By: Zachary Laranang

             Unlike in the European Union (where the majority of the population is multilingual), only 18% of Americans report speaking a language other than English. The emergence of English as the global language is undoubtedly at least one of the reasons for this abysmal fact. Why go through the trouble of learning another language when the rest of the world is bending over backwards to learn yours? Although I don’t think I am guilty of harboring this attitude, I must confess that I am among that 82%.

             My monolinguism has been a problem from the moment I arrived in Buenos Aires (marking my first time outside the US). My first experience after stepping off the plane at Ezeiza International Airport was being misunderstood by a taxi driver, and having trouble getting to the Volunteer House. Another time, a simple trip to a camera store located a few blocks away from my accomodation somehow ended up with me 30 minutes outside the heart of the city. In addition to these unpleasant experiences, everyday activities like shopping, ordering food, or finding an address remain a struggle.

The frustrations of being in a country where one does not speak the native language are obvious. Simply getting by is difficult, and there exists a difficulty in communicating one’s thoughts and feelings to those who do not speak English, let alone display the full breadth of one’s personality. Floundering, rather than flourishing, is the usual state of affairs. Spoken word may be relegated to only 10% of communication, but it is an incredibly important 10%. Faced with these difficulties, the selfish American in me wants to give up.

The benefits of learning a foreign language are legion. As I’m sure every college student knows by now (due to the fact that it has been repeated ad nauseum by administrators, employers, and the media), knowing multiple languages distinguishes oneself in the job market, and is a necessity in today’s global economy. More importantly, the primary purpose of learning a language is to socialize with people from different cultures, says Lorena Belcastro, the director of the Buenos Aires Spanish School (BASP). Without at least a basic level of fluency, it becomes almost impossible to go about daily life, let alone connect with others. Learning another language provides insight into another way of thinking, allowing one to appreciate culture, connect and build relationships, and experience that important quality of humanness that makes visiting a foreign country a truly special and memorable experience.

            However, the inevitable frustrations often discourage many from even attempting the endeavor. It is important to remember that frustrations are assured, but they are not impossible to overcome. They can even be empowering. Simply taking a successful trip to the supermarket can be an exciting learning experience that gives a foreigner the small victory they need to persevere and continue learning the language.

            On my way home last week, I experienced a small victory of my own. Wary of Argentinian cab drivers after my first experience coming from the Airport, I was hesitant to hail another one. However, I relented, and a black and yellow car quickly stopped to pick me up. When I got in, the driver was very friendly, and attempted to make conversation. Luckily, I had my Spanish phrasebook with me, and I answered him back as best I could. I discovered that his name was Christian, and that he was a proud father of two, a fan of the Rolling Stones, and a lifelong native of Buenos Aires (among other things). I talked with him for the entire cab ride, asking about his life and telling him about my own. When we arrived at my hostel, I expressed my sincere gratitude, and we parted ways. This small yet successful interaction with another human being whose language I did not speak energized me and filled me with a mixture of joy and relief. Although I still have a long way to go until I reach fluency, the promise of similar human connections and fulfilling experiences drives me past my frustrations and obstacles and forward to a more enriching existence.