From memorising endless rules with structures of tense that never made sense, to practising vocabulary while knowing very well that we would be forgetting it real soon, it was a fad we were willing to undertake just to achieve the highly coveted exam results.

A sane individual can hardly imagine learning another language through this horrendous method. However, being bi- or trilingual is not meant only for hobbyists or linguists. There are ample opportunities for someone who has the ability to communicate, not only using the international language of English, but also with a native tongue that is uniquely suited for certain purposes.

In light of such demands for learning languages outside English, we reached out to Huzaifa Rahman Hamza, a professional French teacher and the founder of Mon French, an online platform dedicated to teaching French.

As a self-taught ‘Frenchman’, his insights into grasping the intricacies of a foreign language should act as a significant help to all of us hungry enthusiasts.

Motivation
As a student of International Relations, it was only a matter of time before Huzaifa saw himself as a global citizen. “I realised that a global or regional language should be learned in order to connect with people, understand their narrative, and feel their thoughts.”

When asked why English was not enough for him, he replied graciously that knowing it made him “feel ordinary in communication”. For him, learning another language means getting closer to the natives. “And that point made me more curious to explore other languages and their opportunities.”

Another factor we might forget is that there are lucrative opportunities present outside the English-speaking world, mainly the USA, the UK, and Australia. Even the beloved destination of Canada has a significant minority that speaks French. Thus, if one wants to think outside the conventional box, language has to be the first priority.

“Most countries demand their language to be spoken by their citizens,” shared Huzaifa. Unlike our elite society, language is something not to be tampered with in other proud cultures. Talking to anyone living in Japan, Korea, or other European countries shows a level of national pride that is seldom present for Bangla in Bangladeshi elite society today.

“Language has power. Through learning French, I have understood the power of narratives in Europe and its politics. This beautiful language has also amazed me with its culture, art, and philosophy.”

Path towards fluency
“The goal is to communicate in a language rather than cramming the rules for passing a test.” This powerful quote uttered by Huzaifa clearly explains that the tradition of buying a grammar book of French will not be enough.

“There are multiple French-taught courses available where you can study without rush,” shares Huzaifa. As one steps into the journey of learning, perseverance and diligence are things not to be taken for granted.

AI platforms are also a significant boost for learners today. “When I started learning French, AI was not that smooth. If I were to start again, I would involve technology in it and create a balance between old books and current content.”

“Thirty minutes a day is far better than studying just before the exam. Consistency beats everything when it comes to learning a new thing,” Huzaifa added.

As the founder of Mon French, he always preaches the same philosophy of language learning. “If only English can help you come this far, just imagine the impact another language might have. The opportunity cost is unthinkable.”

Before parting ways, Huzaifa dropped another piece of wisdom: “English may help you talk, another language helps you connect. Bon courage!”