Why is it important to learn a foreign language?
In today’s modern society, it is more than “important” to learn a foreign language; is “SO VERY important.” Think about it. How many people do you know (or see every day) who can speak multiple languages? Even if it’s just a little bit, knowing a different language can bring you many benefits in life. Here are three main reasons why learning a foreign language is so important:
1. To improve your cognitive and analytical abilities
-Researchers have shown that knowledge of a foreign language increases creativity, problem solving, and conceptualization skills because the process of learning a foreign language involves a variety of cognitive skills. For example, on standardized tests (such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, and LSAT), people who have studied a second language score markedly higher than those who are monolingual.
2. To increase employment potential
-Many employers today are looking for more candidates who are multilingual. Especially in the business world, where exchanges in foreign countries are common daily practices, knowing a foreign language will allow you to get a job more quickly. Dr. Dan Davidson, president of the American Council on International Education, noted that “English language alone is probably enough if all we need to do is buy our products abroad, if we need to buy foreign goods and services. But when When it comes to selling a product abroad, you need to understand the psychology and belief structure of your customer.” Therefore, the first step to understanding other cultures is to SPEAK their languages.
3. To enhance your pleasures in life
Now here’s an obvious reason. Let’s say you are traveling abroad. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could understand what the menus in the restaurant refer to? Learning a foreign language will definitely enhance your travel expeditions and make your stay more feasible and fun. It will also allow you to make friends from different ethnic backgrounds and bring you closer to the friends you already have.
Now you may ask: “What foreign language should I learn?”
That is a very good question because with our business world today, there are two foreign languages that will be the most beneficial to you. First he is French; then comes Spanish.
“Why French or Spanish?”
French is the second most taught language in the world after English because these two are the only two languages that are considered global. The US Department of State released a recent list of international jobs on July 3, 2007 that noted more positions (125) that required or preferred French over other languages. Second on the list was Spanish with 31. With Spanish, it is the official language of more countries in the world than any other language. Look at instruction guides or item descriptions. I guarantee that Spanish is there.
“Will I really be able to learn a foreign language, like French and/or Spanish?”
Yeah! You can learn any foreign language if you put enough time and effort into it. If you don’t have time, learn in your FREE time. Instead of watching that soap opera or going to the bar, try sitting at home for half an hour and brushing up on your foreign language studies. I assure you that in about two or three months, you will have a pretty good command of your new language.
“Whats Next?”
After all your studies and as a reward for your effort, take a long vacation in the country of your language to test your skills (and also to sharpen them)! Go ahead, have fun! Then you’ll realize what fun you’ve been missing. After all, learning a new foreign language is really “VERY” important.