Integration through learning a language

Use this forum to discuss the March 2022 Book of the month, "My Enemy in Vietnam" by Billy Springer
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Mahdis Sadeghi
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Re: Integration through learning a language

Post by Mahdis Sadeghi »

In my opinion, learning a language is beneficial whether you are a soldier or not. Knowing the language of the opposing country at war can help them build relationships and they can communicate easier. They also can get to know why they are in a war and the mindset of their opposing country.
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Post by Israel10 »

I certainly do not think that relating and integrating with civilians weakens the soldier or makes him attached. If anything, it is a wise war strategy.
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Sara Scott
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Post by Sara Scott »

I keep thinking back on this premise.
I took an anthropology course in university, and I remember the professor saying that a culture's language accurately portrays how they feel through their language.
For example, in English, we see time as a commodity - we talk about wasting time, spending time, buying time, etc.
In French, when they miss someone, they exact translation is actually, "You're missing from me," showing how much they value connections and relationships.
I think learning a language gives you an intimate view into a culture. With that sort of understanding of a people, how can you then see them as an enemy? I can't wrap my head around it. I think it would absolutely affect judgement.
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Andrew Malenya
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Post by Andrew Malenya »

I think learning the language of the people you are going to serve puts you in a better position to help those people. It is an advantage to a soldier.
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Post by Abby Smith 5 »

I could see how learning the language opens the door to getting to know people and resulting in becoming attached. However, I think the pros to learning the language would be far greater. Not only would it give you an upper hand, but I think would have many benefits. For example, being able to build a relationship with the people will help you find allies that could prove useful.
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Post by Patricia Akwei »

I think it is important to learn the language of the particular group of people that you find yourself in. For easy access of services and to avoid being stranded.
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Post by Emmanuel Okotie »

In my opinion, I think learning the language of a place or foreign land is very essential for survival and ultimately for progress. In learning the language of the people, you earn their trust and as such they feel you're a part of them. It would also make the people willing to help you in time of need.
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Post by Good Writer »

For you to be part of a system you must be grounded in that system same applies her language is paramount it's shows you are part of those who speak the language.
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Rebecca Flores
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Post by Rebecca Flores »

I feel that even in a war situation learning the language can help you understand and have empathy for those around you. Language is a huge barrier in communication. Knowing what they are saying could even help in problematic war situations, and maybe even deescalate a situation.
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Post by Vinny Zinny »

Learning the language in a place one visits is amazing. I consider it a good skill especially when the stranger learns it fast. It's a good thing the soldiers learnt it as it facilitates and enhances effective communication with the civilians. With that skill he can achieve their trust easily and carry out his mission.
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Post by Vivian Amponsah »

Learning the language is an advantage one. You can easily know what is going on around you.
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Post by Bunmi27 »

Learning a language will be advantageous because it makes communication easier. It will also make it easy for the soldier to learn more about the environment whether there is war or not.
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Chinazo Anozie
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Post by Chinazo Anozie »

I believe it's a two way sword. Of course, as a soldiers, knowing your enemy's language will always be advantageous, but i believe it will also make you see them less as the 'enemy' and more like your neighbours.
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Alice Fu
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Post by Alice Fu »

Learning a new language is a good way to demonstrate a sense of caring for those you are fighting for. It creates a connection and proves that you are really trying to have a personal connection with those you stand with
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Post by Ay Obaj »

Language is a very important part if a person's identity. The ability for someone to speak a person's language definitely creates a connection between them and creates advantage.
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