Integration through learning a language

Rita Nuncia · Post by **Rita Nuncia** » 03 Mar 2022, 10:41

It is and will always be beneficial to learn the language of a place you are in. As a soldier, whether you are fighting for or against, it will always be an advantage. Moreover, blending in with the locals relies a lot on whether you can speak and communicate with them easily.

Katelyn Townsend 1 · Post by **Katelyn Townsend 1** » 03 Mar 2022, 10:54

I believe it isn't just a good relations opportunity to learn the language; it is vital to be able to communicate with the locals. Civilians are never supposed to be targets, even during wars, and if you are entering their country to fight a war is seems the least you could do is be able to communicate with them on even the most basic terms.

Post by **Fola Moni** » 03 Mar 2022, 18:27

It is always beneficial to learn the local language whether in a war or not as it helps to ease communications and even perhaps create a bond with the local citizens.

Having said that, in a war, it could go either way. It could weaken the soldier's stance because relating with the locals in their language might make him conflicted. On the flip side, it could make the soldier blend in and spy on secret conversations that would be vital in winning the war.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 03 Mar 2022, 21:42

They're two sides to this. Firstly, I think it's important to learn languages of places we find themselves in. However, he's not a civilian. They're things at stake. Language is more than a means of communication. It's an identity and a form of bond, so that could be really distracting

Mildred Echesa · Post by **Mildred Echesa** » 04 Mar 2022, 02:06

It doesn't weaken the soldier but at least he can survive there in case things go bizarre.imagine he gets lot from the crew or he's later forced to settle their. He, therefore, has to learn the so as to make survival their much more easier

Bridgette C 2 · Post by **Bridgette C 2** » 04 Mar 2022, 03:34

I guess it is beneficial to learn a language that will lead one to be attached and to keep in touch with the locals. Understanding one another through language integrates one to a group. It's a key to survival.

Valentino V · Post by **Valentino V** » 04 Mar 2022, 10:41

I feel like learning the language is going to be advantageous in any scenario, be it because it lets you gather more information, or emphasize more with the people and the culture around you, and because it would also let you form more of a nuanced opinion of the situation. Soldiers do need to be good and not question commands, but it's also good for them to think critically about their situation and see if there's something ethically wrong happening, and that becomes very difficult to see if you're only surrounded by the culture and the language you bring with you.

Amelia-Lily · Post by **Amelia-Lily** » 04 Mar 2022, 11:39

Owuamanam wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 03:35 The author of my enemy in Vietnam shared how he had to learn the language in other to thrive and relate well with the locals. Do you think learning the language of a new place you visit a good relations opportunity while on a war, or will it weaken the soldier by making the soldier attached to the people he is supposed to be fighting.

I think this is a necessary evil. Or perhaps, not even evil at all. I think we should never forget that we are human. Learning the language helps them humanise the enemy, this keeps them from going too far.

Anne Lucas · Post by **Anne Lucas** » 05 Mar 2022, 02:22

Kelsey Copeland wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 13:14 I’m no soldier and there hasn’t been a veteran in my immediate family for a couple generations, but I feel like war is something very complex, and something that ignorance can easily take advantage of.

If you’re in a country and fighting a war, I think no matter how sure you are that you’re doing the right thing, you should always keep all your eyes open. Maybe you need to close them at certain times. Of course, you don’t need to be questioning your superiors in super dire situations or deserting in the middle of any skirmish or shootout, but I think without knowing the language of the people/environment around you, you’re willingly closing yourself off from better understanding the war you’re a part of. And that seems irresponsible.

Spoken my heart! Language has many purposes. It not only shows closeness in a community and keeps people connected, but also helps maintain their integrity at tough times like that of wars!

Ndagire Hassifah · Post by **Ndagire Hassifah** » 05 Mar 2022, 03:22

I think learning the language can bring a sense of understanding between you and the civilians especially during the war.

Owuamanam Eberechukwu · Post by **Owuamanam Eberechukwu** » 05 Mar 2022, 04:27

Amelia-Lily wrote: ↑04 Mar 2022, 11:39
Owuamanam wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 03:35 The author of my enemy in Vietnam shared how he had to learn the language in other to thrive and relate well with the locals. Do you think learning the language of a new place you visit a good relations opportunity while on a war, or will it weaken the soldier by making the soldier attached to the people he is supposed to be fighting.
I think this is a necessary evil. Or perhaps, not even evil at all. I think we should never forget that we are human. Learning the language helps them humanise the enemy, this keeps them from going too far.

Hmmmmm.
Is killing of fellow humans justifiable no matter the reason. Considering humanism from the point of ‘do unto others that which you would want done to you.’

Sharon Christanto · Post by **Sharon Christanto** » 05 Mar 2022, 11:08

It's a thoughtful question. But I think soldiers learn new language to respect other people. It also aids in communication. And it might be advantageous; to keep the soldiers close with the locals and overhears things.

Ify-babe · Post by **Ify-babe** » 06 Mar 2022, 02:17

Learning the language of where you are has a plethora of benefits. It gives you respect among the inhabitants of a place and it even helps you to be on the enemy side to know what their next move will be.

Tarie07 · Post by **Tarie07** » 06 Mar 2022, 03:01

I think learning the language is for good relations. It shows the respect and devotion you have towards those you're fighting for.

Post by **Leasa Ana Maria** » 06 Mar 2022, 12:50

It doesn't matter if you are at war or not, being able to communicate in a foreign situation, a war in another country like in this book, can give you a little control over your situation and increase a little your confidence. Sometimes understanding the bare minimum of what is going on around you, especially in war, can save your life.