129 hilarious reasons why learning a language sucks, as shared on this Facebook page

according to Linguistic Society of America“Linguistics is the scientific study of language. [It applies] A scientific method for the formal study of speech sounds and gestures, grammatical structures, and meanings of more than 6,000 languages ​​of the world. ” Linguistics is a field that applies to all of us, because almost everyone on earth speaks, reads, or understands some form of language. People often know more than one thing.

“Language use is an essential human ability,” the LSA writes on its site. “Whether it’s telling a joke, naming a baby, using speech recognition software, or helping a relative who has had a stroke, learning a language is reflected in almost everything you do. Linguists spend their days searching for answers to questions like these and many more, because language and linguistics are so fundamental to all human life. Because they play a role.”

Questions that linguists are trying to answer include: How do you change the way you speak when you are talking to a friend, parent or boss? Why do people who speak the same language as you sound different to you? How can a language on the brink be preserved?

Linguistics essentially plays an important role in our lives, but at the same time it brings us a lot of fun. Wanderer and silly linguist Steve uses his platform to help others find joy in learning languages. Becoming fluent in a foreign language is an incredibly difficult task, but dipping your toe in the linguistics pond can make you more interested in the many languages ​​of the world. Also, a few simple phrases in any language can go a long way. Just knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “ask for help” can save you from embarrassment while traveling and let locals know that you have made a little effort.

The last time I traveled to the US, I arrived in Austin, Texas and explained to the passport officer that I had flown in from Lithuania. His face lit up and he replied, “Lavas!” (Hello!) I was surprised that he knew even a single word. He has some Lithuanian friends who now live in Chicago, so he was thrilled to say that he also knows how to say thank you. I think it’s very rare for him to meet someone who knows the language.It was purely by chance that he checked my passport.However, thanks to his curiosity about the language, It was a wonderful moment that made us both smile.

I’m ashamed to admit that I’m not fluent in other languages, but thanks to growing up in Texas, taking classes in schools and colleges, and living in several languages-speaking countries, I’ve been able to They know some words and phrases… their own language. But even the few foreign languages ​​I know have helped me several times in my life. For example, when I lived in Sweden, I made an appointment to get a tattoo in Stockholm. I had booked a session by email in English, but when I arrived, I was told that the artist I had an appointment with would not be able to come that day. Instead, another man (originally from Chile) who speaks fluent Spanish and Swedish took care of my art. Thanks to my broken Spanish, broken Swedish, and his broken English, the appointment turned out to be a success. Sometimes being perfect or knowing everything is not important. You have to listen and understand enough to understand yourself.

I’ve always loved puns and wordplay, so these linguistics jokes fit my alley. But there are many reasons to study linguistics. First of all, anything that gives you a broader global perspective is great. The more you learn about other languages ​​and cultures, the better you can understand people around the world, even if you don’t communicate in the same language. Linguistics is a great field to study in terms of career opportunities as well.there is Jobs Many Linguists Can Pursue, linguistics professors, foreign language teachers, translators, speech pathologists, English teachers, diplomats, text-to-speech developers, and language rights advocates. There is no shortage of linguists around the world, and the demand is only going up as the need for multilingual speakers increases year by year.

If you’re looking for signs to start learning a new language, this is your push! Becoming fluent can seem like a daunting task that discourages many from starting at all, but learning to have a basic conversation can be done in no time. It’s a great achievement that can be achieved. that too A lot of time as long as you are an avid learner. We all know apps like Duolingo aren’t the best way to learn a language, but it’s his one way to learn basic phrases and vocabulary. Besides that, it’s also important to familiarize yourself with reading and listening to your new language, so watch lots of Netflix and Youtube videos in that language (preferably with subtitles so you can learn how to spell and pronounce words). increase). Watching shows and movies in other languages ​​is also a great way to learn how people behave. actually Textbook phrasing often sounds stiff and awkward to native speakers.

We consulted to make you want to expand your language knowledge This article from the BBC Engineer Benny Lewis, who has become nearly fluent in seven languages, offers insight into how he learned so much. “The first and biggest barrier is a lack of confidence,” Lewis told the BBC. “It just got better and better for me [as I spoke]” His first tip was to create a script for himself that could respond to simple queries from strangers without having to return to his native language. Always use what you know and remember that it is obvious that you are a foreign speaker. Others will be patient and understand your efforts.

One of the first things you have to accept when learning a new language is to make a fool of yourself. You probably do it often. But that’s just part of the process. Don’t be too hard on yourself, just learn from the mistakes you made. It’s also best to be completely immersed in the language and be around people who speak it fluently. “Practice makes perfect,” James North, deputy director of instruction at the Institute for Diplomatic Services, told the BBC. Naive learners don’t have perspective on what they’re doing, and it’s really important to have someone say, ‘Yes, I’m doing well.'”

The posts on this list are fun and silly, but learning about linguistics is really great. Canadian Institute of Linguistics explains on their site. “It captures a unique conceptualization of the world and has a unique way of constructing words, phrases and sentences to convey ideas. It allows us to have a deeper understanding of the world.This knowledge goes beyond simply understanding the intricacies of the world’s languages, it can improve communication between people and contribute to translation efforts. Supporting efforts and treating language disorders.”

Did you learn anything new about your native language or another language from this list? I hope you enjoy the wordplay and interesting observations about language. Also, please continue to upvote the posts you think are the funniest. If you want to find more of these posts that tell us a little more about our world, you can find Steve the Vagabond and his Silly linguist Facebook page. HereAlso, if you have any other interesting observations about English or your native language, feel free to share them with your fellow pandas below!