Learning a Second Language: Diverse Thinking & Global Connection

As a school principal and lifelong learner, I often reflect on the lessons that have stuck with me over the years. One that stands out is the value of learning a second language—even when fluency isn’t the end goal.

I studied French up to Year Nine, and while I wouldn’t consider myself fluent (very far from!), I am immensely grateful for the experience.?

One memory that still resonates with me is when my French teacher shared the cultural practice of tearing a fresh croissant and dipping it into coffee. It wasn’t just about the words; it was about the love of another country, a culture brought to life in our classroom. At the time, I was only 14, but the curiosity it sparked stayed with me.?I could picture myself on a bustling Parisian street, dipping my croissant into coffee and watching the world go by—just as my teacher had described.

It wasn’t until I travelled overseas for the first time at 20 that I experienced the moment firsthand, and the lesson came alive in an entirely new way. After six years, I stumbled awkwardly through ordering my coffee —but this was about the cultural - thanks to the interest, curiosity, and respect for different cultures that my teacher had instilled in me were the value in my language classes.?

In a world of Google Translate and instant language tools, it’s easy to question the importance of learning a language. Yet, while technology can help us communicate, it can never replace the deep appreciation for culture that language learning fosters. It’s not just about translation; it’s about connecting with the essence of a place and its people.

Languages are more than tools for communication; they are bridges to understanding. In our increasingly interconnected world, knowing even a little of another language fosters empathy and broadens our perspective. It’s not about mastering every word or conjugating every verb perfectly—it’s about learning how to think differently.

When we expose ourselves to other cultures, even through the simple act of learning basic phrases, we open ourselves to diverse ways of thinking and problem-solving. This diversity of thought is vital in our globalized world, where the ability to collaborate across cultures is a powerful skill. Language learning helps us develop a deeper respect for differences and encourages us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.

So, for our students and our community, I advocate not for fluency but for curiosity—curiosity about the world, about different cultures, and about how others see life. The goal isn’t perfection; the goal is connection. By learning languages, we learn to understand each other better, and in doing so, we become more adaptable, thoughtful, and empathetic global citizens.

Keep learning. Keep exploring. It’s not about being fluent—it’s about being open to the world.        

#CourageStartsHere