Murtaza Hussain on Warpcast

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Murtaza Hussain pfp

Murtaza Hussain

I have heard some people say they will stop teaching their kids languages in the future due to advancements in translation technology. While I welcome this technology as an aid I think ending language learning is a mistake. I can speak four languages proficiently: English, Urdu, Persian and Turkish. I can also dust off my French and Arabic when need be. I cannot express how much this knowledge has enriched my life. Language is deeply wedded in culture in an intimate way beyond getting information across. Talking to your mother-in-law through an app just doesn’t establish the same human connection. Language learning has neurological benefits that studies suggest can slow brain aging and stave off degenerative disease. Where I see apps fitting in is as an augmentative tool for learning that makes training your brain easier than ever. But we should keep training our brains. I wrote an article on my method to help all language learners: https://mazmhussain.substack.com/p/how-to-teach-yourself-a-new-language

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@vinayvasanji.eth

I speak English, Spanish, Gujarati, and a little Arabic and have at various points dabbled in Portuguese and French but struggle with both Aside from the neurological benefits and ability to form human connection there is another, arguably more important, thing that translation omits expressing emotion See this excerpt from Tomima Owolade's This Is Not America

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casslin.eth pfp

on the other hand, ppl do have different gifts on learning languages: some are faster & some slower. AI helps leveling the playground in general situations, but does not erase benefit of knowing different languages

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@markmywords.eth

Language is culture. You can't experience culture from any algorithm that isn't in your brain. I don't believe many people who actually speak more than one language will ever stop teaching their kids a second, third, forth or whatever... at least the ones who aren't insanely stupid.

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Zenigame pfp

I've heard this too, but almost 100% from monolingual people. There are things which are not directly translatable. It's not even that hard to pick out choice examples.

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casslin.eth pfp

agree. speaking natively in 2 languages really helps me appreciate thinking from different systems; what's even more beneficial = learning languages in completely different categories, i.e, ones that uses latin alphabet vs. ones that do not use it & have total different cultural roots.

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Adam pfp

People who make such short sighted claims aren’t usually the kind of people who can zoom out and see the myriad of benefits you describe.

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Garrett pfp

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AJ pfp

100 $degen and I sub’d your substack.

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Maretus pfp

Wow I had no idea that learning a language could stave off degenerative disease. My dad was just diagnosed with vascular dementia and he’s not long for this world. Apparently the conditions that led to it are hereditary, so I need to get on some language learning asap. Will check out your sub stack. 🤙🏼

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kugusha 🦋 pfp

This found me just at the right timing. About to pick up my French classes again and just switched phone settings to the new language

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AJ pfp

“no knowledge is ever truly wasted” Agree 100%! This coupled with your curious mind and adventurous spirit has made you truly wise. You have inspired me. Perhaps I will set about learning Persian. Maybe I can ask @hanisart for a recommendation on who can be my tutor.

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Karl S 🧬🎋🌮 🥑🆙

I’m 100% with you and a polyglot (fluent in Spanish and French, intermediate in German, Italian and Portuguese). My dad’s 92 is sharp as nails and speaks four languages. Your language skills are impressive, color me jealous but Hindi here I come.

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Bratovanov🪐 pfp

@bratovanov.eth

Thanks for the article. It is very useful and interesting for me. I have tried different methods of learning a language and I admit it is very difficult and I still haven't found what works well for me.

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Derek pfp

I agree with you Murtaza. My thinking is technology that is supposed to be an assisting tool is being used as a replacing tool instead. Ending language is going to certainly be a mistake, because amongst other things that we'd lose, we'd lose that sense of kinship. I don't know if you've noticed, but anytime you speak a native language, the locals warms up to you instantly and will assist you anyway they can. Then there's the link to aiding brain function.

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y0b pfp

Do you feel like learning a language is akin to an exponential process? I was just looking at this image a few minutes ago and it resonated with this part of your article. 20 $degen

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Nwachukwu pfp

Indeed, it is myopic to abolish sentience because of AI, and what it offers. Like throwing away natural food for GMOs. All things physical and natural should be preserved, not discarded at the sight of digital aid.

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b-rad.eth pfp

I’m currently learning Portuguese and Spanish, and in addition to the tips in your article, I find reading books on the target language quite useful. Ideally start with books that have side by side translation, and then progress to books without the translation. Highly recommend reading using a kindle (I use the app on my phone/tablet), as it has a built in dictionary as well as pronunciation for most major languages. Also, ChatGPT is quite helpful, providing translation, explanations and even has the ability to speak in the target language.

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rdieCoal pfp

Thanks for shedding light on this!

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bookish pfp

Incredible to speak several. I agree. We live near an Indian reservation and this particular tribe has all but lost their mother tongue. The struggle to regain it is not easy.

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