Foreign Language Learning

“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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italki is a global language learning website that connects students and teachers for online language lessons. So what are you waiting for? Become fluent in any language Choose from over 10,000 teachers from various countries and become fluent in any language for 1-on-1 lessons based on your personal interests and career goals.

I am giving you $10 to learn a language on italki. The amount will be credited to your italki wallet once you book your first lesson. Click on this link to avail this offer: https://classic.italki.com/i/Cac0cC

Want to become an italki teacher?

With over 5 million students learning more than 130 languages, italki opens the door for everyone to earn money by simply teaching one's native language as either a professional tutor or a community tutor. Watch this video to know the process of becoming an italki teacher. I have explained all the stages of the application process.

Written by Kusumika

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