Do you think it's strange to learn certain languages?

Question

Hi. I'm learning Brazilian Portuguese, and I think it's such an amazing language. But whenever someone finds out I'm learning it, they ask the most difficult question to answer: why? I just like it. But it made me kind of curious, and I started to wonder if people view it as unusual when someone wants to learn a language when it has nothing to do with their ethnic background or anything? Please share your opinion on this matter :)

Answer 1

I'm a linguist who studies Aboriginal languages of the Americas, and I get this one all the time. The thing is that every language you learn makes you view the world a little bit differently. Every language categorizes things and expresses things differently. Different metaphors and figures of speech make you think about things in a whole new way. It doesn't matter how many people you know who speak it (though social practice makes things easier) or how 'useful' it will be to learn, because every new language broadens your mind, helps your memory, and gives you a better understanding of people in general. Every language is equally valuable and equally fascinating, and they all have something to teach.

Answer 2

I don't think it's strange either, but I know exactly the kind of comment you mean! Where I live people speak French and learn English, and if they really want to learn a third language they go for Spanish, because most of them take trips South during the winter. So I got loads of "Why?" when I decided I wanted to study German more than Spanish. And the answer is that I like the language. I like the sound of it more than Spanish, and I seem to have a knack for it. I also like learning about German history and culture, because besides WWII we know very little about them.

But I like learning languages in general. I also have basics in Spanish, and I took Russian once. that was fun! I wish I could devote more time to learning languages.

Good luck with Brazilian Portuguese!

Answer 3

No, it's definitely not strange !

I love learning different languages. They have many benefits too, especially when it comes to getting a certain job or even helping a foreigner in the supermarket count their change correctly.

If I ever took a trip to Italy, for example, and I didn't speak Italian, I wouldn't get the full experience as others would. I LOVE meeting new people, especially from different cultures, and I'd have trouble doing that if I didn't speak their language. I'd hate feeling so helpless, I don't know how people can take trips to France, Brazil, Ecuador, and etc without knowing the language!

I'm planning on learning as many languages as I can in my life....and since I'm only 16, I have plenty of time. I'm Mexican so I speak Spanish, obviously English, and I'm picking up on Brazilian Portuguese. And I love it. :]

Answer 4

No, people take up the learning of a language for all sorts of reasons. You will find that you have access to all sorts of new things and will be able to enjoy not just Brazilian but Portuguese literature. When you know a language, you will make all sorts of opportunities to use it. You will make new friends because of it and use it as an excuse (or reason) to visit the country. One thing will lead to another and all sorts of new doors will open for you which are closed to all those people who don't understand why you are doing it. The best thing of all is, you are enjoying it! You don't need to explain yourself to all these people: just tell them that you are learning it because you like doing so!

Answer 5

I don't think it's strange. Maybe you find the culture and language fascinating. People would ask me all the time why I chose to study Chinese instead of more popular languages like Italian, french or German but I wanted to learn something completely different from the languages I already know.

Answer 6

People have often asked me what my major is in college, and I reply: "Italian." They usually give me weird looks, or exclaim in polite surprise, because I'm not learning the standard French or Spanish. Learning Portuguese - and the fact that you're specializing in a dialect of Portuguese - would naturally raise some eyebrows. Not because you're not Brazilian yourself (lots of people in Japan learn English every year and no one worries) - I think, because people assume it won't serve you any purpose in the real world, because it's not as wide-spread as French or English. But don't let them get you down - keep up with the Portuguese!
Bom dia! ;)

Answer 7

I do not think it is strange at all. Knowing different languages can be beneficial in many ways. First, most important it is interesting and fun for you. Second, you can travel to countries where the language is spoken and you can get around on your own (without relying on someone). Third, why not become educated in a second language, if you know a second language you can usually get jobs easier and get paid more.

Believe me, I went through what you are. My minor in undergraduate was Spanish and my major was Math (with a certification in teaching). I went for my masters in Teaching english to speakers of other languages (ESL). So I can teach english to people in other countries or here in the US. People asked me why do I want to learn about ESL when I already have math? Duh! So i can help my ESL students in my math class.

Just keep doing what you love to do! Have fun learning the new language!

Answer 8

Got similar responses too, I mentioned to people that I'm interested in Portuguese.
I think it's because so many people are unfamiliar with the Portuguese language and Brazil. I mean many Americans don't know that Spanish is not spoken in Brazil.

Answer 9

People learn other languages for all different reasons. Some learn for financial reasons while others learn just because they love the sounds of the words. The fact that you enjoy it should be enough.

Answer 10

No: Example: I'm learning Spanish and Italian and I have neither of those in my heritage. Other languages I've tried learning: Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Dutch, Irish... none of those are in my heritage. You learn a language because you want to, for example, maybe you're interested in music and the arts so you want to learn Italian; you love manga, so you want to learn Japanese; you have a bunch of Spanish speaking friends so you try learning SPanish... etc.