By Emily
Content 12+ According to the Christian Bible, an edifice called “The Tower of Babel” was erected by God to make a whole bunch of different languages. The idea apparently held by the suspicious ‘Lord’ was that if everybody spoke the same language, it would make it easier for them to disobey Him and Rebel against his commands. But, He reasoned sagely, if they couldn’t understand each other, then His Diviness would have nothing to worry about. And that’s how people in the world came to speak so many different languages.
Except that now the world has solved this problem by having everyone who is involved in world affairs learn to speak English. There is no specific English word for ‘lingua franca’, but lingua franca is what English is. It doesn’t mean that other languages have disappeared. Far from it. I am Chinese, and I can assure you that this language is spoken by more than a billion people. Yet neither Mandarin (the dominant form of Chinese) nor Cantonese (the lesson form) is my own native tongue.
Born in Shanghai, China, the first language I learned was not the standard form of Chinese spoken by most, but rather the distinctive dialect of Shanghainese. Gradually, as I immersed myself in the vibrant community around me, I began to master the nuances of the Standard Chinese language. However, as I learned to read and write basic Chinese characters, my use of Shanghainese diminished, though I can still understand it to this day. For many Chinese citizens, learning a foreign language can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, I found English—my second language—easier to learn than Chinese. This was likely because I began learning English at a young age and went to an international school in Shanghai, which teaches all subjects except for Chinese in English. Well, another possible reason for this might be the fact that I started English from scratch, and I didn’t have to “unlearn” some other language or “incorrect version” of English. I soon moved to New Zealand and began learning a third language-Spanish. I found Spanish quite challenging compared to English, likely due to its complex grammar patterns.
At first, I was really thrown off by the fact that in Spanish, there are four different versions of the word “the.” In English, it’s simple – “the” works for everything. But in Spanish, you have “el” for masculine singular nouns, “la” for feminine singular, “los” for masculine plural, and “las” for feminine plural. I remember thinking, “Why on earth do I have to stop and figure out which version of ‘the’ to use every single time? This is so confusing!” The same thing happens with “a” or “an” in Spanish. Although I still don’t really understand why those rules exist, I found it easier to use them naturally over time.
Regarding the common view that a native language is more important than a second acquired language, I feel more comfortable speaking Chinese with my family, even though I typically talk with my dad in English. One reason for this is that some of my relatives, particularly the elderly like my grandparents, do not understand English. More importantly, speaking Chinese with the people in Shanghai helps me feel more connected to my Chinese identity. I’m not sure why, but it feels strange and distant when I speak a different language with a Chinese-speaking person. Perhaps it’s because of the shared cultural heritage we have, which makes speaking in Chinese feel more authentic and connected.
Reading Mother Tongue by Amy Tan really made me think. She talks about how her mum’s English was often seen as “broken,” and how people would judge her based on that. My mum’s English isn’t perfect, but she can communicate with others, and that’s what really matters. One thing I really admire about her is that she doesn’t care what people think about her English. She just says what she needs to say, no matter who’s listening. Honestly, I wish I could be more like her. I’m the type of person who gets upset if someone comments on how I speak, even if it’s just a small remark. I could relate because I’ve seen how language affects how people see us. It’s like how I speak differently depending on who I’m with. When I’m with my friends, I don’t worry about using perfect grammar, but when I’m in a more formal setting, I’m way more careful with my words. Tan’s story made me realize that the way we speak says a lot about who we are and how we’re trying to connect with the world around us. It’s not just about the words we use, but the way we express ourselves and how people understand us through that.
On the other hand, speaking English in New Zealand is essential, as it is the primary language spoken throughout the country. English serves as a bridge, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to communicate effortlessly, breaking down any potential barriers. I believe English holds great significance in my life as well, not only because it enables me to engage with my friends at school but also because it facilitates day-to-day interactions, like ordering a meal at a café or navigating various social settings. It’s the language that connects me to the wider world and ensures that I can fully participate in the multicultural society around me.
When it comes to the language I think in, it’s usually a mix of English and Chinese—never Spanish, though. I’m sure you can guess why. I know a little bit of Spanish, just the basics like “how are you?” or “thank you!” and a few words for objects and food. But when it comes to thinking, those words don’t really come into play, even though they’re common in everyday life for some people. Most of the time, I think in English—like when something unexpected happens, I’ll catch myself thinking “Oh my god!” or when my little brother is driving me crazy, I’ll think “Why is he so annoying?!” But sometimes, I find myself thinking in Chinese. To be honest, I don’t fully understand why it happens that way—why I’ll switch between the two languages. It just comes naturally, like my brain knows which one to choose depending on the situation.
Many songs, folk tales, and rituals rely on the intimacy of the native language to express deep emotions and beliefs, often inspired by the community around them. The importance of a native language in an individual’s life cannot be underestimated, even if they are fluent in a foreign language. This is evident in the way long-time immigrants continue to use their native language to express their core values and feelings. Research shows that, as they age, they often return even more to their linguistic roots, finding comfort and connection in the language of their origins.
Another aspect is humor and comedy. For example, can a Chinese and a Spanish speaking person laugh at the same things? Well, they probably do. But why can’t one tell a joke, and both laugh together? The main reason for this is language, not one’s ability to laugh. The native speaker “gets it” while the foreigner doesn’t.
Language can be used to both connect people and create division. For example, in New Zealand, I often hear a mix of languages because many people here are immigrants. When someone speaks in a language I don’t understand and looks my way, I can’t help but feel like they might be saying something bad about me, even if that’s not the case. It’s that uncomfortable feeling when you’re with a group of friends, and they start talking in a language you don’t understand. In those moments, language can make you feel disconnected and isolated from others, even though you’re physically with them.
But language can also bring people together in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of something. I’ve noticed this when I’m around people who speak different languages. Even if I don’t speak their language fluently, just hearing someone try to communicate with me, or being patient enough to understand what I’m saying, really makes me feel connected. It made me realize that language isn’t just about the words we speak, but about the effort and care we put into making others feel welcome. That’s when I see how language can create a sense of togetherness, and it’s such a powerful feeling when you’re not left out. When I talk with my friends from China in Chinese, we laugh and share the same jokes, and that’s what makes us feel like real friends. And the same applies to when I chat with my friends here in New Zealand.
There’s also a darker side to language—it can sometimes be used as a weapon. I’ve heard people swear at each other when they’re angry, and it’s something I notice often. It’s easy to forget how powerful words can be in those heated moments. Sure, it might feel like a quick way to express frustration, but it can really hurt people. I’ve seen how a few harsh words can ruin someone’s mood or even affect a relationship. The most important thing is that, even when someone is upset, the best way to handle it is through communication.
In my opinion, one’s native language is more important than an acquired language due to cultural and self-identification reasons, such as passing on stories or performing rituals. However, a second language, which usually takes more effort to learn, allows one to communicate with people from other cultures for work or travel. As artificial intelligence evolves in the modern world, language is key to preserving the essence of the original culture. In conclusion, language is essential to our sense of self, acting as a link that enables us to feel integrated within our community while also fostering a connection to our cultural roots and heritage.
A person’s native language is more important than an acquired language because it is more closely tied to identity, culture, and early cognitive development. It is the first language through which individuals understand the world, express emotions, and connect with their community. While second languages are valuable for socializing with others and career opportunities, they do not hold the same emotional or cultural significance. A native language connects the individual both to the daily life of their origins and to their cultural heritage. A second language connects this same individual to the broad avenues of distant cities and winds of change that blow constantly throughout the world.
