Is Learning a Language a Waste of Time?
<p>A few years ago, Google released an ad touting their next big thing: the ability to translate spoken conversations as they happen. The app could transform any smartphone into a wrecking ball for language barriers — in a world in which even prosperous European countries <a href="https://sjquillen.medium.com/straight-outta-fourons-belgiums-linguistic-insanity-5a7d3bce1966" rel="noopener">routinely descend into madness</a> over language, such technology could be a game-changer.</p>
<p>For many, especially those who speak English as their native tongue, new breakthroughs in translation software provide yet another excuse not to bother with all the time, energy, and social awkwardness that it takes to learn a new language. They have some compelling arguments. Most people do not travel abroad that much. Even if you do, you can generally get by with English (or, to a lesser extent, another major world language) in major tourist destinations. Likewise with great works of literature; in our digital age, the whole Internet is available in whichever language you like.</p>
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