Programming Language vs Foreign Language

Why is this a trade off?

OK, if you have to choose then for me it's a foreign language over a programming language. One of the most satisfying things I've done is to learn French to the point where I'm fluent. Being able to communicate with other human beings is very satisfying... and although I think RoR rules it's just not as satisfying communicating with an API.

Programming languages are easy. Foreign languages are not easy.