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Learn a Foreign Language As an Engineer?

Posted by ScuttleMonkey on from the math-is-the-universal-language dept.

Ben B writes "I'm working on an undergraduate degree in computer engineering in the US, and I'm a native English-speaking citizen. In fact, English is the only language that I know. Maybe it's not the same at other schools, but for the engineering program at mine, a foreign language is not required. If my plans are to one day be involved in research, is it worth my time to learn a foreign language? If so, which one?" Learning something new is almost never a waste of time, but how much energy have others found worthwhile to expend with all of the programming/math/tech type courses to be had at a large university?

4 of 1,021 comments (clear)

  1. Suggestions... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Klingon.

    1. Re:Suggestions... by SQLGuru · · Score: 5, Funny

      Learn Norwegian......Norwegian hot chicks
      Learn Portugese......Brazillian hot chicks
      Learn Swiss..........Swedish hot chicks
      Learn Japanese.......Cosplay...errr Japanese hot chicks
      Learn Khoisan........because noone else will (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khoisan_languages)

      Layne

  2. Qu'vatlh ghuy'cha' jay'! by bluefoxlucid · · Score: 5, Funny

    Hab SoSlI' Quch!

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  3. Questioned Answered by Archangel+Michael · · Score: 5, Funny

    is it worth my time to learn a foreign language? If so, which one?

    Girlspeak.

    I'm currently living with four (4) girls (three daughters, wife) all of which are able to speak in riddles and conundrums that they themselves understand, while leaving me completely at a loss of any valuable information.

    Interestingly enough, this Girlspeak language transcends cultural boundaries! It is simply amazing how two girls can communicate without actually knowing the native tongue of the other.

    The fact is, I've spent half a lifetime trying to understand girlspeak without much progress.

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    Agent K: A *person* is smart. People are dumb, stupid, panicky animals, and you know it.