Okay, I have a confession to make: I am addicted to learning new languages. It first started while I was in middle school and I began learning Spanish. In high school, I fell in love with Arabic. This past summer I began teaching myself Portuguese. You could say that I have a problem, however, I believe that it's a good problem. Here are some reasons why you should learn a new language.
1. Bring on a new challenge
I don't care how "easy" a language is, every language is a challenge. Not only is it difficult, it's a commitment, it's not just an activity. It becomes a part of your life. It's not just half-hearted project, to completely embrace a language you have to go all in. Bring on the challenge!
2. A glimpse into a different world
I like to look at learning a new language as embarking on a new journey. It is so much more than learning new words. You learn the emotion behind some words and phrases. It opens the door into how people who use that language interact and how they express themselves. It's a introduction into their culture and how they live. It's amazing what you can learn about a group of people by "just learning a few words".
3. Travel
Learning a new language can be very beneficial while traveling and is probably the most important tool to have. It literally can make or break your trip. I went to Germany with a friend that spent a year in Germany in high school. I don't know where I would be without her leading the way. Seriously, I couldn't read the train schedule and there was a train strike that weekend. So yes, learning a new language is beneficial while traveling.
4. Work , Work , Work , Work, Work, Work
If you didn't sing Rihanna's song then you read it wrong. There are many jobs that are looking for future employees to be proficient in another language besides English. By having that extra language on your resume, it can set you apart from the rest. As many of us in college know, the workforce is scary and we need anything that can help.
5. Brings us together
Language has the power to bring us together in ways that we could only imagine. It can make strangers friends. I have spoke to many people who speak either Arabic or Spanish, and yes even my broken Portuguese and immediately became friends with them. I'm not saying that it will be this way in every case but it can be a stepping stone. I have also had people not like it when I speak to them in their native language and would rather speak to me in English. That's fine too, all you can do is try.
