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Foreign Languages Quotes

Quotes on the work of learning another tongue

Learning a foreign language is treated here as real, sustained work — closer to mastering an unfamiliar sport or an American subject in school than a casual hobby. These lines come from people who took the study seriously.

Basketball, in America, is like a culture. It is like a foreigner learning a new language. It is difficult to learn foreign languages and it will also be difficult for me to learn the culture for basketball here.

Quotes by Yao Ming

After an extensive interview he arranged for my weaknesses in foreign languages to be over-looked and so I started a Biology degree at Birmingham in 1967.

Quotes by Paul Nurse

Given the devaluation of literature and of the study of foreign languages per se in the United States, as well as the preponderance of theory over text in graduate literature studies, creative writing programs keep literature courses populated.

Quotes by Marilyn Hacker

My early education was in the public school system of Omaha, where, retrospectively, I realize that my high school training served me in good stead for the basic subjects of mathematics, English, foreign languages and history.

Quotes by Lawrence R. Klein

Adjunct Quotes

I just know so many people who have six or seven foreign languages and have read everything and have musical training and they are still dorks.

Quotes by Joseph Epstein

As the president of Kosovo, I am more concerned about the current situation with the employment standing at around 70 % of the population, which is young, with great potential, speaking many foreign languages and having wide expertise.

Quotes by Ibrahim Rugova

If your kids attend school and grades are up that will make $1,000 contributions to some 10,000 kids across the country, are challenging kids to learn foreign languages or challenging kids to get summer jobs or seek summer enrichment opportunities?

Quotes by Harold Ford, Jr.

The knowledge of languages was very useful. I have a university degree in foreign languages and literature.

Quotes by Emma Bonino

Teaching methods are often inadequate for the goals faculties are trying to achieve. Important courses such as expository writing and foreign languages are frequently taught by untrained graduate students and underpaid adjunct teachers.

Quotes by Derek Bok

Always Quotes

Math and science fields are not the only areas where we see the United States lagging behind. Less than 1 percent of American high school students study the critical foreign languages of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Russian, combined.

Quotes by Cathy McMorris Rodgers

There is the fear, common to all English-only speakers, that the chief purpose of foreign languages is to make fun of us. Otherwise, you know, why not just come out and say it?

Quotes by Barbara Ehrenreich

My rebellion has always been positive and connected with my work. That's how I've sung in foreign languages and collaborated with international artistes.

Quotes by Asha Bhosle

I have sung in over 20 different languages and enjoyed it. I have even sung in foreign languages like Spanish and Russian.

Quotes by Asha Bhosle

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of quotes are collected under Foreign Languages?
This page gathers lines from actors, writers, and academics reflecting on what it takes to pick up a foreign language, from the frustration of a new grammar system to the pride of multilingual fluency. Several also touch on how language study intersects with American schooling and cultural adjustment.
Why do people search for quotes about learning a foreign language?
Language learners often want validation that the struggle is normal, and a well-put quote can reframe a frustrating study session as part of a bigger, worthwhile challenge. It's also a common theme for graduation cards, teacher gifts, and travel captions.
Is there a quote here comparing sports to learning a language?
Yes. One speaker likens adjusting to basketball culture in America to a foreigner tackling an unfamiliar tongue, arguing both take real time and humility to master. It's an unusual angle that connects athletics with the immigrant experience of learning to speak differently.
Do any quotes mention people who speak several languages?
One quote pokes fun at polyglots, noting that someone can know six or seven languages, be well-read, and have musical training, and still come across as socially awkward. It's a reminder that fluency alone doesn't guarantee charisma.
Are there quotes on why language study has declined in the U.S.?
Yes, one from a literature academic laments that foreign language and literature study has lost ground in American universities, with theory increasingly crowding out actual texts. It pairs well with our broader Biology and other academic-subject quote collections for anyone building an education-themed post.

Some speakers treat several languages as a mark of a well-rounded education, alongside training in Biology or literature. Others worry that language study is losing ground in modern classrooms.