Importance of Learning A Foreign Language

The following post is based on a speech given by Tiffany Moore at the Department of Spanish Honors and Awards Ceremony at Western Michigan University.

Why Spanish?

Congratulations to the assembled honorees, and the faculty for creating an environment of success and continuing the incredible passion that exists for one who teaches or learns the Spanish language. It is fitting my mother is here given her advice as I informed her of my decision to major in Spanish was, …”you will never find a job with a Spanish degree…..major in business!”

My Spanish experience began at a young age, around 5 years old. I remember learning my numbers in kindergarten, and then I was reintroduced to the language in 7th grade and never stopped. I even remember my high school Spanish teacher, Mrs. Wittenstrom.

Once at Western, my Spanish language instruction continued and blossomed into an appreciation of culture, and provided encouragement to experiment with another language, Japanese.

But my first language love always remained, Spanish. I still remember my college courses to this day and can still recall some of the wonderful and passionate poetry I learned. Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz “este que ves, engano colorido,” struggling through Don Quijote with Professor Felkel, reading Octavio Paz, and appreciating the mysticism of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude (Cien años de soledad) or Love in the Time of Cholera (El amor en los tiempos del cólera).

I graduated with my degree in Spanish, with my mother shaking her head wondering if I’d ever find a job. Fortunately for both of us, I remain gainfully employed 12 years later. But my diploma assigning my Bachelors of Arts in Spanish neglected to fully realize the incredible lessons that language has taught me, and that continues to guide me today.

Those lessons are passion, perspective and place.

Passion

Charlemagne was quoted as saying, “to have another language is to possess a second soul.” I would like to believe that he was speaking of the Spanish language. As students and teachers of the language, we all can appreciate the passion of the Spanish language. It becomes a part of you. And while it sounds quite lofty, I’ve learned the importance of following that passion as it will lead you in the most interesting of pursuits. It may not be the road most traveled, but the journey is well worth it.

That passion took me to Nicaragua to help victims of Hurricane Mitch. It took me to Honduras for no other reason but to immerse myself in the language and culture of Latin America. It literally drove me to Washington, DC four weeks after graduation. I wanted to be a translator or a foreign service officer with the ultimate goal to become an ambassador ….though the foreign service exam kinda nipped that in the bud. And while my career has taken a circuitous route, the goal remains the same…(still working on becoming an ambassador, wish me luck!)

Perspective

It has almost become cliché to say that we live in a global world, but our interconnectedness couldn’t be more evident with the current global economic crisis. And some would suggest that as Americans we are only concerned with our own perspective and worldview. There is some truth to that and is evidenced by the low numbers of native-born Americans who speak a language other than English. Fortunately for the students here under the tutelage of the faculty and Dr. Tasende, your worldview and perspective is broader. We have the ability to identify with someone in their own language.

As students of Spanish, you know that reading poetry or literature in Spanish is a very different experience than reading the English translation. Something gets lost in translation. The same applies to people. We are fortunate in that we no longer see in one dimension. We see the full spectrum of color – when before it may have only been black and white.

I have had the wonderful honor of working with a number of Latin American governments in crafting trade policy, and there is nothing like giving someone the respect of speaking to them in their language. And the ability to read and speak Spanish has given me a greater understanding and perspective of those countries, their internal pressures, and allowed for a richer experience. That perspective is an incredible asset, and it will serve you well in your career.

Place

Finally, on a personal level, language has allowed me to better understand myself, and my place in the world. I believe wholeheartedly in the quote, “those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own.” I would also add they know nothing of themselves.

I grew up here in Michigan, in and around Detroit. I defined myself by my color. I was black….and the world was black and white. I had never traveled outside of the United States.

As I began to study Spanish language and literature, I learned about the role of women in Spain, and the traditions of culture in Latin America. I had never given much thought about my role as a woman. Until this point I had defined myself by color (not in a negative way, more of a rational exercise). S panish, and then as I experienced Japanese language and culture, it inspired a greater definition of self for me as a woman and the incredible history and power of womanhood.

My first trip abroad to Japan gave me an appreciation of what it was to be an American. It sounds strange, but I had no concept of patriotism, or pride as an American. This is not to say I didn’t have it, but it took for me to leave the country to better understand it, its values, my connection to it, and my role in it.

Finally, to bring it full circle, language expanded my understanding of who I was as an African American. My trips to Latin America enlightened me to the amazing culture and differences of Afro-Latinos. It expanded how I define myself and how I define and embrace the world around me

My experience is no doubt similar to your own, an epiphany that comes, and you finally get it.

So as you receive your honors and recognitions today, be sure to note the lessons and values you’ve learned that will never be reflected or written on your degree, or your awards and that cannot be quantified in a job application. It has taken you on a wonderful journey thus far, but the best is yet to come.

Follow your passion, embrace the perspective, and make your place in this world.

Thank you, and congratulations.

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