The Benefits of a Foreign Language
In the article "Can a Foreign Language Enhance Your Writing?", Sarah Baughman discusses several benefits that come with knowing a foreign language. She begins the article by discussing Vladimir Nabokov and his English novel Lolita. Although English wasn't his first language, he was able to craft a well written novel that is considered a classic. I actually started reading Lolita for a book report in high school. The story is very unusual, but very well written, including a lot of imagery and detail. I never finished the book though due to procrastination.
Baughman states that the knowledge of multiple languages allowed Nabokov to "write more creatively". I agree with her point here, especially when it comes to grammar. Each language has different grammar structures and rules. For instance in English, adjectives come before the noun, such in the phrase "the black cat". However, in Spanish, the phrase would translate into "el gato negro", as the adjective comes after the noun. Understanding the grammar of other languages allows you to think of different ways to phrase your ideas and thoughts. Knowing more than one language requires you to pay more attention to language mechanics, making your writing better and more structured.
My favorite part of this article is when Baughman talks about how another language can sound like music, and I have never related to a statement more. Many of my favorite songs are in languages I do not understand. The combination of rhythm and the beautiful flow of a foreign language can create the most amazing song. When you start learning a language and the words don't sound like music, you strive to recreate those familiar sounds in your writing.
Baughman continues her article by providing ways to enhance writing through foreign language. She includes the importance of translation and how it can be difficult to preserve "literary quality and technique". I can attest to that statement, as translating between languages has always been hard for me. For instance, when I took Latin in high school, it took me hours to translate sentences between Latin and English, as Latin sentences were structured completely differently. In addition, when translating from Latin to English, once you came up with a literal translation, you had to figure out what the sentence actually meantt. Latin sentences are like a puzzle, filled with random words that make up some sort of metaphor. However, with time, my translating skills got better and was something I actually enjoyed doing.
With enough practice and attention, foreign language can have dramatic effects on your writing. It offers new perspectives and ways to formulate your thoughts. To start, listen and admire the sounds of foreign words, as these sounds will inspire you to learn the language.
https://writeitsideways.com/can-a-foreign-language-enhance-your-writing/
Baughman states that the knowledge of multiple languages allowed Nabokov to "write more creatively". I agree with her point here, especially when it comes to grammar. Each language has different grammar structures and rules. For instance in English, adjectives come before the noun, such in the phrase "the black cat". However, in Spanish, the phrase would translate into "el gato negro", as the adjective comes after the noun. Understanding the grammar of other languages allows you to think of different ways to phrase your ideas and thoughts. Knowing more than one language requires you to pay more attention to language mechanics, making your writing better and more structured.
My favorite part of this article is when Baughman talks about how another language can sound like music, and I have never related to a statement more. Many of my favorite songs are in languages I do not understand. The combination of rhythm and the beautiful flow of a foreign language can create the most amazing song. When you start learning a language and the words don't sound like music, you strive to recreate those familiar sounds in your writing.
Baughman continues her article by providing ways to enhance writing through foreign language. She includes the importance of translation and how it can be difficult to preserve "literary quality and technique". I can attest to that statement, as translating between languages has always been hard for me. For instance, when I took Latin in high school, it took me hours to translate sentences between Latin and English, as Latin sentences were structured completely differently. In addition, when translating from Latin to English, once you came up with a literal translation, you had to figure out what the sentence actually meantt. Latin sentences are like a puzzle, filled with random words that make up some sort of metaphor. However, with time, my translating skills got better and was something I actually enjoyed doing.
With enough practice and attention, foreign language can have dramatic effects on your writing. It offers new perspectives and ways to formulate your thoughts. To start, listen and admire the sounds of foreign words, as these sounds will inspire you to learn the language.
https://writeitsideways.com/can-a-foreign-language-enhance-your-writing/
Over the weekend, I was talking about that point from Baughman's article, too, about a language you don't know sounding like music. In a too-long-to-explain connection, a family member shared with me the current front runner for the Eurovision song contest. Turns out it is a song called "Uno" by the Russian band "Little Big." The song is mostly in English. The chorus involves counting in Spanish, but it really seems to be embodying that point about language and music: the meaning of the lyrics (numbers) don't matter - it's just singing.
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