Foreign Language Class: A Lesson In Diversity

Somewhere during our formative years, we were all required to take a foreign language class. Whether French, Spanish, German, or Italian, it’s undeniable that learning another’s language and culture makes you a more well-rounded person.
For starters, there is the literal strengthening of the mind that comes from the simple act of learning something new. Then there is the unique skill of translating your thoughts in a way that connect with someone who may culturally differ from you. In addition, learning another language and culture changes our views of the world, our understanding of others experiences, and, ultimately, our perspective of ourselves.

I often travel to France for Paris Fashion Week with a portion of my staff. In that environment, the need for being fluent in another’s language is quite apparent. But even in our own country, there may be times when we are interacting with someone and feel they are speaking a foreign language. This can happen on the job, in a relationship, and even with our own family members.
Aside from whatever literal language we speak, there are numerous ways we communicate with each. For example, in my house alone – on any given day – you may find us speaking a diverse combination of faith, success, couture (of course), and, most importantly, unconditional love. When times get rough, you may hear one of us speaking forgiveness, commitment, loyalty, understanding, or compassion. These are all languages Steve and I have learned to speak fluently over the years.
As a couple we have worked very hard to teach these languages to our children and are now beginning to teach our grandchildren. In these trying times we  deliberately surround ourselves with people who speak these languages as well as we do, or better. When we realize we’re getting rusty, limited, or stuck in our ability to communicate effectively, we seek out people who help us become wiser and more proficient. When the need for a new language arises, we are never afraid to go “back to school” and start the learning process all over again.
Whether it’s a love interest, a career move, or an area of personal development, the reality is that we live in a diverse society.  The sooner we embrace learning the language of all those involved, the better (even if at first it seems quite foreign). In the end, the challenge will makes us all a brighter, sharper, and more well-rounded person.