Never before have we had such easy access to languages we do not speak. AI translation tools can convert German, French or Japanese text into fluent English or Chinese in a matter of seconds. For many, these tools are a vital part of everyday life. Unfortunately, I have come to realise that the more these tools advance, the less we feel the need to learn foreign languages. 

    There is a misconception behind this. These tools treat languages as fixed channels that deliver the same information. They assume that knowledge exists in a stable, language - independent form and that switching languages simply means substituting one vocabulary for another. 

    This approach falls short. Languages are the key to human cultures. Their vocabularies never completely overlap. Moreover, languages use different methods to organise and pass on knowledge. This linguistic repertoire shapes the way communities communicate in specific situations, influencing how they structure arguments, frame statements and define the roles of author and audience. These patterns are learned. Similarly, language communities often develop their own conventions to convey authority, caution, criticism, belonging or respect. 

Giorgio Iemmolo. Why is it worth learning new languages?

Internet: <https://ethz.ch>.  (adapted).