Integration through learning a language

Laww · Post by **Laww** » 22 Mar 2022, 17:06

Environmental adaptation for human beings also mean, adopting cultural practices and language of the community one finds themselves in. This minimizes effects of language barrier. However, adopting such language, may align one emotionally with the community, which may conflict with the agenda of the foreigner. In my opinion, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Mmaduabuchi Eze · Post by **Mmaduabuchi Eze** » 22 Mar 2022, 20:00

For me, the degree of effect depends on the emotional strength of the soldier involved. Learning the language of the people the soldier is at war with can help the soldier gain vital information and secret plots that can save their life. However, the language can expose them to emotional bonding with the people the soldier is at war with, sometimes unconsciously. The soldier may find their self defecting to the enemy's camp.

Almira789 · Post by **Almira789** » 22 Mar 2022, 20:57

Choosing unity instead of war will allow us to live in peace. To answer your question, it's still not an impediment in this case, and I think it's a good opportunity to look at the situation objectively. Furthermore, I don't believe this demeanor will weaken the soldiers.

Bradley Shelvie · Post by **Bradley Shelvie** » 23 Mar 2022, 00:58

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 don't think so. Learning a language doesn't make one weak. It is, in fact, a strength in so many ways especially considering this is a soldier involved. Apart from easening communication, it also helps the soldier know if enemies are planning something in that foreign language.

Bradley Shelvie · Post by **Bradley Shelvie** » 23 Mar 2022, 01:02

5_tourmaline wrote: ↑02 Mar 2022, 16:10 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.

Sure. By learning the language, you can identify civilians from enemy troops by their calls of distress or by what they say. That wouldn't be possible if there was a language barrier. So, yeah! I agree that it can help prevent collateral damage.

Bradley Shelvie · Post by **Bradley Shelvie** » 23 Mar 2022, 01:05

Katelyn Townsend 1 wrote: ↑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.

Furthermore, you'd also want to make purchases, ask for directions, or simply have some light moments with the civilians. That certainly doesn't mean you've compromised in the way.

John korir · Post by **John korir** » 23 Mar 2022, 02:10

learning a new language shows that you are in the war together. They are human beings.it makes you attached to the community around.it also makes your life around the war zone comfortable and intresting,its a good thing to learn a new language every time you get that chance

Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 23 Mar 2022, 11:43

Not knowing the language in a foreign country can make you feel very isolated. During the Vietnam War, there was a lot of criticism and protest revolving around the killing of innocent Vietnamese people, including women and children. I think learning Vietnamese, as the author did, would allow so much more understanding in the literal sense and the broader sense. It would create the ability to see the locals as someone not unlike yourself rather than seeing them as people with whom you have no connection.

Post by **Ntokozo Joy Ndlovu** » 24 Mar 2022, 01:07

Understanding the opinion of the civilians in any war is nothing but advantageous. It can have soldiers devote better to their cause. And for that purpose, learning a local language is of essence.

Amanda Camacho · Post by **Amanda Camacho** » 24 Mar 2022, 03:02

In my opinion, if you are able to learn the language of the people that you are in close contact to then do it. Not only does it show respect but it also ensures that there are no misunderstandings that can lead to really nasty consequences. It always baffles me that we expect other people to understand our language but we do not make the effort to understand theirs. And this coming from someone that is terrible in languages but I try.

Emmanuella C Arumeze · Post by **Emmanuella C Arumeze** » 24 Mar 2022, 09:24

Even if there was no war, it is very important to learn the language of the people around you. It would help in times you least expect.

Post by **Vivian Stones** » 24 Mar 2022, 10:07

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 agree with you. I do not think it will weaken any soldier or make them too attached. Far from that, in fact, I look at it as more of a smart move. It is easier to stay in a place if you can speak their language.

Nedim · Post by **Nedim** » 25 Mar 2022, 02:12

Communication is very important in any venture. Learning their language was a major step in understanding the people.

Boohoo31 · Post by **Boohoo31** » 25 Mar 2022, 02:29

For a person to be able to bring himself to learn a village’s language and not just any village, it’s a place where they are going to wage war against, it actually says a lot about the man. I don’t think it can weaken him, but it will rather help him understand the people better.

Gabriella H · Post by **Gabriella H** » 25 Mar 2022, 02:53

I actually thought it was very smart of him to learn their language, and it even proved advantageous to him. I think it provides a good relations opportunity, because people will be more willing to help you if you speak the same language they do. It also showed that he genuinely cared about the people. I also get what you mean about it weakening the soldier, though. But learning the language is more advantageous, as he won't be ignorant of trouble brewing in his presence because of lack of understanding of the language.