David LinckIn today modern society, it is more than just “important” to learn a foreign language; it is “SO VERY important.” Think about it. How many people do you know (or see everyday) who can speak multiple languages? Even if just a little, 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 capabilities
-Researchers have shown that knowledge of a foreign language increases your creativity, problem solving, and conceptualizing skills because the process of learning a foreign language involves a variety of cognitive skills. For example, in standardized tests (such as SATs, ACTs, GREs, MCATs, and LSATs), people who have studied a second language have noticeably higher scores compared to those who are monolingual.
2. To increase employment potential
-Many employers nowadays are looking for more applicants who are multilingual. Especially in the business world, where trades in foreign countries are common everyday practices, knowing a foreign language will land you more quickly with a job. Dr. Dan Davidson, President of the American Council on International Education, noted that the “English language alone is probably sufficient if all we need to do is buy our products abroad, if we need to purchase foreign goods and services. But when it comes to selling a product abroad, you have to understand the psychology and the belief structure of your client.” Thus, the first step to understanding other cultures is to SPEAK their languages.
3. To enhance your enjoyments in life
-Now here is an obvious reason. Lets say that you are traveling abroad. Would it not be awesome if you could understand what the menus in the restaurant are referring to? Learning a foreign language will definitely enhance your traveling expeditions and will make your stay more feasible and fun. It will also allow you to make friends from different ethnical backgrounds and will bring you closer to the friends that 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 is French; then comes Spanish.
“Why French or Spanish?”
French is the second most frequently taught language in the world after English because these two are the only two languages considered to be global. The US State Department released a recent listing of international jobs on July 3, 2007 that noted more positions (125) requiring or preferring French than another other languages. Second on the listing was Spanish with 31. With Spanish, it is the official language of more countries in the world than any other languages. Look at any instruction guides or item’s descriptions. I guarantee that Spanish is on there.
“Will I really be able to learn a foreign language, such as French and/or Spanish?”
Yes! You can learn any foreign language if you devote enough time and effort into it. If you do not have the time, then learn it on your FREE time. Instead of watching that soap opera or going to the bar, try sitting at home for half and hour and going over your foreign language studies. I assure you that in about two to three months worth of time, you will have a pretty good handle of your new language.
“What’s next?”
After all your studies and as a reward for your effort, take a long vacation to the country of your language to test out your skills (and to sharpen them as well)! Go ahead and enjoy yourself! You will then realize how much fun you have been missing out. Learning a new foreign language is really “SO VERY” important after all.
