Lofty Ambitions
In an era brimming with accessible information and ambitions soaring to excessive heights, even in education, many have lost sight of the true purpose behind learning anything. This discussion addresses the topic of language learning and its intended goals.
I recall the excitement I felt when I first heard the term “Polyglots” and learned about their exceptional abilities to acquire languages in a remarkably short time.
Soon after, I fell into the trap of unrealistic promises: How to learn a language in six months? In three months? In one month? In a week? Some even claim to have mastered a language in a single day—24 hours!
These claims often overlook two critical points:
-
Their background in the target language: For example, someone with prior knowledge of Latin or Italian would find learning Spanish significantly easier. Similarly, the shared linguistic features between Arabic and Urdu make the process less daunting for someone familiar with either language compared to a complete beginner.
-
The purpose behind learning the language: What level are they aiming for? Is it merely to engage in casual conversations? Or to win fast-learning competitions? Or is it for more profound goals such as reading literature, studying religion and politics, translation, or academic research?
As Arabs, for instance, we may find it challenging to fully grasp pre-Islamic poetry or works by Al-Jahiz or Ibn Khaldun, despite sharing the same language. Achieving such depth of understanding demands years of study and effort.
Intentions
As Muslims, we have the distinct advantage of intentions and seeking divine reward, which can bless our efforts or render them void. With the right intention, we may even earn rewards for the ultimate goal we pursue through language learning, even if death prevents us from completing it.
Thus, it’s vital to be honest with yourself from the outset about your intentions. Reflect on your true motivation and keep questioning “Why?” until you arrive at a final answer. If the motivation—God forbid—is malicious, it won’t be blessed.
Even if the goal is noble, the means might not be pleasing to Allah. Relying on impermissible methods like watching certain shows or engaging in prohibited interactions sacrifices blessings. You might master the language but find no barakah (divine blessings) in its use.
Daydreams as Indicators
When you imagine yourself mastering a language, take note of the scenarios that come to mind. These daydreams can provide crucial insights into your true motivations.
Reflect on the imagined scenario:
- Do you see yourself boasting to others?
- Are you trying to prove something to someone specific?
- Do you envision yourself teaching in a school or university, impressing an audience with your multilingual prowess?
- Are you debating someone who attacks your religion, defending it eloquently?
- Or perhaps translating foreign sciences into Arabic for the benefit of your community?
Be honest with yourself and ask: “Is this the motivation I genuinely want? Is it worth the effort?”
Sustaining and Developing Your Language Skills
Always remember that your time and energy are finite, and the pace of life is relentless. Languages, unless they are your native tongue or you live among its speakers, require consistent practice to maintain. Without it, all your efforts may fade away.
I once watched a video of a polyglot who reached burnout from their linguistic pursuits. They expressed frustration and exhaustion from the pressure to maintain their acquired languages. Questions like “Why am I doing all this?” began to surface. Some invest heavily in learning many languages without deriving any real benefit. Focus on what is truly beneficial, and ask Allah for beneficial knowledge.
Motivation to Persevere
Life is a trial, and learning isn’t always enjoyable or entertaining. During tough times, you might need to push through hardship to keep learning. Can you do that if your purpose for learning a language is trivial?
I’ve seen YouTube videos of people in Gaza 🇵🇸 who, despite enduring immense suffering, continue to seek knowledge and learn languages with resilience granted by Allah. (May Allah lift the affliction from Gaza 🇵🇸, Sudan 🇸🇩, and Lebanon 🇱🇧.)
The equation for perseverance: Seeking Allah’s help + Sincere intentions + A noble goal + Serious effort = Continuity and divine success.
Most of us, if not all, know the story of Zaid ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and his command to learn the language of the Jews.
Questions That Might Help Define Your Language-Learning Goals
- Have you first considered improving your native language—Arabic—for a deeper understanding of Allah’s words?
- Why do I want to learn this specific language?
- Is it for entertainment or leisure?
- To train my brain? To challenge myself?
- To broaden my knowledge and explore new cultures?
- For academic or literary purposes?
- To overcome an inferiority complex and show off? (Bonjour vs. Bonjoug 😆)
- Am I learning it for something impermissible? (Be honest with yourself.)
- For a specific job? Translation, for example?
- For travel, tourism, or migration?
- For da’wah (Islamic propagation)? How will I use the language for that?
- Do I have a clear picture of how I’ll integrate this language into my daily life or work after mastering it?
- What will keep me motivated to continue learning through life’s challenges?
- How will I handle loss of motivation or frustration during the journey?
- Am I learning the language as a genuine opportunity to improve my life? Or am I merely imitating others?
- Do I have realistic expectations about the time and effort needed to master the language?
- If I fail to master the language, how will I cope? What’s the alternative plan? Is my goal worth another attempt?