Why You Need a Foreign Language & How to Learn One

Chapter 18 (Excerpt)

"But They Insist on Speaking English with ME!"

Strange Foreigners and Foreign Devils

There is a Chinese proverb which goes, "Tian bu pa, di bu pa, jiu pa yangguizi shuo Zhongguohua."  ("Don't fear heaven, don't fear earth. Fear foreign devils who speak Chinese.") Similar sentiments have been expressed in Japan. During the postwar years, the term "hen na gaijin" was the label for a "strange foreigner" who spoke fluent Japanese, and understood the ins and outs of Japanese culture.

A group can be effectively isolated by a lack of language skills. Some governments have gone so far as to make the linguistic isolation of foreigners the law of the land. In nineteenth century China and Japan, Europeans were forbidden by law from learning the local languages. The feudal rulers in East Asia during this era saw European culture as a dangerous cultural and political influence. If Europeans could not communicate freely, then their power to corrupt would be minimal.

I am not aware of any twenty-first century laws that forbid English-speakers from learning a particular language. But not everyone is eager to see American businesspersons become accomplished linguists.  In fact, some individuals would regard a widespread increase in American foreign-language fluency as a distinctly unwelcome development. 

The vast majority of people you meet will appreciate your efforts to communicate in their language (especially after you become good at it); but there are exceptions. You will occasionally be puzzled by native speakers who seem to regard your interest in their language as irrelevant, annoying, or even threatening.

There are a handful of reasons why these attitudes exist. Some are based in cultural inferiority complexes, ethnic biases, and economic self-interest. Others are more innocent. In any case, you may one day be disturbed when a native speaker of your target language insists on speaking English with you despite your insistent efforts to converse in Japanese/French/etc. It is therefore beneficial for you to know where these people are coming from, and what motivates them....

(End of Chapter Excerpt)

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