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9 Reasons You Should Study A Foreign Language

"The more languages you know, the more you are human." – Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

Natalie Jane

Sep 11, 2018

Kansas State University

Pexels

Contemplating finally tackling a new language? What's stopping you?

As somebody going on their tenth year of studying a foreign language, I can say this, there are no disadvantages to learning a second language, only advantages. One of these advantages being, it will undoubtedly change your entire life. If you still need a little more convincing, check out these nine reasons you should add "study a foreign language" to your to-do list this year.

1. It improves your English.

You may not believe me, but yes, learning a new language can actually improve your English skills. As a student of Spanish, I have learned more about grammar rules, specifically conjugation (how many people can say they actually know what that means in English?), through the process of picking up a second language.

2. Travel destinations are limitless.

If you're a free spirit at heart and plan to travel internationally in the future, it's not a bad idea to learn a new language. Not only will you feel more comfortable in a foreign country, but the travel opportunities become endless.

3. It creates more job opportunities!

One of the most practical reasons to learn a second language? Money. The acquirement of a second language is incredibly marketable in today's world, opening many doors for those that are bilingual, including pay raises.

4. It's a great way to meet new people.

One of the best ways to meet new people is through learning a second language. Not only can you meet more people with your knowledge of new languages, but the people you meet along your journey of studying language quickly become friends that share a very unique and specific experience with yourself.

5. Not only do you learn the language, but you learn about the culture.

Many times when committing to learn a second language you think about learning new words and how to speak to other people using those words. What many of us don't realize is the culture that comes with learning a language. Not only will you pick up the language, but you will become aware of the cultural aspects that accompany the language.

6. It opens the door to an entire new world of popculture.

As a music lover myself, one of the most exciting parts of studying Spanish was realizing the entire world of music I had yet to discover. Once you begin to understand the language better, you can immerse yourself in a new world of pop culture including movies, music, and books!

7. Language will never be a barrier.

Once you finally learn a second language, the language barrier will never again be an excuse to not do what you want to do!

8. Your worldview will change.

You will learn the language. You will learn about yourself. And your worldview WILL change. It happens.

9. Bragging rights.

After conquering that second language, there's nothing better than those well deserved bragging rights.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

9 Reasons You Should Study A Foreign Language

"The more languages you know, the more you are human." – Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk

1. It improves your English.

2. Travel destinations are limitless.

3. It creates more job opportunities!

4. It's a great way to meet new people.

5. Not only do you learn the language, but you learn about the culture.

6. It opens the door to an entire new world of popculture.

7. Language will never be a barrier.

8. Your worldview will change.

9. Bragging rights.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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