in Uruguay. Now, if you have followed my recent travels, I was in Uruguay in March of this year. I had asked him ( in Spanish of course!) if it was in fact Peñarol. He said yes and he asked me how I knew them. We got talking, as I told him I was there a few months ago – now, showing him pictures of the places I saw. I also told him I stayed in Montevideo. He told me that is where he lives. Long story short, I asked him if he was a fan of Peñarol (hence, why he would have that type of phone case). Turns out, he plays for them! And he also plays for the Uruguayan National Team. Him and a bunch of his childhood friends, all of whom play professional football across the world– some on teams like FC Barcelona – were there enjoying a vacation together. If I had not known Spanish, which led me down a path to meeting someone from Uruguay and eventually visit them, and not have taken the time to learn about Uruguayan football and their culture, I may never have spoken to or met this guy and his friends!
Now, at this resort in Mexico last week, there wer many Spaniards staying on the TRS side. Many of them, I could tell they were from Spain based off their accent and dialogue of Spanish. And once I got talking with them, I found out many were from Madrid or other cities that I knew of or have been to previously. So, learning about their culture, traveling around Spain and speaking the language all came together and created a platform for conversation and now, long-lasting international friendships. Learning a language for a high school requirement can turn into many possibilities down the road – work and career opportunities, incredible experiences, and friendships! It can also change your perspective on the world, help open you up to different hobbies and activities, and maybe make as big of an impact as it has had on my life and what I have decided to do with it.