Whether at a fancy restaurant ordering dishes like Poulet à la bretonne using the proper pronunciation, or traveling abroad and talking with the locals in their native tongue, learning a foreign language is an invaluable skill that every individual should develop at some point in their life. There are so many reasons to learn a foreign language, and here are just a few:
Be a global citizen
“A different language is a different vision of life.” – Federico Fellini, Italian film director. In recent years, there has been more and more research studying how cultural differences manifest themselves and how recognition of these cultural differences can change an individual’s worldview. Learning a foreign language and immersing one’s self in an entirely new culture is the surest way to become an open-minded, understanding individual. We are all cultural beings, products of our own environments, and upon recognizing that our own cultures serve as the cornerstone for our own attitudes and behaviors, we can then recognize the unique opportunities that another culture would provide. Seeing the world from a different perspective, and understanding where you and others come from, is a fantastic, eye-opening experience.
Increase Employability
We live in an increasingly globalized world and corporations are constantly expanding overseas and dealing with clients from all over the globe. Between two candidates with the exact same skill set and experience, the person who is bilingual is arguably much more likely to get the job. The Economist points outs that while, according to one optimistic estimate, half the world’s people might speak English by 2050, “that still leaves billions who will not, and billions of others who remain happier (and more willing to spend money) in their own language,”. Studies also show that knowledge of a foreign language brings economic benefits. Even a 2% annual “salary premium” will accumulate upon retirement. Speaking a foreign language also gives the eager traveler more opportunities to travel abroad for business. An employer will be more likely so send someone who would be more familiar with the language than someone who does not know the language at all.
Sharpen cognitive skills
There are numerous little-known benefits from speaking a foreign language. One of these is improved cognitive ability. Speaking another language improves memory and decision-making, prevents Alzheimer’s and Dementia, and has even shown to help recovery in cases of Traumatic Brain Injuries.
Study abroad
Of course, speaking a foreign language isn’t always a requirement in studying abroad, but it definitely makes things much easier. Travel is so much more than posting photos on Facebook or Instagram or hanging out with friends in another country. Learning a foreign language, even as little as a handful of phrases, will make your travel experiences so much better, and I speak from experience when I say this. Not only will the knowledge of the local's language result in warm smiles and invitations for drinks, it might bring you opportunities that you’d never thought could befall you. Best of all, it will enrich your life by offering you a deeper understanding of the culture and history of the people you’ll encounter.
Meet new people and develop life-long friendships
Meeting new and interesting people as well as developing life-long friendships are objectives well worth aspiring for, and learning another language is a sure way to expedite that process. Plus, learning a language is fun!
