Serious question, you guys.

I saw this post (pictured above) on the cultural appropriation tag. I cannot find the original post for my life, so forgive me for not giving proper credit. Is there a way to interpret the first part of the post that has nothing to do with cultural appropriation?! Am I over thinking this? I see their edit- and don’t understand how they weren’t claiming learning another language is appropriation.

Second part to this question:

I get cultural appropriation in usual contexts, but is learning a language truly considered appropriation? I am sincerely confused. When I learn languages, I’m not attempting to claim any culture as my own other than my own. I simply have a love for languages and linguistics as a whole. Still, am I appropriating when I learn another language? Am I taking something from someone else’s culture?

I believe language is our most powerful tool. I believe that every person should be fluent in many languages because it opens so many doors in communication. Learning a language breaks down so many barriers, in my mind. It bothers me deeply that this is seen as appropriative. Is it really appropriation?

I’m not trying to spark a debate and I will be pretty sad if I get hate from this. I am not trying to hurt anyone. I’m just confused. I’d appreciate any opinions.

Help?