Should We Stop Learning New Languages?

Should we keep learning new languages? Or are they unnecessary in the age of AI? Some claim that learning a second language like English takes up valuable learning time and only proceeds to further agitate students. On the other hand, others point out that the English students learn in school is the only window for children without money to attend international schools. We need to keep learning new languages; it is important and sometimes even necessary at unlikely times.

Earlier this month, a math teacher in China posted a call on social media for the study of English to be made optional in schools across the country. This slight change could make a big difference to the future of China and other countries opting to follow in its footsteps. Will this supposedly simple request signal a future where people usually only know one language? One issue is known for sure: language is seen as less important with the rise of AI. But it isn’t so. Using AI may ensure understanding, but is nowhere near the eloquency in a conversation with a fluent speaker.

Thousands of cases are present in history where language was deemed important for crucial cases. In World War 2, spies had to learn essential languages to seem native to a country or communicate with natives. To save people from certain deaths, it was important for medics to understand what their patients were trying to say, with no time to waste on trying to use translator apps.

In an urgent situation, if someone is stuck in an emergency, or doesn’t have electronics, communicating quickly and effectively would be difficult. A delayed reaction might well cross the line between life and death.

Emergency situations are not the only ways relying heavily on AI could backfire. Blending in with natives or presenting yourself as a friendly figure in a foreign country is also challenging if someone constantly has to use on AI. Nelson Mandela once famously said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” After all, humans tend to warm up to people who know their language faster than a stranger who no one knows. It is also harder to form a bond with someone who can’t talk in detail or have delayed reactions to friendly comments.

Even in casual instances, trying to maintain a conversation with a person can be frustrating or awkward if that person is constantly having to rely on AI translations. It would likely be not as detailed a conversation as if the person was a fluent speaker. There would be lots of gaps between dialogue, and it would take a longer time to form a brief conversation.

On the other hand, some educators claim that learning multiple languages will cause mental confusion. While it may seem tempting to believe that, this is a myth.

Learning new languages is beneficial to everyone. History, personal experience, emergency situations, and blending in with natives all require knowing a language instead of relying on AI. Instead of letting language knowledge fade away with AI, we must continue learning new languages.