Column | Tim Sparv summarizes the enormous importance of even poor language skills in one important sentence

One my hobbies, besides family and work, include studying languages. Moving to a new country and with it the opportunity to learn a new language is one of the best aspects of my life of being a host here and there.

Studying sometimes causes gray hair when I have to memorize grammar and new words, but on the other hand, it has always given a thousand times more than it has taken.

Knowing languages ​​has many advantages. I can read a newspaper and I know what’s on offer at the grocery store, but I also feel like I’ve adapted to a foreign environment faster thanks to learning the language. It has made it easier to create a deeper connection with people both on and off the field. The ability to juggle between different languages ​​in the dressing room has also been a great help in building a team where everyone feels at home.

I am noticed that the sports world appreciates a foreign athlete who tries to learn the local language.

Supporters, sponsors and employees of sports clubs like the fact that athletes are motivated by more than money and trophies: they are genuinely interested in integrating into society.

One of the best examples and my own role models is the Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsenwho now gives interviews in Mandarin while playing in China.

My language skills are far from perfect, and they won’t be perfect. My native languages ​​Swedish and English are the easiest for me. In addition, I know some Finnish, Danish, Dutch and German. At the moment I’m learning Czech, but so far I can’t say much more than “hello” and “bye then”.

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“The most important thing is to dare to speak.”

Language skills of course, acquiring or maintaining it requires practice. I listen to podcasts, read books or watch movies in foreign languages. Sometimes you need a language bath so that you don’t forget what you’ve learned. On the other hand, you shouldn’t get caught up in whether everything comes out grammatically correct.

The most important thing is to dare to speak.

I like the attitude of parents who understand the benefits of language learning. Many Finnish-speaking parents, for example, put their children in a Swedish language bath. Young people have a curiosity that gives them a great opportunity to learn new languages. We speak a mixture of Swedish, Czech and English at home, and now we are living an extremely fun time, when the soon-to-be two-year-old Leah-our daughter has started talking.

Because globalization is only accelerating, language skills are a huge competitive advantage in working life. That’s why it seems worrying to read that interest in languages ​​is wavering. Society’s attitudes and populist manifestos also leave their mark on our language climate.

I want to encourage everyone to learn at least two foreign languages ​​in addition to their mother tongue. Languages ​​build bridges. This is how we learn to better understand other countries and cultures, and it would be beneficial for all of us, and especially for certain political parties.

Finnish translation: Laura Jänisniemi