Language differences: A global complication

English is considered a universal language and learning it requires constant effort. I interviewed the NAIT’s ESL program Kirsten Leslie to talk more about some language aspects.

(Q) Have you ever had the necessity to learn different language than the one that is commonly used in your environment?

(A) Yes, absolutely. So, my first degree, actually was a Spanish major, so I spent about four years learning Spanish. I spent a little bit of time in Spanish-speaking countries for extended periods of time in which I had to use it. So yes, I have.

(Q) In your instructor’s and professional point of view, what do you think are the most common challenges for people learning a new language for the first time?

(A) Yes, perfect. I love this question. Probably the thing that comes to mind first is that the misconception about language is that you need to study it and sort of prepare for this day when you will magically speak the language or use the language and that just isn’t how it works. So, a lot of students come, they’ve studied English for many years, but they’ve never had the opportunity to use the language. Languages are meant to be used they are not meant to be studied. It’s different than other subjects, It’s not about memorization, it’s about use. So, from day one, when you decide to learn a second language you need to start using that language and you need exposure to the environment where that language is used.

(Q) Do you think that learning a new language is something necessary for someone that moves into a new environment, a new culture or a new country?

(A) This is also a very interesting question, and I think a bit of a complicated question. I’ll try to give a concise response, but this this could probably be a thesis topic. I think that if we look at somewhere like Canada, which we do typically describe as sort of a mosaic of different cultures, I think that it really depends on your purpose with the language. I wouldn’t say that it is. I wouldn’t use the blanket statement to just say it is a necessity 100%, it really depends on the purpose. If your purpose is to study or to work, I think that it would certainly benefit you to use or to learn the language of that culture. But I think there’s lots of instances where it’s not necessary. If we look at newcomer seniors who are coming to a country later in life and maybe they find a community where they are of those who speak their mother tongue. Perhaps it isn’t as necessary, right? So, I think it depends on your purpose.

(Q) if you could learn a new language, what language would be?

(A) Oh, my goodness. I want to learn all the languages. How do I pick? So right now, I would say, well, first and foremost, I’m continuing to keep up my Spanish because what I touched on briefly in your first question, languages It is a life process learning a language there’s never an end date. You’re never finished, it’s something that continues throughout your life, so I want to continue learning Spanish. I also am very interested in learning Norwegian. My grandma spoke Norwegian, and this is something that feels sort of nostalgic sentimental feeling towards, so I’d love to learn that language.

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