Reading and Writing, Pyramids of Giza, Class 5

 By Nate Feldman

Class Vocabulary: 

1. linguistic = related to languages

*I work in the field of linguistics. 

2. constitute = to be a part of a bigger thing

*50 states constitute the USA.  26 states constitute Brazil.  47 prefectures constitute Japan. 

3. considerably = to a great deal or extent

*Your English is considerably better than when I first met you.  You are doing considerably well this session.   

4. acquire = to get something. 

*I came to school to acquire knowledge.

5. lead to = causes something to happen

*Too much stress leads to headaches.  Eating too much chocolate leads to stomachaches.  Someone threw a marker at Nate.  This led to a big fight in the class between Nate and that person. 

6. competence = ability to perform well

*To be a good professional, you must be competent/have competence in your field. 

7. anticipate = expect something to happen

*I anticipate that you will do well if you prepare.  The weather person anticipates that it will rain on Sunday. 

8. native = something originally from a country

*The Lenape were natives to this land before the Europeans came. 

9. furthermore = in addition, extra information

So, I am happy today because the weather is nice.  Furthermore, it is Nika and Yuya’s birthday J

10. expand = make bigger

*We will expand the day from 3:45 until 7:30.  So, those who are sleepy now, the day is just beginning ;)

Should people speak more  than one language?

In this world, there are up to 7,000 languages that people use to communicate with one another.  In many countries around the world, it is necessary to know at least two, and sometimes three or more, languages, but in this one, knowing English is often good enough. However, should people be trying to learn more than one language?  In my opinion, knowing multiple languages is beneficial for each individual.  

The first reason people should know another language is because it opens you to other cultures and mindsets.  While it is true that if everyone speaks English, we will understand the words they are saying, we may not quite understand their mentality and mindset.  Knowing another person’s language is a door to another way of thinking and expressing things. 

Some people say that there are more essential skills people need to learn than language learning, such as software development or finances.  While I acknowledge that these fields are essential, that doesn’t mean we should stop learning languages.  Even if you are a software developer, being able to communicate with others effectively in their language can help you in your relationship with them, including if you run a software company, which are very often multi-national. 

To conclude, while many people suggest that speaking English is enough to get by in this world, I strongly propose that people learn at least one additional language to benefit themselves and their relationship with others.  Thank you.  Gracias.  Obrigado.  Arigato. J