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The Drifter Journals

TRAVEL QUESTION: Would you Rather Be Fluent in All Languages OR Master Every Musical Instrument?

4/22/2013

10 Comments

 
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On a recent Facebook Page post I asked the travel question: Would you rather...be fluent in every language OR master all the instruments in the world? It sparked off a series of interesting replies from both sides of the coin, and even one that was like a whole other coin in itself.  Here are some of the replies and reasons given.

In Favor of: Mastering Every Instrument in the World

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There were a few good points brought out in favor of masterfully playing every musical instrument. 

Here are just a couple of my favorite comments:
I would prefer to know every musical instrument in the world because music brings everyone together.
I think my gut says : musical instrument mastery, cause music transcends all languages and cultures and is universal...
There was even someone who's into eating instruments:
Definitely - musical instrument! (Oooh sounds delicious!)
Ummm...to each his own I guess.

Some of the points they shared helped me realize the importance of music as a means of communication. 

For example: A crowd of people who speak many different languages can sit together and simultaneously feel unity in one experience through music. 

It would be impossible to do that with equal effect through languages, even if you could speak all of their individual languages fluently.

NO! I'd Rather: Speak Every Language on Earth

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But the traveling linguists had their own valid viewpoints as well. Always one to try and see both sides of the coin, I was interested in reading their comments. 
Here is one that stood out to me: 
Languages, nuff said...can have them explain to me how their instrument works. Plus I'm more of a music listener as opposed to a producer.
I couldn't agree more here, as a self proclaimed 'music appreciator', I'm in the same boat. I am a Hawaii born islander who can't even play the simple ukulele! Shame job if I ever heard of one.

In the meantime, one pro-language learning commenter took us on a trip with her down memory lane:
The fondness in childhood memories of hearing & seeing my humble Dad (originally from Cebu, Philippines) grace & skillfully play 7 various musical instruments with others for gatherings imprinted great respect for music in my heart. But, for a musician to travel, globally, I would really expect one to have learned how to communicate in foreign lands or countries for traveling mobility globally. Language it is. I prefer, communication.
Ahh, the nostalgic beauty of travel questions...
Despite the valid arguments brought out by musical instrument aficianados, I was beginning to see that the ability to communicate on a deeper level through language was even more important to me personally.

And the results are...

So what was the overall reaction? Well it's hard to narrow it down to one definite winner, but if you look at the numbers, there was one choice with a slight edge. 

FINAL SCORE (as of today:) 9-7 with "being able to speak every language fluently" as the winner! Do you agree? 

But WAIT! There is an Alternative Viewpoint:

As one commenter put it, there are more than just two ways of seeing the matter:
Sounds both a little boring! I kinda of like being amazed by a language I can't speak or music on an instrument I can't play.
Now that puts a unique spin on how to view things! It's true, there is a definite element of intrigue and fascination with things not fully understood. I appreciate the thought. 

However...

My personal choice:

If I had to choose one over the other, hands down it would be speaking every language fluently. 

As I read through the replies and thought about the question, I began to see music as something that can be very moving and emotional, yet at the same time it was distant and impersonal. It's true that music can speak to listeners of different languages simultaneously, and it can get across the feelings and emotions of the artists, but there is only one person transmitting thoughts, the artist. The rest are all just listeners. 

For myself, communication is more than just one person expressing their viewpoint. It's a sharing of thoughts, feelings and emotions with all parties involved.

I know that you can get by in travels without knowing the local language, but how much cooler would it be if you could not only get your point across clearly, but also take in and understand the other person's viewpoint on things as well! Language, to me, gives us the ability to share and receive both ways.

I guess I connect more  with individuals on a one-on-one personal level. 

I realize that, for myself, deep and meaningful travel with the locals calls for communication. In order to clearly communicate, I need to be able to deliver my message using specifics. Language, I feel, is specific.

I choose language.

What do you think? Do you agree? [Link to original discussion on Facebook.]

I pose a travel question on myFacebook Page every day. If you enjoyed this question, please LIKE my page and join in the discussion there!

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And now we ask you: Do you agree with the results? When it comes to traveling which do you think is more important?

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10 Comments
Kalei
4/25/2013 02:10:46 pm

Being part of ASL, I choose language. It's fun to finally connect the dots.

Reply
JR Riel link
4/25/2013 07:09:30 pm

Great choice! I can't wait to see you in Hawai'i and you can show me what you've learned so far.

Reply
Dana Carmel link
4/28/2013 06:15:07 pm

I agree with you 100%, JR! I'd definitely choose languages for the exact same reasons. It would be cool to be able to communicate anywhere without anything getting lost in translation!

Reply
JR Riel link
4/29/2013 08:09:39 pm

Communication is huge for me! Can you imagine all of the things you could accomplish if that one communication barrier, different languages, was gone? I will admit, though, music would be a cool bonus.

Reply
Emma @ GottaKeepMovin link
5/14/2013 10:12:35 pm

I can't remember if I ever decided which one on this, JR?! Anyway, languages, hands down. I still continue to have mini struggles between the two as I kind of like the thrill of not being able to speak a language somewhere but then it's so frustrating most of the time. If you kicked butt at every musical instrument then yeah the guys you've quoted above are right, it brings people together. Your questions are the perfect way for me to procrastinate, so thank you and damn you at the same time ;)

Reply
JR Riel link
5/15/2013 06:17:09 am

That's great, Emma, I'm glad my questions can contribute to your procrastinations since that's something I suffer from as well, misery loves company after all! I agree, playing every known instrument would be a hot trick, but for myself, and practicalities sake, I'd take language over music.

Reply
Jessica link
5/26/2013 05:01:52 am

I have a friend who is preparing to move to Cameroon to work with tribes who have no written language, but communicate heavily through dance and song. That makes your whole question seem very interesting to me.

Reply
JR Riel link
5/26/2013 04:10:41 pm

Wow, that sounds like a very unique experience! I'd love to be able to do something like that. There are actually many spoken languages that aren't written, and survive only through oral traditions. Fascinating a subject for sure.

Reply
Bobbi Lee Hitchon link
5/28/2013 10:18:36 pm

I would definitely rather speak every language on earth. That be amazing. I wonder if there is anyone who does?

Reply
Bennett - The Further Adventures of Bennett link
6/20/2013 07:21:38 pm

Linguistic lover here so definitely languages. Would love to see more about how if you can speak a certain language, you could understand most of a language from that family (ie you know Italian so you can easily understand French speakers!)

Reply



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    I'm JR. I come from a long line of adventurers, some were nomadic explorers of the sea and others wandering cultivators of the earth. Ultimately, this legacy of drifters has deeply affected my view of travel. Read more... 

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