“¡Hola!” “Bonjour!” “你好!” “안녕하세요!” “Selamat pagi!” If you recognize any of these words, you may have a good level of cultural intelligence. Cultural intelligence or awareness is advantageous for connecting with others around the world, and one of the first steps is learning other languages. Learning languages brings people together, fostering relationships beyond geographical borders.
Language goes beyond grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It offers many benefits to a person, such as memory improvement and multitasking skills. Additionally, being multilingual offers a wider range of career opportunities. Lastly, one of the most profound, or perhaps the most beneficial skills you can acquire alongside language learning, is the ability to connect with people across different cultures.
Culture does not go without language, countries that have multiple languages champion many cultures. The way people communicate reflects worldviews from their community. For example, idioms in English are not the same as idioms in Russian. Beyond idioms, language can also reflect a country’s history, social norms, and values. By learning different languages, you can communicate better and gain different perspectives! It bridges the gap between people, allowing empathy, inclusivity, and understanding. Engaging with another culture through its language can break down stereotypes and build more inclusive relationships.
The exchange of culture happens when two people of different cultures introduce elements of their homeland, like education, art, beliefs, or travel. On your next trip to another country, you’re sure to have a translation app on your phone or you’d have a travel handbook with you. You could take it a step further and truly learn even the basics of the country’s mother tongue—this guarantees more authentic and enriching experiences. You might even be able to teach a local a thing or two about your own culture!
With learning language and culture comes clarity of communication. One cannot be culturally aware without having an open mind to understanding, just as how one cannot convey their own culture without being clear with what they would like to say. Make sure to bring Jelli M1’s transparent mask with you around the globe to ensure a smooth dialogue with other people without barriers to communication.
Language goes beyond semantics; it fosters cultural intelligence, breaking down barriers and building inclusive relationships. Embrace language learning to enhance your cultural awareness, connect authentically with people worldwide, and gain different perspectives. Clarity is key to bringing people together, contributing to a more interconnected and understanding world.