The Importance of Learning Language

“Nobody is capable of free speech unless he knows how to use language, and such knowledge is not a gift: it has to be learned and worked at.”

~ Northrop Frye, The Educated Imagination

I’ve just finished teaching in a rather intensive summer program, and this quote seems to me like a great reminder for all of my English students. We spent much of the last six weeks discussing—and, of course, writing—about language and communications. I chose this topic both because it had the potential for good debates and also because it was relevant to my students’ own lives and their experiences learning English in a Chinese-speaking country. While looking for arguments against the learning of a foreign language, one group of students decided to go with the fact that it would take away from or interfere with learning one’s native tongue. It was a logical choice, but they had the hardest time elaborating upon it. Perhaps it’s too easy to take for granted the advantages of being able to use one’s native language.

Why learn a language? Why bother working so hard to master the nuances of written and spoken communications?

Well, for one thing, because in order to really express yourself, it’s kind of important to be understood. Of course you don’t always have to use words. You can use pictures, music, videos—whatever artistic pursuit catches your fancy. But you can’t escape the fact that language makes up such a huge part of how people communicate. That’s why students come to class to try and learn how to use language—not just to be clear and to make sense, but also to be able to put their thoughts and feelings into their words. I’m sure my students would agree that it’s not that easy.