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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Gehm
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Re: Integration through learning a language

Post by Gehm »

Learning the language around you a in strange setting is the most responsible thing you could ever do, it gives you insights and understanding about where you are. And no, it wouldn't weaken the soldier emotionally, this will rather make him know and access the situation he is in without getting more harm done than good. Ignorance is bliss until it's not.
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Post by honeybear_11001 »

I think learning the language makes it easier to communicate. It helps one convey their exact thoughts without misinformation. I think the attachment part is just a plus. The author did well to learn the language.
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Post by Astral Magi »

Learning the language may actually assist the soldier in his quest for survival. The other side is also true and cannot be disregarded. However, if you look at the civil wars that have taken place, language didn't play a role.
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Chimereucheya Okoroafo
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Post by Chimereucheya Okoroafo »

Actually, yes. Most people are more comfortable with someone who understands their language, so the person doesn't seem as much of a stranger. You'll be able to understand everything said of you in a foreign language, no one will be able to insult or make mockery of you. Therefore, I think that what the author did was right as it helps him be more relatable to the natives.
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Nwaka Chukwuemeka
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Post by Nwaka Chukwuemeka »

This is a very exciting thought. Learning the language of the people is good, it makes you understand the people better and also know the reason for their actions. It is beneficial to learn the language meanly for more information.
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Natalie Charlene
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Post by Natalie Charlene »

I think learning the language of the place you are going to is good relations, but it is also just a smart move. Personally, if I were going to spend a decent amount of time in a country with a different language, I would want to have at least a basic understanding of the language.
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Post by Oluwatosin Balogun »

I do not think learning the language of a new place you visit is weakening in any way. If anything, it is strengthening as it makes you familiar with the environment. Even the people involved might end up trusting you giving you an advantage over them.
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Post by Elendu Divine-Treasure »

Language is means of communication, and good communication save us from lots of trouble. So I think it's right to learn the language of where you are, and as a soldier it creates a better relationship between the people you are fighting for and you.
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Post by Kings1999 »

Language is the first thing that integrates a person into a place, so I believe learning a language in a foreign place offers great advantage.
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Post by Prestige-best »

Language is the cloth of every society. Therefore knowing the language of any society clothes you from your nakedness and depicts acceptability.
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Post by Cheryl Erickson »

I think that learning the language of the land that you are living in would be nothing but advantageous, whether it is during war time or not. Learning the language and culture of others increases understanding. Communication is the key to every human relationship.
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Post by Nqobile Mashinini Tshabalala »

I think learning other languages is actually an advantage for anyone. As for the soldier, learning another language was not going to make him weak, instead, he would be privy to information he otherwise wouldn't know or understand.
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Post by Halgate95 »

No matter the circumstance, learning the local language of the place you find yourself, is an advantage. It not only helps in improving your communication, it might also help you integrate with the locals.
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Post by Ola_Elise »

As a soldier, your primary advantage may be the ability to listen in on talks that could save your life. Examine your adversary to learn their insider information. Learning their language will be a great gain for you. 
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Post by Amenrodion »

I think it's always a wise decision to learn a language of the locality you find yourself in. It's one of the quickest and most effective ways to integrate. I do not think it weakens the soldier. Instead, depending on the soldier's position, it could be a great way to defeat or win the victory
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