What does it mean to be multilingual in today’s world? In the United States, where he often jokes about monolingualism – “what is someone who speaks only a language? An American” – reality is quickly changing.
Today, more than 45 million people in the United States speak Spanish fluently. I am one of them. I also speak French, Portuguese quite well and Leo Italiano easily. Do these skills matter? Of course.
The multilingual panorama in the United States
Thanks to immigration, our population is increasingly diverse and multilingual. While English remains dominant, about 13 % of residents in the United States speak Spanish at home. They are followed by Chinese and Tagalo, with an increase in Arabic, Portuguese, Telugu and Ukrainian. However, Spanish and Chinese stand out for their usefulness in commerce, diplomacy, tourism, media and more.
French also remains a key global language. As someone who has used Spanish and French professionally abroad and in my country, I have seen first hand the value that these languages provide.
Why do languages matter?
Languages open doors. They expand our worldview and deepen our appreciation of literature, history, arts and cultures. Research validates these benefits. A study by McGill University and others discovered that early bilingualism enhances brain connectivity, especially between cerebellum and left frontal cortex, which improves neuroplasticity and cognitive efficiency. Other research shows how bilingualism can even influence cognitive resilience in neurological disorders.
Even learning a language itself can be an act of intellectual courage. Albert Einstein once said: “Who is never wrong to try anything new.”
I have made many mistakes on my linguistic trips. But curiosity drives me to explore, to question, to investigate, to learn.
Cultural nuances and curiosity
Yes, being multilingual has awakened my curiosity. Let’s take, for example, the term “West Bank.” Introduced in 1950 after the annexation of Western Jordan by Israel, it lacks any historical or ethnic connection with the region. It is simply a geographical description. In Spanish, however, it is “West Bank.” In French, “West”; and in Italian, “Cisgiordania”, each with the meaning of “on this side” of the Jordan River.
These linguistic variations have a deeper geographical and historical resonance that is often lost in English. The readers of these and other languages read about west of Jordan, while English readers learn about a geographical region lacking historical, ethnic and cultural realities.
Pronunciation is another aspect where multilingualism acute understanding. Instinctively I say “pi-stah-qui-oh” to pistachiowhich most usually pronounce as PI-STAH-shi-oh. And yet we pronounce “Pinochio“Correctly as” Pi-no-Qi-Oh “instead of pi-no-shi-oh. These distinctions may seem lower, but in professional or academic environments, they often matter.
Although I do not speak Asian languages, my relationships with Asians and Asian-Americans, combined with my curiosity, have driven me to inquire about how to say certain things in Mandarin or Korean. In this way, I have learned words and pronounce them. But I confess that my knowledge is very limited. My curiosity, unlimited!
THE POWER OF THE LANGUAGE AT WORK AND IN LIFE
Language is a big business. Translation and location services in the United States are only valued in billions. While automatic translation is improving, it still requires the review of human experts. A translation that I saw recently translated PCC, acronym for an American organization, as a Chinese communist party.
In addition, studies show that more than 85 % of consumers are more likely to buy companies whose websites are in their own language. That is a market reason to assess multilingualism.
I remember listening to a radio reporter to pronounce the name of an ICE detainee-“Jor-E-Oh Ah-Gwy-Er”-when “Horacio Aguirre” was clearly. Such errors demonstrate a lack of curiosity and effort. The names matter. The correct pronunciation demonstrates respect and professionalism.
Professional impact
At the beginning of my career in the diplomatic service, the linguistic skills gave me a competitive advantage. In the initial test to evaluate my linguistic skills on a scale of 1 to 5, both oral and written, obtained a score of 5-5 in Spanish, 4-4 in French and 3-3 in Portuguese.
I served in two Spanish -speaking countries and in two Francophones. I used the Spanish professionally daily in Colombia and Costa Rica, and the Frenchman in Mali and Haiti. These skills opened professional doors and enriched my vital experience. On one occasion, I was considered for positions in Brazil and Portugal, opportunities that I would have received with pleasure.
I have provided simultaneous interpretation services in numerous conferences and meetings. I interpreted for President Lyndon Johnson in Costa Rica and for our ambassador to the UN, Andrew Young, in Haiti, among other personalities for whom I have interpreted. As the best Francophone of our embassy in Mali, they asked me to explain the resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974 to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Final reflections
Being multilingual is not just about words. It is curiosity, connections and capacity. It helps us to think more clearly, act more empathy and connect more fully with the world. In an era of global interdependence, speaking other languages is not just a pleasant skill. It is a vital bridge between cultures.
Today, Americans are much less a self -sufficient, linguistically isolated and monolingual nation. We are increasingly multilingual and we can better interact with our neighbors in this hemisphere and throughout the world. But we need to take better advantage of the linguistic skills of our compatriots. Languages matter.
Former ex -service official, corporate exejecutive and non -profit organizations, and since 2022 he is a member of Latin Insights, market research firm and opinion based in New York. He frequently writes about the English language and its impact on society. He is a member of the North American Academy of the Spanish Language and founding member of the Board of Directors of the United States Spanish Research Institute. Send your criticisms and comments directly to [email protected].
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
