4 Reasons to Learn a New Language | John McWhorter | TED

The Rise of English as a Universal Language

The Dominance of English

• The speaker discusses the growing prevalence of English, highlighting its role in various fields such as the internet, finance, air traffic control, popular music, and diplomacy.

• While Mandarin Chinese has more speakers, the number of Chinese learning English surpasses that of English speakers learning Chinese. There are currently numerous universities in China teaching entirely in English.

• A prediction is made that by the end of the century, most of the 6,000 existing languages will become extinct, leaving only a few hundred.

The Question of Learning Other Languages

• The speaker anticipates questions about the necessity of learning foreign languages when global communication may soon rely predominantly on one language.

• A common belief is addressed: that language shapes thought. This idea suggests different languages provide unique perspectives or "worldviews."

Language and Worldview

• An example illustrates how gendered nouns in French and Spanish influence perceptions; speakers might envision a table with feminine characteristics due to linguistic structure.

• The speaker challenges this notion by presenting diverse English speakers (e.g., Bono and Donald Trump), questioning what shared worldview they possess despite speaking the same language.

Reasons to Learn Foreign Languages

• Despite doubts about language shaping thought significantly, there are compelling reasons to learn other languages:

• To fully engage with and understand different cultures.

• An example from a film shows how non-native speakers can lose their essence when communicating in another language.

Cultural Immersion Through Language

• Engaging with a culture requires some proficiency in its language; without it, understanding becomes superficial.

• Bilingualism offers cognitive benefits such as reduced risk for dementia and improved multitasking abilities.

Enjoyment in Language Learning

• Learning languages can be enjoyable; for instance, Arabic's structure allows for playful engagement with consonants and vowels.

Exploring Language Learning in the Modern Era

The Joy of Language and Its Unique Expressions

• The speaker references a phrase from "Moby Dick," illustrating the playful nature of language through its unique expressions, such as "He was eating cake in the tub."

• Discusses the complexity of learning languages like Cambodian, emphasizing the richness of sounds and vowels compared to English, which enhances the experience of language acquisition.

Evolution of Language Learning Methods

• Highlights how traditional language learning required physical attendance in classrooms with limited access to teachers and resources like records or cassettes.

• Contrasts past methods with modern technology, where individuals can learn languages at their convenience using tools like Rosetta Stone and Glossika from home.

Accessibility and Personalization in Language Learning

• Emphasizes that today's learners can engage with multiple languages easily, integrating them into daily routines (e.g., reading "Dilbert" in various languages).