With the appearance of many language translation apps or even just Google Translate, is learning a second language useless? There is no doubt that it considerably changes the way that we communicate across verbal barriers. Moreover just recording a conversation followed by a translate button, we can now translate entire conversations in another language in real time. 

Learning another language is not just about being able to speak in it but it also brings an understanding of different cultures. Usually when high school students have to study a new language, they might take a look at the history of that language or the many traditions they celebrate.

Even though translation apps like Google Translate or DeepL are extremely useful when traveling, they aren’t the best thing to use. They frequently struggle with differences in a word’s meaning, its expression and phrases, and on occasion context.

Sometimes a phrase that is translated can lose its cultural and emotional significance because of how different the languages are from each other. Language is deeply tied to the culture and people, and some translations can miss the meaning that people convey naturally. 

By relying on translation apps it makes it harder to connect with people because real conversations, instead of just a translation on your phone, can involve more than just words. Words that include the feelings and body language of that person, which the translation app can’t completely understand. Using a translation app can also create distance between people, especially a tourist.

This is also shown within the workforce as well especially when being a waiter at a restaurant. Speaking multiple languages can often help you get better jobs in the workforce due to the fact that you could potentially converse with a customer who can’t speak that language in that area.

An example would be having a customer come into a restaurant that only speaks Spanish, but none of the staff know how to speak Spanish. It creates a problem, for example, if they translate it and it says something contrary to what he just tried to order and gets the wrong food. But when there is an employee who can speak Spanish, they simply inform the customer of what they have and everything is ordered without complications.

While translation apps can help in some situations such as simply asking for some directions, it won’t be good enough for situations such as discussing diplomacy. Furthermore, communicating in another language without relying on technology exhibits flexibility and adaptability which are very important.

People who end up learning a second language usually start in high school considering most strive for college, which requires taking a year of another language and is also a high school graduation requirement. That said, schools play an important role in shaping students’ perspectives and preparing them for the future.

The reason that introducing language learning at a young age is very important is that it takes advantage of the brain’s development and ability to absorb new information. Being taught a language early helps students naturally develop the ability to learn languages easily.

In short, while having translating apps is useful they will miss out on the actual big picture of the language and not entirely understand it. So receiving its translated text might not seem like much but it hinders the ability to form connections with people and allow a person to flourish in other countries by understanding their language alone. The ability to speak in another language is barely sought after anymore and is on the decline just because people don’t understand its significance.