SEC - S10W2 | My Languages

INTRODUCTION

Throughout our existence, human beings converse with one another by using speeches comprised of languages. Hence, language is a body of words combined for the common use of people of the same community, nation, geographical area, or culture.

As much as every geographical region has its language, we still converse using common languages. Then, some do learn several languages, are you one of them? Here is the fin of it.

---

How many languages do you speak? Which of them are your native languages and which ones have you studied?

---

I would count myself as someone who speaks 4 languages to the best of my abilities among them are Ijaw (my native language), English, broken or Pigin English, Epie, and Izon.

Where I come from, when it comes to speaking languages, it is counted as a "taboo" not to speak your native language or mother tongue, the language of your cultural heritage and tradition. On that note, the first ever language we are taught from the cradle is our native language, in my case, the native language is Ijaw being a Bayelsa from Southern Ijaw.

My second language and probably the most used of them all is English. It is a known fact that English is the most common language in today's world. For that reason, we are taught to learn the English language and polish our writing skills from the moment we start school.

English Language is hence, made a compulsory subject from the first day of school till the end, and for this reason, it's even commonly spoken among us more than our native languages.

The other languages I speak are Epie and Izon are all native languages of the people of Bayelsa, although different parts. That's to say, even people of the same state can speak different languages.

---

What methods have you used to learn other languages?

---

The first and easiest method I've used to learn a language is living among those who speak the language, this comes in the cause of the Epie and Nembe languages. Epie is the native language of the Yenagoa people in Bayelsa, I've lived my entire life in Yenagoa, thus, I come in contact with them a lot.

This method also goes for the Izon language, I school in Amassoma, Wilberforce Island for 4 years, which meant I lived and interacted with the Izon people as well helping me to learn a thing or two.

That of the English language, being it's a borrowed language is the most common language in the world, it is embedded into every school curriculum from Nursery school (Litracy) to Higher institutions (Use of English) this is how I've come to learn a language called English and will keep learning as time goes on.

---

In addition to the ones you already speak, what other language would you like to learn?

---

Editted using Pixellab

If I have my way, I wouldn't mind learning all the languages I come across and can learn. Right now, I'm in love with the French, Spanish, Deutsch, and Italian languages. These four languages joined with English rules the world. I am also a big fan of the Japanese language as I am a big fan of Anime. I just can't wait to learn these languages

---

What do you consider to be the most difficult thing about learning another language?

---

The most difficult thing I consider in learning a new language is the phonetics of the word, and how the words are produced, the accent required. Then, comes the part of the expression as Language is not just about spoken words, as there is more to it than just words.

For example, A deaf person still communicates without the oral aspect of language; as they use signs and gestures that were developed for such purpose, called sign language. We all also know how aggressive and offensive the middle finger gesture is without a single word spoken.

Imagine making a sentence with Duetsch or Japanese words using an English accent, you will just chew off your tongue. So yes, this is what I consider the most difficult in learning a new language.

---

Why do you think it is important to master several languages?

---

Editted using Pixellab

I must say, learning a foreign language is always challenging as It’s never easy to achieve another language like your native language but overcoming this challenge opens doors to a whole new level. Here are my few reasons why it's okay to learn several languages.

Employability

Learning several languages would open more doors to employment opportunities beyond even the shores of your country. Being able to speak different languages increases your employability as your employers believe you can communicate with anyone if possible. You are seen as one who can help in translating texts, documents, or negotiations with foreign partners.

Traveling

Knowing several languages will give you limitless places to go as you can speak their languages because you can chat with people with great ease and who knows, you can save the life of someone.

If you can speak different languages, you can always find your way, talk to the residents, and learn about other people's cultures, no matter where you find yourself.

Making of friends

Speaking different languages enables you in making new friends and meeting interesting people as interacting with people who speak different languages is no longer a barrier since you can speak their language, in other words, you can communicate with them.

CONCLUSION

Learning other languages other than your native language is becoming more and more useful as the days go by as meet and interact with people of other cultures every day. Hence, I believe that it is very meaningful for anyone to improve their linguistic skills if they want to keep up with the times. I would love to invite my friends @ruthjoe, @josepha, @patjewell, and @drhira to this contest.

---

---

NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.