Why learning foreign languages is so important?

In our current world, learning a second, third or several foreign languages takes a lot of time, willingness, and dedication. As they say: “ to each his own” each one of us has a special reason that ties him toward a special language.
     Whether it is educational reason, or a cultural attractiveness or something else, if you have not found yours yet,  these reasons below may convince you to take the first step, if such conviction is required.
  

Some reasons are realistic, the others are inspirational, some rational or sentimental. Whatever your reasons are, having an obvious idea in your mind of why you are learning a new language can significantly boost your motivation and your progress in the studies. 

  

Be fluent at work
  

If your daily activities at work involve frequent contact with foreigners, being capable to communicate with them in their own languages will definitely help you to finish your tasks easily. It will also help you make good sales, negotiate and secure contracts. Knowledge of several languages increases your chances of finding a new job if you don’t have one, getting a promotion quickly or a transfer abroad, or going on compensated foreign business trips.

Here is an important note: lots of English-speaking business people don't bother themselves to learn other languages, since they think that most of the people they deal with in overseas nations can speak English, and even if they can’t, interpreters can be used. Thus English speakers are put at a disadvantage as they lack foreign language knowledge. In meetings, for instance, the people you are dealing with can discuss things amongst themselves in their private language without telling anything in English and without the English speakers understanding, plus using interpreters slows everything down. 

 

If you think of emigration
 

Whenever you go to a new nation or region, learning the local language is a crucial element that helps you understand, communicate and integrate within the local community, thus you are not considered by these locals as a “complete foreigner” who can’t understand a single word. Even if these locals speak your language. Learning their language will demonstrate your curiosity and commitment to the new country, which may facilitate your residential procedures, especially if you think to stay for a while there. 
 

For your academic career
 

Learning foreign languages is a big deal when it comes to the academic career; firstly it gives you full access to a wide range of information about your subject and allows you to communicate with other students and researchers from different countries. Also, you can add these new learnt languages to your CV, which enriches it and opens new work doors for you in the future. Besides that, if you have plans to study at a foreign university, college or school, it would so helpful to have a good knowledge of the local language, even if the course you will study is taught with your native language. 

  

Position yourself as a family member
  

If your work partner, relatives, in-laws, or friends speak a different language that represents for you a mystery for so long, learning that language will help you communicate with them easily, and they will start consider you as a true family member. It will also give you a better consideration of their culture and way of thinking. 

  

Enjoy traveling the world
  

If you speak English as a native and you think that wherever you go on holiday you can get by speaking English, so there is no interest in learning any new languages. Think again! You are missing a lot of joy, because you are forced to stick to popular tourist guide and hotels, where you can typically find someone who speaks English. Thus your venture is limited.  However, if you want to live truly the experience and to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read menus, signs etc, and the first thing, to know the local language.

An essential ability in a foreign language is always appreciable and helps you to 'get by', to order food and drink, buy tickets, find your way around, and so on. If you have more superior knowledge of this language, you can enjoy real conversations with the locals you meet, which can be very appealing and will add a new perspective to your holiday. Additionally, you can make new friendships, find your soulmate or establish useful business contacts.

  

Be tricky
  

I enjoy this one so much; if your relatives, friends or colleagues speak a language that few people understand, it knowledge must be a priority for you, you can talk freely in public with them without fear of anyone eavesdropping, and you can easily keep any written material secret. Remember that speakers of Native American languages as Navajo served as radio operators to keep communications secret during both World Wars.