It always puts me to shame when I learn how many languages most communists spoke. Like Marx learned English and Russian to be able to study those country’s economics. Engels was apparently fluent in 12, and could read 20 languages.
That’s amazing! I believe every communist should take up language learning, as it unlocks entirely new spaces for us to see and viewpoints. I can only speak ~1.3 languages right now, but I’d love to make it to 5 or so eventually!
I think USian communists are at a disadvantage, given how little foreign languages are taught in our schools. Not that it’s an excuse, but it does mean finding free time on our own as adults (a less ideal time for learning languages) while working to support ourselves.
I hope to at least eventually brush up on the ones I learned in school. Learning Mandarin would be really useful, but I don’t know when I’d find the time if I’m being honest with myself.
It always puts me to shame when I learn how many languages most communists spoke. Like Marx learned English and Russian to be able to study those country’s economics. Engels was apparently fluent in 12, and could read 20 languages.
That’s amazing! I believe every communist should take up language learning, as it unlocks entirely new spaces for us to see and viewpoints. I can only speak ~1.3 languages right now, but I’d love to make it to 5 or so eventually!
I think USian communists are at a disadvantage, given how little foreign languages are taught in our schools. Not that it’s an excuse, but it does mean finding free time on our own as adults (a less ideal time for learning languages) while working to support ourselves.
I hope to at least eventually brush up on the ones I learned in school. Learning Mandarin would be really useful, but I don’t know when I’d find the time if I’m being honest with myself.
Yep, schooling really does put things at a disadvantage, but it’s a practical pursuit nonetheless!