| The author raises a good point that I agree with: math provides more direct value than learning a foreign language to native English speakers. The author talks about what children should be learning and I don't know enough about children's education to disagree, but if you're an adult, I think it's a good idea to learn at least one second language. Language study and math are not mutually exclusive for me. When I've learned math it's through focused effort, sitting down and doing math problems, thinking really hard, and talking to people with a whiteboard. When I start study languages I'm mostly filling time, things like listening to podcasts in the language, going through Anki flashcards while waiting in line or on the subway, or reading things about the language. Learning the foundations of a foreign language is closer to brushing my teeth or going to the gym than it is to learning math. You just do some mundane things every day for a long time and suddenly you wake up with new skills. Once you have a solid foundation, then it's closer to having fun than studying. You just chat with people or read things you're interested in, the same as you probably already do for fun in your first languages. Anyways, my point is that if you have even a little free time or some downtime (like a commute), you can probably fit in time to learn a new language and not take anything away from your other pursuits like actively studying. That said, I don't think learning a new language is easy, but it's rewarding and the improved cultural understanding, of both your target language and culture and your first culture and languages, it brings makes it worth it to people who live in a globally connected society. |