It's true that you can get by in English traveling almost anywhere in the world today, but learning at least some of a local language changes your relationship with the local population. It shows respect and opens doors that would otherwise be shut.

Learning another language is important not just as a research tool or job skill but for the ways that it opens up the mind and forces students to think in different ways. Learning a language uses different parts of the mind than other subjects.

Speaking the local languages of places I study allows me not only to interact with people in a way that shows my respect for them but also to monitor translators. Learning the languages also opens a window into cultures.

I actually misremembered this - it’s 100 papers *a month*. Essentially total access unless you’re @sharonk.bsky.social