Language is more than a series of words. Language is a powerful tool for creating dialogue between diverse communities and an invaluable cornerstone of peacebuilding. As the human rights champion and Noble Peace Prize recipient, Nelson Mandela, summed it up, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”
In today’s world, amid new and ongoing conflicts, political leaders and diplomats worldwide face heightened scrutiny. In such a landscape, multilingualism has become more crucial than ever – not just for fostering cross-cultural understanding but as an essential skill for effective communication, negotiation, and peacebuilding in the international arena.
Given the United States’ role on the global stage, one might assume its leaders would lean toward multilingualism. Yet, out of 46 US presidents, only 20 (43%) have spoken a second language.
Meanwhile, some of the most well-known leaders of English-speaking countries – the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand – are monolingual. But, for example, Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand Prime Minister, wishes she had learned Maori and has promised to raise her daughter speaking the indigenous language.
Some (In)famous Monolingual World Leaders
1. Anthony Albanese (Australia): English
2. Javier Milei (Argentina): Spanish
3. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (Brazil): Brazilian Portuguese
4. Xi Jinping (China): Mandarin
5. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (Egypt): Arabic
6. Christopher Luxon (New Zealand): English
7. Keir Starmer (UK): English
8. Joe Biden (USA): English
9. Donald Trump (USA): English
Multilingual world leaders are of course not without fault, but let’s take a look at some leaders whose linguistic skills have impacted their roles.
Some Famous Multilingual World Leaders
1. Nelson Mandela (South Africa): English and Afrikaans, also understood several African languages, fostering unity in post-apartheid South Africa.
2. Kofi Annan (Ghana, Former UN Secretary-General): English, French, and several African languages, known for his peacekeeping efforts.
3. Angela Merkel (Germany): German, English, and Russian, used her language skills to engage in diplomacy across Europe and beyond.
4. Ban Ki-moon (South Korea, Former UN Secretary-General): Korean and English, with knowledge of French, aiding his global diplomatic initiatives.
5. Queen Máxima (Netherlands): Spanish, Dutch, English, with French, enhancing her role in international engagements.
6. Cyril Ramaphosa (South Africa): English, Afrikaans, and several South African languages (including Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Ndebele, Isizulu, Setswana, Sepedi, and IsiXhosa). This linguistic diversity has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity, enabling him to address different communities directly and address concerns with greater cultural sensitivity.
Studies have shown that learning a foreign language directly correlates to the learner’s ability to empathize with and enhance understanding of the speakers of that language and subsequently, their culture. Multilingualism serves as more than a skill; it is a bridge to better understanding and fosters cross-cultural connection to the benefit of everyone involved.
Imagine the impact if more world leaders were required to be culturally and linguistically competent in a foreign language – and to leverage their multilingual skills for peace, diplomacy, and collaboration across borders.
At NaTakallam, language doesn’t stop at syntax. Whatever languages you speak – or are eager to learn – embrace the role of language in opening doors to new cultures, building empathy, and fostering intercultural competencies.
With NaTakallam’s experienced language partners, you’re not just learning to speak – you’re delving into the cultural nuances and contexts that define meaningful communication. Each session highlights the importance of language as a tool for understanding, reinforcing how multilingualism can build connections, prevent misunderstandings, and promote peace. This immersive experience empowers you to not only communicate but also appreciate the subtleties that can shape the difference between merely talking and truly connecting across languages, embodying the spirit of multilingualism as a catalyst for dialogue and peacebuilding.
Yalla, vamos, on y va! What are you waiting for? Choose from Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian, Spanish, Ukrainian or Russian… and learn a language, the NaTakallam way!
