It is widely known that speaking foreign languages is
a key element to function in 21st century. Many authorities,
teachers, coaches and parents highlight the importance of that skill. But why?
Why should we care? Is it really so important?
Nowadays, we are bombard by foreign cultures. On the
radio we can hear English or American songs, we can go to the cinema to see
next Quentin Tarantino’s movie or Ellen DeGeneres’ show. Even at school,
children are forced to read Shakespeare, or Goethe’s texts. Additionally, more
and more people cultivate customs from different countries, such as Halloween
or Valentine’s Day. Consequently, learning foreign languages equals learning
about different cultures and it makes us more tolerant, open minded and, what
is the most important, broadens our horizons.
We live in a world where everything is possible.
Without any problems we can move to Spain, visit castles in Scotland or admire
the landscapes of Norwegian countryside. Being a part of European Union makes
world more open, and gives us opportunity to explore other countries. However,
the key element to be able to benefit from that circumstance is being able to
communicate. As Wittgenstein said, “the borders of my language are the borders
of my world”.
Interestingly, in the world when the emigration is so
popular phenomenon, it could be fascinating to investigate your roots. Maybe
your family came from Eastern Europe, or Far East. Put succinctly, you can
learn more about your family history and events which shaped your life; the
findings may motivate you to learn your family’s mother tongue.
We cannot forget that speaking foreign languages
increases the chances to get a better job. More and more companies cooperate
with brands from all over the world. Undoubtedly, it is crucial to understand
and being understood by your co-workers.
To sum up, learning languages bring endless benefits
not only in your private life but also in professional area. Everyone should
remember that the hard work and self-development is always worth trying.
Do you think it is possible to function without speaking
English nowadays?
Why did you start learning a foreign language?
Bibliography
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Comments
At the end of my comment I want to add that knowing English is necessary to learn programming because all documentation and most of newset books are in English.
I started learning foreign language in school. I develeped my enlish the most when I started reading comics and some articles. Becasue I was translating, at first, most of the words or phrases/idioms, then I started to write in English (some comments/discussions) and now I thnk it is quite nice :) Of course - it may be better and I'll do my best :)
In my opinion learning a new language has a lots of benefits, for example:
1. Your memory improves,
2. You become more perceptive,
3. You stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia,
4. It open ups a World of Job Opportunities,
5. You become smarter.
In my case, I consider the last point as the most important one. Speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognise, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems. This skill boosts your ability to negotiate meaning in other problem-solving tasks as well.
I think that nowadays it's possible to function without foreign languages, but then people have more limits and are less self-confident. They for example don't feel so comfortable on the vacations in foreign country.
Personally I speak English and Spanish on very basic level. I have started learning English, because everyone was studying it, and my parents signed me up for additional course. Like I said in one of my comments - I love Spain, I mean the entire culture, customs, living style and of course language - it sound awesome for me and that;s why I intended to start studying it.
The most wonderful feeling is when you realize that you could think in other language, that’s there’s no need to translate everything, word by word, because every language has other “personality” and sound, thus you’re supposed to use it differently.
To sum up, there's no life nowadays without foreign languages. It’s a real shame not to know English or any other language. Such knowledge not only makes our life so much easier, but what’s the most important broadens our minds and makes us more intelligent.
On the other hand, I believe it's extremely important to learn langauges. I completely agree with Damian's points. It improves memory and opens the world. What's more, it opens different possibilities (e.g. new jobs).
Finally, I believe people learning languages smarter that's why I think it's not sufficient to know only one foreign language.
Despite the fact that I simply don't like to learn languages, I consider it necessary. I believe everybody should do it. Not only students who would like to have broad perspectives, but also people who are in some way "settled down". It really helps in many thinks and fortunatelly everybody knows it - it's the first step in a whole "scientific-march".
Knowledge of English is mandatory today. You can't travel, work in international companies, or even browse Internet without it.
Sometimes you can start learning a language just out of curiosity like I did with Japanese 2 years ago. Picking up some basic knowledge in such exotic language was an interesting experience. What's more I learned a lot about Japanese culture, due to it's heavy influence on the way their language is structured now.
I also learned japanese because it's so different from any other language (latin based).
When it comes to english importance, I think you could get away with not knowing it if you know like german or french.
I started learning English because we had it in the school. After that I understood that I really like this language and want to continue the learning.
For now, I'm actively learning Polish and really enjoy it. I have a superb inspiration when I start to understand songs in the foreign language. After that, I want to go on and on in the learning.
From the other hand, it's always better to know more languages than native and one foreign. There is one huge advantage of learning new language. The Czech proverb does say, "Learn a new language and get a new soul.". I highly recommend article on Thepsychologytoaday.com "Learn a new language and get a new soul." about if it Could be that bilinguals who speak two (or more) languages change their personality when they change language?
In my opinion you cannot be successful in life in means of business without knowledge of English language or one foreign language like German or French.
It is a pity that the idea with Esperanto had failed. But we have English instead. When I will have kids they will have to learn it like the second mother language.
Studies have shown that learning languages is beneficial for our brains. And if you know some other language, especially English, there are so many more things for you to find out, for example articles on the Internet, or books that are not translated in Polish etc.
I started learning English in elementary school and I am still learning something new every day.
Of course, we could potentially discuss how English is not crucial for many people and jobs, but I do think that lack of it heavily affects life in every single aspect right now, and it's super important even if somebody doesn't consider it so.
Other languages are not so crucial, although understanding Chinese or Spanish for sure can help, not as much though. In my opinion, speaking English is more important than speaking any other language, including your native one. It doesn't have to be perfect speech, but it has to be decent enough so you feel good using it without wondering what to say each 3 or 4 words.