Integration through learning a language

Nwankwo GC · Post by **Nwankwo GC** » 12 Mar 2022, 02:40

I see it from the perspective of good relations. Learning the language assures to locals that you're really interested in their welfare. It makes them feel safe enough to assist the soldier in any possible way.

Charlize Venter · Post by **Charlize Venter** » 12 Mar 2022, 03:24

This is quite the provocative question you've posed.
Learning a foreign language when one enters into a foreign country, despite the socioeconomic conditions, is most certainly beneficial. Our belove Tata Madiba once noted (and authentically lived by these words) that 'talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. Talk to a man in his own language, that goes to his heart.'
This said, with an ongoing war there are numerous advantages of learning the native language. Not only does it offer one promotional opportunities within the army, but it might save one's life if one at the very least, just tries to communicate in the local tongue. As Madiba's quote notes above, 'it goes to his heart', meaning it build some sense of rapport: however minute it may be, it might just be the smallest thing that can save a life.

nwanasebuka · Post by **nwanasebuka** » 12 Mar 2022, 17:48

It is usually beneficial to learn the language of the area you are visiting. It gets simpler to blend in with the natives, and navigating the area becomes more efficient. As a soldier, your primary advantage may be the ability to listen in on talks that might save your life and the lives of your comrades. It is possible to become connected to the locals, but this may be avoided by keeping interactions with them to a minimum. I believe that knowing the language of where you live demonstrates your patriotism regardless of the circumstances.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 12 Mar 2022, 21:06

In times of war, learning a language is most helpful for defending oneself from harm that could be possibly hidden in language.

Post by **Sharill Rasowo** » 13 Mar 2022, 00:55

I think learning the language of the people you are fighting will not really be disadvantageous to the soldier. This is because they are still under a commander and have to follow orders. Learning the language may instead be advantageous as it helps you understand the lay of the land.

Gideon Olomofe · Post by **Gideon Olomofe** » 13 Mar 2022, 06:39

This is a beneficial question. For me, I will say it is very good for a soldier to learn the language of the environment he would fight. The knowledge of the language is not necessarily to create a harmful attachment with he locals, but it will well help the soldiers to be current about the past and present situation in the land with which informed decision can be made to either know how to anticipate or escape coming attack.

Dhiya Jayadevan · Post by **Dhiya Jayadevan** » 13 Mar 2022, 10:11

The act of learning a language is necessary in times of war, in order to cultivate a sense of community with the people of the country. Though speaking the same language may result in a closer bond with the vanquished, it will likely not result in restraint when it comes to harming the enemy. The social forces of patriotism of the soldier's home country, when fighting the enemy, will overtake that which arises due to speaking the same language as the enemy.

darkspadille · Post by **darkspadille** » 13 Mar 2022, 10:56

Language is a powerful tool that can cultivate a sense of friendship and connectedness. This is especially valuable during individual vulnerability in war.

Post by **Alys Sterk** » 13 Mar 2022, 19:14

Inks and Quills wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 16:04 This is a thoughtful question. I think that learning a language can lend empathy and insight to a group of people that may not have been understood well before. Especially in wartime, it can be seen as a sign of good will and understanding. Knowledge is power as the old adage goes.

I agree 100%. Fortunately, in all my assignments overseas, most American troops embrace the culture of the country we happen to be in. This is always welcome and while they may chuckle at our misconceptions and our attempts to speak their language, it always results in mutual respect.

Chinedu Nwakaji · Post by **Chinedu Nwakaji** » 14 Mar 2022, 23:57

As a soldier, it's not just the battle that counts. Certain things must be put in place for success to be achieved. I think learning the language of a new place is a powerful tool that can be used to attain victory. With it, the soldier knows his place and will not get easily manipulated, as he will understand their way of communication. Communication, sometimes, is key.

Eutoc · Post by **Eutoc** » 15 Mar 2022, 02:25

Learning the language of the people has to be a great asset. Language gives a better understanding of the people who speak it. A soldier would get attached irrespective of them knowing the language

Stizzy Monday · Post by **Stizzy Monday** » 15 Mar 2022, 15:00

Speaking from experience, whether In a war situation or not, learning the language of any strange place you find yourself would put in a much better state, if we are talking about survival.

Firstly, they would appreciate your effort and the fact that you find the language interesting enough to want to learn it. Secondly, it draws friend to you and help you stay in that particular place.

chinonye-nonye · Post by **chinonye-nonye** » 16 Mar 2022, 04:04

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.

Personally I feel learning the language would make you weak and soft. It might limit you aggressive spirit and might make you question the command or reasons for the war. As a soldier it should be soldiering and not relations.

chinonye-nonye · Post by **chinonye-nonye** » 16 Mar 2022, 04:05

Connor Farrell wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 11:07 No, I think that it is a matter of good relations. Learning the language shows the civilians that you are dedicated to fighting with and for them instead of just mercenaries. It will not weaken the soldier by making them more attached.

I feel your opinion is great, but politics should be left for the politicians and war should be left for a soldier. As a soldier you are meant obey the last command.

chinonye-nonye · Post by **chinonye-nonye** » 16 Mar 2022, 04:06

cutemami wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 11:36 Learning a language of any place you are in will always be advantageous. Blending in with the locals becomes easier and it becomes more efficient to navigate the place. As a soldier, the main advantage might be to overhear conversations that could ultimately save your life and the lives of your companions. Being attached to the locals is a possibility although it can be minimised by keeping the interactions with the locals at a low level.

Overhearing conversation is a work for spies. It might help you in that direction, it might also make you listen to someone who claims to be marginalized and maybe you spare the person only to bring death to your troops. Like the Trojan war