Integration through learning a language

[chinonye-nonye]

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.

The question is really thoughtful and I absolutely agree with you.
Language as a sign of goodwill makes sense but as a soldier I doubt that you are fighting them for goodwill. If there is goodwill in the battlefield then it’s not a battle

[chinonye-nonye]

Learning the language shows how respect and appreciation for the people. It may even help you understand why you are at war with them. And also avoid excessive collateral damage.

I don’t know why u think this but in the war front I doubt the fact that u need to understand why u are at war. Soldiers cannot question instructions given to them. Either u desert or follow the instructions.

[chinonye-nonye]

Billy Springer demonstrates to us that by learning a foreign language, we can easily integrate ourselves to the foreign culture's values and beliefs, creating friendship and brotherhood where there'd been none.

Exactly thats the impression Billy gave and I don’t like it. I feel the soldier became a vulnerable soldier. I feel he derailed from the tenets of soldiering. Is their friendship in enmity. Anyway the circumstances are different, but I don’t like it.

[Eunice Geres]

I think this still depends on the kind of person you the soldier is. If a cold-hearted soldier learned the language of the enemy, then I think it's purely strategic to learn the enemy's communication. If a soldier is generally a kind-hearted person who aspires to do good, then I think it just means that he's being humane towards the locals.

[china_doll]

This is why the U.S army has the Defense Language Institute. This facility is specially dedicated to learning languages very quickly. This kind of exercise gruels the soldier into understanding, reading, listening and speaking a specified language as part of their military strategy. Not knowing the local language of the place where the soldier is fighting a war is dangerous as the soldiers are super susceptible to defeat.

[Trustedbest]

This book is very fascinating. There are a lot of things that learning the language of a people tells a lot. It can also give a degree of reliability and acceptability of someone.

[htdcd]

Learning the language of any foreign area you visit is important. It shows a respect of the people and their culture. Specifically in war? I don't think that learning the language would make anyone more or less susceptible to developing sympathy or empathy for the enemy. M*A*S*H may have been a fictional show, but it did a great job staying true to reality, and Alan Alda's character developed relationships with the people there even though he didn't speak the language. Some of the people he developed empathy for were even North Korean soldiers. So, no, I don't think learning the language would be a detriment during a war.

[Pauline Parnell]

Learning a language of any race is very important, as it helps with communication. Once you can communicate, you will understand who these people are and what they are about. It's best to know who your enemies and your friends are especially in war.

[Adrian Rondon Salazar]

I certainly think it can be positive to learn the language of the locals. War affects everyone but not everyone is involved in it, knowing their thoughts and perspectives can be helpful

[Adrian Rondon Salazar]

Study your enemy to know their inside secret. It's very much necessary. You need to keep your enemy close. In fact, it is used as a strategy sometimes. This would make the indigenes feel like you are with them. So, i say that learning a new language in a different environment is an opportunity and would be more advantageous, war or not.

I hadn't seen it that way. It is true, when learning a new language to learn more than words, it would certainly be an advantage to win. I tried to see it as a way to make peace with the locals .

[Adrian Rondon Salazar]

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.

It is also correct, but if you refuse to see the whole paradigm and not know all the information you also fall into weakness.

[IgnatiusChima]

Learning the language must be a positive for a soldier in war. It helps to be able to understand the enemy and learn of any impending attacks on your camp

[chinonye-nonye]

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.

It is also correct, but if you refuse to see the whole paradigm and not know all the information you also fall into weakness.

Hmmmmm, I think you are making a point too. However, if this was to be the case, then soldiering is weakness. Lol

[Trustedpls]

Learning a language of a new society tell a lot even if you are not a solider because the sense of belongingness is always there. And also you can't be intimidated.

[echogecko]

I think learning the language is important as it will allow you to truly communicate with others and show respect. This also gives soldiers the opportunity to attempt to understand the locals and learn their thoughts and feelings.