At the beginning of the 21st century where computer and other high-tech media reign supreme, it is always advantageous to be able to speak English. A native English speaker, without putting any effort, has a definite lead among non-English speaking people. Those who have learned English as a second language are also blessed with opportunities that non-English speakers are not presented with.
English is the main language that is used for international media, cinema, music, politics, science and technology. Any civilized country should have at least a little knowledge of the so-called Universal Language.
Factors that Drive Language Learners to Strive
For those who are learning the English language, the obvious reason for studying the language is to take part in the opportunities that this great language can offer. A little English is good enough to be able to connect to the world. Yet another advantage is the intellectual edge that any person has when he learns a major language.
There are many reasons for those who are striving to learn a language other than English. Some of the learners look upon a new language as tackling a great obstacle or challenge. Others want to learn out of intellectual curiosity. Those who are curious with other languages are given pleasure when they finally learn how to understand and eventually speak a certain language. Learning a new language also paves the way appreciation of cultural concepts and ideas that are not found in a person’s native tongue.
Diversity can be a great divider but it can also become a stimulus when a person looks at it as a chance to learn the major differences and revel in it. Learning the language of a foreign country could make a learner realize the beauty in variety.
Geography can also be a stimulating factor to learning new languages. Countries or areas that speak a single language such as Brazil, China, Japan, USA, and majority of Latin America often do not find any necessity for learning a second language. But for countries in Asia and Europe, language learning becomes more of an urgent requirement. Non-English speaking countries need to learn English because of its major use in trade and other relations.
Sometimes, necessity would dictate that a person should learn a new language. Someone who has been hired by a company and has to go to a country that speaks differently should exert an effort in learning the new language. Some people who work in contact centers also have a need for learning a new tongue. Majority of contact centers now turn to Asian countries for their manpower (due to lower cost of labor). These companies see the necessity to train their new foreign employees with the English language. The language training would give them the tools to talk to native speakers.
Frequent travelers and tourists need to learn at least the language basics of the country that they are going to visit. For instance, a frequent traveler to Europe would do well to learn a little of German, French, and British English slang. This is also true for businessmen who need to transact with foreigners.
There are many reasons why a person should learn a second language. One thing is definitely sure when a new language is learned-the learner would have a greater appreciation for different cultures and variety in general.