During his opening speech at the open house for UF's Center for European Studies, former Sen. Bob Graham stressed the importance of learning a second language.
The event, held on Friday, was called "The World in Words: Learn a Language."
According to recent language surveys, he said most Americans fit into three categories when it comes to appreciating other languages.
He said 33 percent of Americans don't care to learn other languages, 60 percent are satisfied being spectators and 7 percent are "gladiators."
"Who's the gladiator here today?" Graham asked the audience.
Raising his voice, he repeated, "Who's a gladiator?"
He was answered with hoots and applause.
"Gladiators of the world unite," he said. "There is victory there for us."
Graham said too often Americans assume since English is spoken around the world, they shouldn't have to know other languages.
"It's not just the ability to one-on-one communicate," Graham said. "It's the opportunity to understand the culture."
A deeper knowledge of other countries' languages and cultures would significantly improve America's foreign relations, he said.
"If you can't speak the language, you can't start the process of engagement with the rest of the world," Graham said.
Because of language and cultural gaps, he said the American government has made mistakes with grave consequences, citing the rejection of the League of Nations and misunderstandings that led to the Iraq war.
"The linguistic inability of the United States has cost a price," Graham said.
He's not the only one who feels that way.
"Yeah, man, I think it's definitely a good idea to have an understanding of other cultures," said Misty Ray, a UF sociology junior who attended the event. "That's what America is all about."
Yasuo Uotate, a lecturer in UF's language department who was giving five-minute Japanese lessons at the event, said people should try to expand their cultural perspectives.
"It's becoming more of a borderless world," Uotate said.
Graham said he had some of his own ideas about how people could rapidly learn a new language.
"If you parachuted naked into a country that speaks another language, you're gonna learn to speak it pretty fast, or it's gonna be a cold time for you," he said with a laugh.
