I think English is super cool, and I’ve always enjoyed learning about how to use it, and how to use it right.
Strict Adherence
Now, that doesn’t mean I strictly adhere to the rules (even if I do know them), because sometimes my main goal is not strict grammatical adherence, but a casual or conversational tone, or something different altogether. I also firmly believe that any set of words that can effectively communicate an idea from one person to another, does its job well enough, and taking time to correct people on minor mistakes is neither worth it nor friendly. It comes off as the unique result of combining higher-than-the-other-guy grammar knowledge with lower-than-average social awareness.
Now, sometimes it is appropriate to correct people on their grammar or sentence mechanics. Proper and strict grammar does still have a place in the world. Academia, lexicography, healthcare, and more are all areas where I believe it reasonable to expect comprehensive knowledge of the rules of the written language and strict adherence thereof, in large part because those jobs all deal directly with communicating complex ideas efficiently and concisely to listeners of a predictable knowledge level.
Creative License
I frequently hold that the best way to learn how to use something is to learn how to break it the right way. This is certainly true for the English language. I make up words. I put phonemes together with no intended meaning just to see what happens. Knowing about suffixes and prefixes and parts of speech enables me to mutilate them individually and together to create new monsterous creations for this world, the best of which come out when the other party can deduce my intended meaning (possibly with some thought) without further explanation from me, based on how the word was structured and used. Context is a magical thing.
I am all for breaking the rules of English to achieve a specific sound, get across a specific message, or ensure that emphasis is placed exactly where you want it, whether in speech or writing.
Non-Spoken Language
Language is just as important when there are no words involved at all. Language via smiling, slouching, and scowling is just as much a method of communication as writing love notes and chanting protest cries. Showing up late, bringing an extra pen, and staying after to help clean up all convey their own message just as clearly as a nasty voicemail or a Snickers commercial.
As a Tool
Language is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal. Having awareness of how to use it can be an excellent asset, even if you never use it in all the ways you know you can. For example, many people can think about how a conversation might go down before it happens by juxtaposing our experiences with what we know about the person(s) with whom we will be conversing. The power of language is one of the reasons I make a choice not to swear.
Foreign Languages
As written and spoken languages go, I indisputably have the best understanding of English. I have native (and advanced within that group) proficiency and I have an interest in constantly learning more. That said, I took up to Spanish III Honors in High School, so I know a thing or two, but no mucho mas. I would love to know all kinds of languages, but I don’t love the experience of learning a new language. At the top of my list next would likely be American Sign.
Foreign Alphabets
As for alphabets, I have limited interest in sets other than the latin alphabet we all know and love and the Arabic number set. I can do Roman numerals pretty solidly, but would not be interested in learning another alphabet in connection with a non-English language. I would, and have, learned and created alternative alphabets that work Plug-and-Play style with the English language, including Morse Code, IMSF (once upon a time), and a few alphabets of my own creation that I use(d) to write secret notes.