Pretty clearly when we are all young, we are taught our native language. We are taught how to read, write, speak, and think in that language forcing it to become natural for us, and early on, we assume everyone else in the world knows how to communicate the same way. Naturally this isn’t the case. But as we grow up, we discover all different kinds of beautiful languages. There are so many reasons to learn another language, so I give to you six benefits to knowing one!
1. You automatically cure your affliction of monolingualism.
Not to worry, monolingualism isn’t a disease. For those who don’t know what that means, to be monolingual means that you only know how to speak one language. By learning a foreign language, you automatically become bilingual! Not only have you rid yourself of being monolingual, you just made yourself a little more interesting.
2. You can speak with someone else in an area without many people knowing what you two are talking about.
This was something that anyone I knew who spoke a second language would always tell me. You can have a conversation in front of other people without them having any clue what you’re saying. Perfect for when you want to share something with someone without having your parents overhear you, or if you want to pretend to be a foreigner in your own town.
3. You receive a better understanding of the culture.
When you learn a new language, you will undoubtedly learn about the country and culture of which you are speaking of. You begin to understand why someone of a specific culture may dress the way the do or act in a certain manner that seems completely strange to you.
4. You are presented with job opportunities.
I’ll never forget how my high school foreign language teacher would always push us to find ways to use our knowledge of a foreign language in our futures. There were several instances where she would be able to bring up a past student of hers and tell us about the incredible job they had in that foreign country, all because they spoke the language.
5. You make foreign friends.
When you learn another language, you can go visit the country that language originates from and can begin to make friends with native speakers. Not only do you meet new people because of your new skill, but they can help you to improve your abilities so that one day someone may think you are a native speaker.
6. You become a more well-rounded person overall.
You have expanded your knowledge and allowed yourself to become a little more integrated into a new culture. This allows you to be able to share stories and experiences with others, impress potential employers and people you already know, and make yourself feel more cultured.
I always found it interesting that in Europe it is pretty much required that in school you are taught to speak and understand a second language, and even a third or possibly fourth. Here in America, it is optional. While it is kind of nice to not be forced to learn a language you may not want to learn, it’s still a very, very good idea to consider. Do yourself a favor and think about learning a new language, you never know where it could take you in life.
