Why do people learn new languages?-travel-knowledge-careers

In recent years, learning new languages has become a heated debate with supporters sustaining the idea that it is vital for our brain development and opponents claiming that it is very difficult and time consuming. In my opinion, picking up a completely new and different language than your own is essential for traveling, broadening our horizons and being successful in our chosen career.

Firstly, no matter where we go in the world, we’re bound to encounter people who do not speak the same language as ours. It is hard visiting another country, having little practical exposure to the language. Furthermore, everyday activities like going to the grocery store or making ourselves understood can be difficult because of language barriers.

Secondly, learning a new language is a knowledge-must. It is not only about learning how to speak like other people around the globe, but it is about expanding our personal horizons and becoming responsible citizens. By taking a foreign language such as Japanese, we learn about the history of Japan, its traditions, people, literature and places.

Thirdly, we should acknowledge the fact that we live in an era of globalization and more and more businesses work closely with companies from other countries. As an employer, one is looking for workers who can communicate in different languages, understand and interact with other cultures. Moreover, whatever the career may be, mastering a second language can give us a real advantage.

In contrast, language learning does get more difficult with age, and even by the age of 25, it is not as easy as it would have been at the age of 7. Still, most people can do it; those who can demonstrate a real inability to learn languages could have the requirement waived under the old rules, and this exemption could have been retained.

All in all, I would say that a basic knowledge of other languages is a reasonably small task to achieve and should be included in anybody’s preparations. After all, “language is the means of getting an idea from one’s brain into another one without surgery.