REASONS FOR LEARNING LANGUAGES

10 good reasons why you should be learning a foreign language

It's true that English has become a global lingua franca over the past several decades;
this fact, however, really should have little effect on your decision to learn a foreign
language. The attitude that English alone is enough, in fact, creates self-imposed
limitations. To remain monolingual is to stunt your educational development, to restrict
your communication and thinking abilities, and to deny yourself the ability to fully
appreciate and understand the world in which you live. Learning another language
opens up new opportunities and gives you perspectives that you might never have
encountered otherwise. Personal, professional, social, and economic considerations all
point to the advantages of learning foreign languages. Still not convinced? Here are 10
very good reasons why you should be learning a foreign language:

1. To increase global understanding

Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and
context of that other culture. Without the ability to communicate and understand a
culture on its own terms, true access to that culture is barred. Why is this important?
In a world where nations and peoples are ever more dependent upon on another to
supply goods and services, solve political disputes, and ensure international security,
understanding other cultures is paramount.

2. To improve employment potential

If businesses are to effectively compete in a global economy, they must learn to deal
with other cultures on their own terms. Companies that plan to do business abroad
therefore have a dire need for bilingual or multilingual employees. Businesses that
intend to compete internationally need employees who can competently
communicate in the locales where they do business. Employees who speak one
language can communicate only with people who speak that same language.
Business is not the only area of employment where language competencies are
needed, however. Multiple government agencies, the travel industry, engineering,
communications, the field of education, international law, economics, public policy,
publishing, advertising, entertainment, scientific research, and an broad array of
service sectors all have needs for people with foreign language skills.

3. To increase native language ability

Research shows that knowledge of other languages boosts students' understanding
of languages in general and enables students to use their native language more
effectively. This applies to specific language skills as well as overall linguistic
abilities. Foreign language learners have stronger vocabulary skills in English, a
better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general.

Because learning a language involves a variety of learning skills, studying a foreign

language can enhance one's ability to learn and function in several other areas.
Children who have studied a language at the elementary level score higher on tests
in reading, language arts, and math. People who have learned foreign languages
show greater cognitive development in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity,

and higher order thinking skills, such as problem-solving, conceptualizing, and

reasoning.

5. To improve chances of entry into college or graduate school

Today, most colleges and universities require a minimum of two years of high school
foreign language instruction for admission. And once enrolled in an undergraduate
program, students are likely to find that their college or university prescribes foreign
language courses as requirement for the degree. The majority of universities rightly
consider knowledge of a foreign language and culture part of what every educated
person should know. Many majors in the arts and humanities, in natural sciences and
behavioral and social sciences, and in professional fields, also require the study of
one or more languages to ensure success in the given field.

6. To appreciate international literature, music, and film

7. To make travel more feasible and enjoyable

Though it's possible to travel to foreign countries without speaking the native
language, your experience will be largely shaped by your ability or inability to see
beyond the surface of the culture. When you lack the ability to communicate in the
native language, you can not fully participate in day-to-day life, understand the
culture, or communicate with the people. The language barrier can be anywhere
from frustrating to downright dangerous. When you know the language, you have
the comfort of being able to successfully navigate all sorts of situations, like order
meals in restaurants, ask for and understand directions, find accommodations and
perhaps negotiate cheaper prices, and meet and talk with natives, to name only a
few. In most countries, people will appreciate attempts to use their language. You
will be able to communicate more completely and have a deeper, more satisfying
travel experience.

8. To expand study abroad options

Because relatively few Americans are competent in foreign languages, competition
for study abroad programs in English-speaking countries is sometimes intense.
Unfortunately, students often shy away from studying in countries where English is
not the native language for all the wrong reasons. They mistakenly believe that their
grades will suffer, that their language proficiency isn't adequate, or that they won't
be
able
to
fit
in
or
understand
the
culture.
Simply your willingness to learn a language can make you an apt candidate for
many study abroad programs. Some foreign programs require no prior language
experience and offer an intensive immersion experience prior to the selected

program of study. Other programs require only a few semesters of prior language
instruction. Whatever program you choose, continued language study while in the
foreign country is typical. The benefit is that students can leave the language
classroom and immediately put into practice what they have learned in class.
Because students can focus on their language development while learning about the
culture, their daily experiences and courses complement one another, leading to
comparable or even better grades than at the home institution, where students often
take a myriad of courses that have little or no connection.

9. To increase understanding of oneself and one's own

culture

10. To make lifelong friends

"The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway." - Henry
Boye, author
Knowing other languages effectively increases the number of people on the globe
with whom you can communicate. And people who speak other languages fully
appreciate the effort and desire learners expend to get to know their culture and to
communicate with them. Whether through meeting foreign exchange students on
your campus or local immigrants in your community, whether getting to know
natives or international students while studying abroad, or whether establishing a
connection with a pen pal in another country, your ability to speak other languages
and your interest in other cultures can connect you deeply with people around the
globe.

Anyone who has told you that learning another language is impractical,
unrewarding, or simply a waste of your precious time is doing you a great
disservice. Take advantage and enhance your life ... learn a language!