Reasons Why

Learn a foreign language to improve travel

Entering a non-English speaking country can be daunting. Especially when you have to make way on your own; without a guide or even a tour booked. Not many people in foreign speaking countries know how to communicate in English, or if they do, it’s only limited.

Knowing even just a little bit of the foreign language will help tremendously when travelling. How will you know what the menu says at a restaurant? How will you ask someone for directions or the time? Making reservations or giving the taxi an address will be that much simpler if you know your way around the common terms of the language.

Some Reasons to learn a foreign Language: Enhancing your employment opportunities

Business and trade is continually becoming more global. Many employers send staff overseas to conferences, negotiations or to undertake work for a client. Being bilingual may just set you apart from the other monolingual candidates. It also makes you harder to replace.

Many employers require someone with proficiency in a particular language due to the nature of the organisation. Some examples include teachers, salespersons, translators, social workers and nurses.

Learn a foreign language to prepare for overseas study

Lots of institutions offer exchange student programs; whether it be for a week, month or even a year. Usually, all they require is one semester up to a year of prior learning of the country’s language.

Studying overseas and immersing yourself in the lifestyle is the best way to grasp that society’s culture, dialect and slang. It is the easiest and most efficient way to become fluent. Not only will you meet new friends, you will open doors to some great opportunities.

Feel included in cultures who speak your chosen language

Being able to understand newspapers, magazines, television shows and even lyrics in another language gives you special insight into their culture. Experiencing this media first hand allows you to associate with their society, understand their ways and become part of it.

Some reasons to learn a foreign language: Acquiring another one becomes easier

The learning processes required become much easier to grasp once already mastered. Becoming proficient in a language involves identifying the sentence structure, grammar models, vocabulary and other essential concepts. Knowing how to approach and work your way around these aspects makes it easier the next time round.

Ability to watch and understand foreign films without having to read annoying subtitles

Some reasons to learn a foreign language are purely for pleasure. Many great movies are produced in another language such as French, Spanish, Czech and Italian. Even with subtitles, your ability to appreciate the movie is somewhat diminished.

You may be missing out on important or funny aspects of the movie which get lost in translation. And of course, having to read subtitles distracts you from watching the movie properly. Some don’t even have subtitles.

Learn a foreign language to communicate with relatives

Many people migrate to another country, leaving relatives such as grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins behind. If they procreate in the new country, those children won’t be able to understand or have any connection with their extended family.

Some parents pass on their home language, especially if it’s the primary language spoken at home. Others need to learn themselves if they wish to have contact with their relatives. Without doing so, a close bond with their family becomes impossible.

Learning a foreign language helps improve improve knowledge and understanding of your own

Research has shown that knowing another language improves certain abilities and linguistic skill in general. Students are able to use English in a more effective and sophisticated way. It improves vocabulary skills, literacy, listening skills, memory and understanding of English.

Other reasons to learn a foreign language include:

• Sharpen cognitive skills
• For fun, interest, hobby
• Make new friends
• Impress others
• Increased chance of being accepted into college.