Why learning a new language?

Speak, Speak, Speak... 

 

"Why learning a new language?" Having asked my friends and myself this question I found that learning a new language was part of our life's routine. Even when the answers did not come, or just were simply "because I wanted to" or "I need to", there is not doubt, as human been we have need of communication which is  big enough to spend hours, days, months and even years learning the new language.

Learning a foreign language is more than just a boost to your CV or handy for traveling. It will make you smarter, more decisive and even better at English, says Anne Merritt.

Some of the reason could be:

-Studying abroad
If you plan to study at a foreign university, college or school, you'll need a good knowledge of the local language, unless the course you want to study is taught through the medium of your L1. Your institution will probably provide preparatory courses to improve your language skills and continuing support throughout your main course.
  
-Required course
You may be required to study a particular language at school, college or university.

-Getting in touch with your roots
If your family spoke a particular language in the past you might want to learn it and possibly teach it to your children. It could also be useful if you are research your family tree and some of the documents you find are written in a language foreign to you.

-Revitalizing or reviving your language
If you speak an endangered language, or your parents or grandparents do/did, learning that language and passing it on to your children could help to revitalize or revive it.

-Culture
Maybe you're interested in the literature, poetry, films, TV programs, music or some other aspect of the culture of people who speak a particular language and want to learn their language in order to gain a better understanding of their culture.

According  to St.University some of the reasons might be:

• helps you to expand your view of the world.
• encourages critical reflection on the relation between language and culture, language and thought.
• expands your opportunities for meaningful leisure activities (such as travel, viewing foreign language films, watching foreign TV programs).
• develops your intellect (encouraging good learning habits, memorization, combining course content and skills in a meaningful way).
• improves knowledge of the native language (through comparison and contrast with the foreign language).
• exposes you to modes of thought and viewpoints that are available only in the foreign language and its culture.
• helps to build practical skills that may be used in other disciplines.
• fosters your understanding of the interrelation between language and human nature.
• teaches and encourages respect for other ethnic groups.
• contributes to the development of your personality.
• contributes to the achievement of national goals, such as economic development or national security.

And so forth, this list could go for ever; so why not learning a new language?




L1: First language
CV: Curriculum vitae 


References :
http://www.omniglot.com/language/why.htm
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationopinion/10126883/Why-learn-a-foreign-language-Benefits-of-bilingualism.html
http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/schools-and-colleges/st-johns-college-liberal-arts-and-sciences/languages-and-literature/why-learn-foreign-language
http://thenextweb.com/lifehacks/2015/03/21/money-dream-jobs-a-better-brain-why-everyone-should-learn-a-second-language/