How To Determine if Learning a Foreign Language Is Right for You

Many native English speakers do not feel a need to learn a foreign language. After all, most countries have a growing percentage of people who speak or understand English, right?

That view may be a bit narrow-minded. In some ways, the world is moving towards the concept of a global village with one language. However, many cultures and religions embrace their language roots. In our lifetimes, at least, it is unlikely that we will see a global community with a common language.

If you are trying to decide whether a foreign language program is right for you, consider the following incentives:

1. Advance in your career. Many companies will pay higher wages to employees with two or more languages. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to deal more effectively with overseas branches. When the company is searching for someone to send to Paris, will they select an English-only employee, or someone who can speak French as well?
2. Feel more confident when you travel. Do you ever travel to foreign countries? Imagine how self-assured you will be if you can speak to shopkeepers and food servers in their native languages.
3. Build a stronger bond with relatives. The world is a giant cauldron of mixed races. Almost everyone has family members who speak a foreign language. If you become familiar with the language of your heritage, you will be able to bond with faraway relations and open up a treasure trove of information about your roots.
4. Genealogical research will be easier. Knowing the important keywords used in genealogy will assist you when trying to track down information. Even a limited knowledge of written terms like 'born,' 'date of birth,' 'married,' 'divorced,' 'died,' etc. will be indispensable for your research.
5. You will speak better English as a result. Learning the vocabulary and grammar of a foreign language actually reinforces and augments the knowledge you have about English. You will begin to notice mistakes that you have been making. You will discover that words come more quickly as the language center of your brain becomes more efficient.
6. Learning a foreign language is a challenge. Do you like to look for solutions to problems? Do you feel invigorated when you find the answers? You will get an emotional charge out of every new word or concept you grasp.
7. A new world of artistic understanding will open. Opera, prose, and poetry do not always translate well to English. Subtle nuances of meaning and tone are lost. Experiencing the classics in their original languages will illuminate your understanding and appreciation.
8. Stem the effects of brain aging. Learning a foreign language is better than crossword puzzles for keeping the brain sharp. The thrill of accomplishment is also revitalizing. This creates a positive feedback loop. Successful experiences cause smiles and mitigate the effects of stress. This exhibits as a more youthful appearance and demeanor.
9. Strengthen your 'learning muscles.'  The lessons about self-discipline and study techniques will overflow into other areas of your life.
10. Make new friends. The opportunities to study abroad jump dramatically. You will be able to communicate with new acquaintances online via chat rooms, e-mail and video feeds.

These are just some of the 'pros' for learning a foreign language. So far, I have not discovered any 'cons.'  If this article has helped you to make a decision either way, it has achieved its purpose.