As a winner of the NSLI-Y Scholarship in high school, and then the Critical Language Scholarship in college, I lived in China for two summers with host families, studying Chinese for nine hours a day. Tack on to that the approximately 2, 000 classroom hours I spent learning Chinese as an undergraduate, and it seems fair to say that a small fortune of resources has been invested in my Chinese ability.
Yet even with so much practice, I am not still achieving fluency, and it's unclear whether I'll use my language skills regularly in my career. This leads me to reflect: What is it that drives me to dill tones and memorize characters?
Many people are quick to point out the value of language skills in an increasingly competitive workforce. However language is about much more than just the ability to communicate. Foreign language study is tied to increased levels of empathy (同理心), enhanced cognitive development, and more creative insight on the human condition. Increasingly, research shows that these benefits also apply to those with exposure to multiple languages, and not just those who achieve fluency.
A beneficial future for the US and China will be built upon understanding, respect and recognition. Language exchange can provide cultural insight and strengthen the common ground we stand on.
It is not the economic potential of my language skills that leads me to persist Studying Chinese is the most modest way I can think of to approach China, a nation with over 5, 000 years of complex history. From this point, I have experienced the beauty, hospitality of China. And my experience of studying Chinese has helped me form a sense of curiosity and a commitment to understanding and respect-and that's a start.
