Many people around the world only know how to speak one language. This is useful to communicating to the locals of your area, but what happens if you are in a situation where a person doesn’t know your language. It may be difficult to communicate with them. There are definitely benefits to learning another language.
Traveling
If you are traveling, or going on a vacation, to a certain region, you may want to learn the language of the locals. This may particularly necessary if you are permanently moving to the area. Many people believe that they will be able to handle another country by knowing just English. They are mistaken. You should at least know the language basics of the country you are going to visit. If you can’t speak their language you may want to stick to just major tourist areas where people are more likely to speak English.
Having advanced knowledge of a certain countries language is great because it adds a whole new interesting spin on your travel. Being able to read menus, signs, and have conversations with the local people adds depth to a regular vacation.
It will also help you learn the culture of that county or area. You can watch movies, read books, and listen to music of certain languages. Being culturally diverse is a beautiful thing.
Family/Friends
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where some of your family or a friend speaks another language. Learning their language can help you understand and communicate better with them. One of my friends from college speaks Spanish all the time, and sometimes I wish I did to understand what she’s saying.
Other times knowing another language can be more of a secret code between you and your friends. That means you will be able to talk in public without the fear of anyone listening in on you.
Work
A job is probably the biggest reason why people learn a new language. If you are in a business you may want to learn a new language to talk to foreigners. Most people nowadays speak English, but being able to speak their native language will most likely increase your chance of securing a contract or make a sale. Many people don’t believe they need to learn the language because they think a translator will do. However, this can prove to put you at a disadvantage because the interpreter may be slow and the locals may be able to discuss things you won’t be able to catch. Even after the meeting the locals will most likely socialize in their own language, leaving you out.
Some jobs look for people who know another language before they hire. Being bilingual will definitely give you the edge when applying for a job, getting a promotion, or going on a business trip.
Study
If you are interested in a particular subject you may find that some of the works are published in a foreign language. Knowing that language will allow you to take the material and communicate it to other people that may not know the language.
Studying abroad is a great reason why you should learn a second language. Studying abroad is when you go to a foreign school and study there for a while. Most likely, if you are going to study abroad for a school, they will prepare you before you leave. This is a great experience, and everyone that I have talked to loves doing it. In fact, one of my friends from high school is in Taiwan, and now is fluent in Mandarin.
Maybe you are just looking for a way to challenge yourself, but knowing more than one language definitely has its benefits. If you are interested in learning a new language find out more information by clicking any of the links below.
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I love being able to talk to my friends in a different language. It is kind of like a code for us to use because not many people around us can understand :p
http://facebook.com/developyourlife it’s also on the right side of the site.
I know 4 languages and I can talk to tons of different people.
I believe that everyone should know at least two languages.
I studied abroad! It was so much fun. I went to France, and had to learn the French language. Thank God I was able to learn it quickly so I could read their signs and speak to some of the locals. Beautiful country by the way, and I recommend anyone to study abroad. It’s a great experience that will open your mind.
I often go on business meetings out of country so it is important for me to know a couple languages. By now I can learn them pretty fast if I need too. I’ve always wanted to know how to speak Chinese though. =)
I love this article about learning a new language. It really makes you think about how awesome learning a new language really would be.