“Hello!” “¡Hola!” “Bonjour!”
“Hallo!” “Marhaba!”.....
Do some of the words
sound familiar? Well, these are some of the ways you may be greeted in
different parts of the world in different languages or what we term as ‘Foreign
Languages’.
Before really getting
into discussing why it is important to learn new languages, let us try to first
understand what is meant by language. What a silly question, is it not?
Language is of course what we speak and write. Almost correct - because it is
something much more than that. True that the technical definition explains it
as a set of conventional written, manual or vocal symbols which is used as a
means of communication between a particular group of people. It is the building
block of our civilization, helping us to make the transition from a savage
state till our present form. It allows us to express our thoughts and ideas in
a lucid manner to others and they are able to understand them. It is the
carrier of our history and culture. It is an integral part of our society and
helps us retain our identities in the global melee. So, you see why it is so
much a part of our existence.
Our lives, nowadays,
are connected with each other on a global scale, more than ever before. We are
travelling across borders with increasing frequency for work or study or
pleasure. We are interacting with people belonging to different ethnicities and
are being exposed to different cultures. Not only that, many of us have family
members who are natives of foreign land. Sometimes we ourselves need to talk to
somebody who speaks a different language. We try our best to adjust ourselves
to such circumstances but we do have a feeling of inadequacy when we fail to
follow a conversation or get our opinion across or unable to fully assimilate
ourselves with the local customs. Hence, the need for learning a foreign
language is becoming imperative.
Let’s take a look at some of the important
reasons to learn a foreign language:
1) It is a Gateway to a Whole New Career: Knowing multiple languages
will improve your career prospects tremendously. The world is currently in a state of flux with
change being the only constant. Companies are expanding their business across
borders and they would like to have people working with them who have a global
perspective on things. Knowing a foreign language will give you an edge over
your competitors. You must know people who fly in and out of countries on
business. Well, you could be one of them. Even local companies are now giving
preference to candidates who can speak at least one foreign language. That’s
not all. You can always use your knowledge of a different language to build
your own entrepreneurship. You can offer Translation or Transcription services
to clients from all over the world. You can even become a language teacher yourself
if you really put your heart into it.
2)
Understand Different Cultures and Make New Friends: Have
you ever been among a group of people in a different country who are laughing
at something and you just stand there waiting for someone to explain what is
happening. Makes you wish you knew their language so that you could enjoy
together. Or, maybe you are at café and you the servers chatting with the
customers. He comes to serve you and just gives a nod and a smile. You missed a
great opportunity to communicate and get to understand a new culture from up
close. Well, this is another reason to learn a foreign language. It will give
you an opportunity of to make new friends and understand their lives, their
food, their manners, their literature and their history. If you are planning to
relocate to a new country or you are a frequent traveler there, then knowing
the language of that place is crucial.
3)
Make the World a Better Place: Knowing a language
different will foster a feeling of friendliness between people across borders.
When we are able to understand the culture and the environment a person comes
from you will understand him or her so much better. A feeling of mutual trust
develops and this goes a long way in breaking barriers. It is a way out of the
narrowness of vision so dominating the society.
Just knowing someone else’s language goes a long way in building bridges
between people.
4)
Stay Connected: Knowing a foreign language will add a
lot to your personality and make you more interesting to know. Multilingualism
is appreciated by one and it helps you connect with more people. People would
want to talk to you and would want to know why you decided to learn a new
language. Your answer must just inspire them to take up the challenge too. You
would also find this skill extremely useful even if you are visiting a foreign
land as a tourist. Interacting with the locals will help you get the feel of
the place so much more than any guided tour or the internet.
5)
Be Smarter: Studies have shown again
and again that learning a new language improves memory, helps increase
attention span and slows down the age –related mental decline. In other words,
it actually makes you smarter! In the process of learning, you embark on a
journey of rediscovering yourself – identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
You realize that there is so much you can do to improve yourself. Learning a
foreign language is not merely about picking up a new tongue – it is also about
self discipline as it requires regular practice. Imagine how wonderful you will
feel when you will become fluent in the language you have chosen to learn. It
will be a great boost to your self confidence.
It is quite obvious
that there are a host of reasons for learning a Foreign Language. Yes, it will
be difficult and yes, it will take some effort. But what is life without a few
challenges, right? So, what are you waiting for? Visit our foreign Language
Page and get started with a language of your choice under the able guidance of
our highly qualified and experienced teachers.
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