The Importance of Language to Inter-cultural Understanding: Sir Jeremy Blackham KCB (E 57-61) - Bradfield for Life

As one of his initiatives to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of language learning amongst Bradfield pupils Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Jo Hanbury invited Sir Jeremy Blackham KCB (E 57-61) to speak to pupils for the MFL Minerva Lecture.

Having studied Classics at school, Sir Jeremy joined the Navy in 1961 rising through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Equipment Capability) before leaving in 2002 to become UK Country President of Airbus, followed by independent consultancy in the defence sector. A frequent speaker at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) and Kings College London, he has also been Editor of the Naval Review for the last 20 years.

In a wide-ranging talk, Sir Jeremy shared his enthusiasm and the joy that speaking a foreign language can bring while also reflecting on why, in today’s world, understanding each other’s languages matters so much. He began his talk with some riddle-like questions;

Why are there five different languages spoken in Spain?

Why is German widely spoken in the Trentino in Italy?

Why is Welsh spoken in Patagonia?

He explained that language is a key part of understanding how our world has developed and talked about the impact history has had on language and what language can tell us about history. Describing language as ‘a curious beast’, he asked us to consider starting from Dunkirk and walking east to Vladivostok, demonstrating how everyone can speak to their next-door neighbour and that language shifts slowly and subtly and oral language is often different from the standard languages we learn at school.

Sir Jeremy also explored what is special about language, the ability to form and express abstract ideas, philosophy, subtlety and aspiration. Without words we cannot form complex thoughts in a transferable way or communicate them to others or indeed to ourselves. He also spoke in depth about the art and subtlety of translation, the danger of simplifying language and the repressive impact that can have on ideas.

LANGUAGE IS A PRE-REQUISITE FOR ALL THAT MAKES CIVILISATION; ART, SCIENCE AND MATHS, WITHOUT LANGUAGE WE CANNOT LEARN

Suggesting that our range of thought depends on the richness of the available language, he said that it was no accident that Greek was the first language to develop serious philosophy because of its sophistication, extensive vocabulary and ability to indicate precise shades of meaning by the inflections of its words.

A RICH AND VARIED LANGUAGE, FREELY USED, IS A MAJOR GUARD AGAINST REPRESSIVE GOVERNMENT

Sir Jeremy warned that the world is at a difficult and arguably dangerous point in its history, with differences of opinion in politics and a tendency to take very narrow national positions. The key to understanding problems and working towards their resolution is always knowledge, communication, mutual respect and understanding, without these history shows us that there is no peace.

He understands that whilst learning the hundreds of languages of the world is not realistic, it is possible to learn the basics and at the very least to improve one’s understanding of the business and social customs of other nations to avoid offence. He impressed upon us the immense value of immersing oneself in the culture and language by living and working in the country where that language is spoken.

ALL THAT I HAVE SEEN IN MY PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIFE HAS PERSUADED ME OF THE VITAL NEED FOR SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING OF OTHER VIEWS AND CULTURES, THE FIRST STEP OF WHICH IS TO LEARN OTHER LANGUAGES AND TO LIVE, SO TO SPEAK, INSIDE THE OTHER WAYS OF LIFE.

Read linked article ‘Inspiring Linguistic and Cultural Curiosity‘ by Jo Hanbury, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

We are always on the look out for speakers to inspire current Bradfieldians with insights into their careers or life adventures. If you are interested in speaking to pupils do contact the Bradfield Society on bradfieldsociety@bradfieldcollege.org.uk

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