Why Don't We Speak 2 Languages

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Found on Beijing Tourism
http://bit.ly/2c9OT2R

   I find it interesting that most of the world knows our language, but why don't we know others? Did you know that 350 Million people around the world speak English, with 50 countries slotting it as the official or primary language? To date, we are only behind Mandarin and Spanish in most known language in the world.

   This is what really puzzles me. Even though more people in the world know Mandarin and Spanish, they are more likely to know our language than we are of theirs.

   A study by Gallup in 2001 shows that only 25% of Americans can hold a conversation in another language, and the New York Times reported only 20% of Americans in 2009 speak another language at home.

Found on Sweet Briar College
http://bit.ly/2bE6PEE

   I've been out of the country, and it's quite an experience watching a fellow American attempting to convey a message to someone. First off, they get frustrated easily; classic American. Then they think by raising their voice a few octaves, that person would understand. Thwarted a second time, the American sulks away.

   This, among many other reasons, are why we're called "Ugly Americans". Look, if you raise your banner to supporting speaking only English, just don't travel anywhere that doesn't have English as the primary language. If you want to travel to those places, at least have cursory knowledge of the foreign language. It's just a respectful thing to do.

   I don't understand why people expect other countries to speak English, especially when those same people get angry at "foreigners" speaking their language in America. But, American hypocrisy spreads way further than that, so why should we be surprised.

Found in Transparent Language
http://bit.ly/2bIH0R5

   I believe that everyone should be able to speak at least 2 languages. Not only will it bring us together as a human race, having that knowledge stimulates our brain in a way that helps our brain function better.

   In studies made by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, they have found that bilingual children and adults have increased cognition (brain function) and abilities (distinctive perceptual strategies, verbal processing, etc.) than their monolingual counterparts.  

   In all cases, it's better to know another language. You can just stay in America your whole life and only have to know English, but who wants that? For me, I'm going to get back on the saddle of becoming fluent in Spanish.

   There are plenty of ways to start learning a language, some even for free. Once you get the basics, go travel to the places that speak the language, so you can truly learn their native tongue. The people of that country will love the fact that you want to know their language and will help you. If more people did this, maybe we wouldn't be called "Ugly Americans" anymore.

Found on Hollywood Life
http://bit.ly/2bIN6kk

     Brad Slaughter is a Co-Owner of Try-Fun Fitness & Training, Writer for Inside My Inquisitive Mind, Producer, Entrepreneur and trained in Social Media Marketing By Corsera. 

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