Braveheart

"Learn a Second Language"

Google Movie Synopsis:
Tells the story of the legendary thirteenth century Scottish hero named William Wallace (Mel Gibson). Wallace rallies the Scottish against the English monarch and Edward I (Peter Hanly) after he suffers a personal tragedy by English soldiers. Wallace gathers a group of amateur warriors that is stronger than any English army.

Scenario:          

Princess of Wales, Isabel (Sophie Marceau)  meets with William Wallace to discuss the Kings proposals.  The meeting is conducted in English, however,  when the Kings soldier, Hamilton thinks he is speaking secretly to the Princess in Latin, Wallace interrupts their conversation by responding in Latin—then French.  The Princess and staff are stunned and it becomes clear how much they have underestimated Wallace.

Selected Scene:

Princess Isabelle: I understand you have been recently been giving the rank of knight.
William Wallace: I have been given nothing, God makes men what they are.
Princess Isabelle: Did God make you the sacker of peaceful cities? The executioner of the king’s nephew, my husbands own cousin.
William Wallace: York was the staging point for every invasion of my country, and that royal cousin hanged innocent Scots even women and children from the city walls . . .oh, Longshanks did far worse the last time he took a scotish city
Hamilton: (Speaking in Latin): He is a bloody murdering Savage . . .and he’s telling lies.
William Wallace: (Speaking in Latin) I never lie, but I am a savage . . . (switching to speaking in French) or in French if you prefer?  You ask your King to his face, ask him, and you see if eyes can convince you of the truth.
Princess Isabelle: Hamilton, leave us
Hamilton: My Lady.
Princess Isabelle: Leave us, now!

Business Tip:

In today’s business environment, there is a variety of cultures that exist.  With the explosion of the U.S. Hispanic and Asian American population conversations other than English are being held more frequently.  It is not expected, however, employers are rewarding those who speak more than one language.

As in the case of the aforementioned scene from Braveheart, Princess Isabel (and her handmaiden, Nicolette) are surprised when Hamilton (The King’s soldier) talks down to Wallace, saying that he is a liar and savage in French—assuming Wallace doesn’t understand the language.  Wallace responds in French and immediately gains respect and admiration.  As in the 17^th century, speaking another language in today’s society is considered a sign of intelligence and educated individual.