It is unimaginable why someone would develop a fear of foreign languages. The last century has brought changes to how we see ourselves and others. Developments in transportation and foreign relations have allowed different races to mingle with one another. The United States is a good example; over the past hundred years, it has welcomed people from different countries to participate in the American dream.
A Smaller World
The Internet, at the same time, has allowed people to experience and communicate to people at the other side of the world. It has also been a window to cultures we never imagined.
Unfortunately, there are some people who will be unable to experience this. It is because they dread hearing somebody talk in a language other than their own. In our shrinking world, if they do not let of go of their fear, it may affect how they live their life. You may be not know it, but you maybe part of this group.
Xenoglossophobia
Xenoglossophobia, as it is otherwise known, may have stemmed from an experience involving a foreigner or somebody speaking a language you cannot understand. You could have heard the person talking while you are being mugged, abused, bullied, or assaulted.
As traumatic the situations are, you start reliving the fear again when you hear foreign languages. Sometimes you even forget about the incidents but still carry the alarming anxiety over other languages. Symptoms will include increasing rate of heartbeat, dryness of lips and mouth, sweating, and even nausea.
Treating the Fear
If the condition is not treated, there will be a point that you will start isolating yourself. Treating the fear would not even involve medication unless the panic attacks have become too frequent. It would be best to involve the process called desensitization. The process basically subjects you to varying degrees of your fear until you do not feel scared of it anymore.
Another way is applying a controlled form of hypnosis. This is especially effective when you do not know why you have the fear. It will allow you to inspect your memories for any event that will help in bringing closure. Once you know why, it is easier to remove the fear.
