The world is such that individuals will always have reasons to oppose, to fight, either as individuals or at a country level, therefore from a very local conflict to the dimensions of a war between two countries or more. 

Many studies have been written confirming that the lack of knowledge about others was yet a door opened to antagonism, fear, ill-thoughts, leading most of the time to suspicion

Or even hatred for no apparent reason, simply because this person did not resemble us and for the reason that he / she is a stranger. 

The examples are numerous: we can blame a person, a neighbour or a community simply because the medias have reported facts that lead us to having a bad feeling, a bad reaction. We can become suspicious and even reach a point when we will hate that person or community, accusing them of all evil even though they themselves are not involved in said event but will undergo the subject “ordeal” just because of their origin, for example.. 

That said, we realize that all those who worked for peace in the broader sense (eg, neighborhood relations, relations with an other community or a country) have a superior knowledge based on an amplification of their own knowledge and culture: they had invested in learning a language, for example, reading about the origins of a community, understanding their customs, learning more and overall have taken the lead to their neighbour, this group of people, this community to talk to them and in doing so, help put aside every hint of potential antagonism. 

Language is the first vector of understanding: looking at a culture is a good basis but you will be required to talk to express yourself if you want to convey a friendly message. Friendly gestures can help in your approach but will not be of real help in the end, unless the person facing you speaks your language ! 

Therefore, the study of language is vital, assuming you have an interest in approaching someone who belongs to an other etnicity. When we do not speak the language, we are spectators. If we do, we become actors: we can communicate with others, learn about their cultures, allowing for a better and closer understanding of each other. 

There are many examples of people who, through the study of another language, helped soften local conflicts. It is like pulling down a wall and suddenly the world becomes better. The stranger who was facing you might become your friend in the end. 

One can also look at specific cultures relevant to educational research, for example pygmies in New Guinea. Some explorers were able to approach them because they spoke their language and were interested in their culture. 

Conversely, if the language barrier still exists and if others’ cultures are of no interest to you, it is almost always certain that you will be sticking to your position, that is to say remain put behind that wall that no one will put down, unless this stranger walks the first step onto you