Learn Foreign Language
Why Should I Learn A Foreign Language? by Kathy Steinemann
More and more software programs, electronic devices, and websites devoted to foreign Languages are being developed daily. Why all the excitement? Why would YOU want to Learn A Foreign Language?
Job Advancement – Get the Competitive Edge
Many large corporations and government agencies have positions requiring a Second Language. In a country like Canada, which is officially bilingual, someone who knows both French and English will have better employment prospects.
Travel
Travel to a foreign country can be exciting – and also very exasperating if you can’t understand the local speech. Many North Americans are somewhat egocentric in this regard, expecting to find English spoken no matter where they are. Although this is sometimes true in larger cities, don’t expect to find English-speakers in small communities.
Relatives
The world is a melting pot of cultures and languages. You probably have living relatives in other countries with whom you could communicate more effectively if you took the effort to learn at least a few words.
Genealogy Research
Some of your ancestors probably spoke a different language. If you plan to search old genealogical records, you will be more successful with at least a basic understanding of your ancestors’ language(s).
Understanding Your Own Language
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, ‘Wer fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, weiß nichts von seiner eigenen.’ or ‘Those who don’t know foreign languages know nothing of their own.’ Learning A Foreign Language will give you a much better understanding of English. Your knowledge of English Grammar, Vocabulary, verb tenses, and sentence construction will improve when you tackle another language.
Self-Actualization and Challenge
If you’ve already been everywhere and done everything – perhaps it’s time to tackle something new. What could be more challenging and rewarding than immersing yourself in another language?
Opera, Poetry, and Prose Appreciation
Artistic works written in a different language often cannot be fully appreciated when translated into English. This is especially obvious when listening to poetry. If poetry is translated into English with a preserved rhyming scheme, the meaning of the poetry is almost always altered. Being able to listen to the original language – with its subtle tones and nuances – will lend to a greater appreciation of the artist.
Culture Appreciation
One can only truly comprehend a foreign culture if the language is also understood. Exactly what is ‘Bratwurst’ or ‘Calvados’? And what about foreign films? Wouldn’t you like to be able to watch something with subtitles – and skip reading them?
Invigorate the Brain
Adults benefit from the brain stimulation produced by language training. Seniors who tackle a foreign language show improved brain function over a period of time. Students who learn foreign languages as children score better on academic tests. There is also evidence to suggest that they may be more creative and resourceful when faced with solving complex tasks.
Learning Teaches You How to Learn
The self discipline and study habits acquired through successful acquisition of a foreign language can be applied to many other aspects of your life.
Studying Abroad
What better way to learn about a country’s culture than to study there? This requires an excellent command of the local language.
Communicate With Someone Secretly in Public
Imagine chatting in public with a friend about something private, knowing that only your friend understands!
Make Online Penpals and Friends
The internet is transforming our world into an intimate global village where you can chat via e-mail, forums, live chat sessions, and audio/video feeds.
Impress a Date?
In closing – male or female – you will make points with your bilingual date by learning a few important words. If your date doesn’t Speak a foreign language, he or she will be impressed by the enchanting allure of intimate expressions in one of the ‘romance’ languages.
So – what are you waiting for? Get learning!
About the Author
Kathy Steinemann is a webmaster who writes for:
* A-Language-Guide
Top 5 Ways To Learn Foreign Languages For Free Online [Language Online French]
|
|
BBC Muzzy Spanish Early Advantage Set Language Course for Children $240.00 Double case includes: Two (2) video cassettes in foreign language, two (2) video cassettes in english, two (2) audio cassettes in foreign language, a multilingual video script book, parent’s instructional guide, mulitilingual interactive CD-Rom, plus bonus video cassette Vocabulary Builder with instructional guide…. |
|
|
We Sign Babies & Toddlers: Learn Over 200 Words [VHS] $12.75 … |
|
|
Learning Chinese for Business [VHS] $11.99 Written and hosted by Dr. Jan Walls, Director of the David Lam Centre for International Communication at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, “Learning Chinese for Business” guides students through a series of typical, everyday business and social situations. Students are taught standard greetings and introductions, simple conversation for business meetings, how to … |
|
|
Tai Chi Master $2.80 TAI CHI MASTER – DVD Movie… |
|
|
Dunstan Baby Language — Learn the universal language of newborn babies $23.95 As announced in an exclusive interview on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Australian mother Priscilla Dunstan has the world talking with the discovery of the secret language of babies. This breakthrough in infant care is the result of one mother’s intuition that began nearly a decade of investigation and international research. The Dunstan Baby Language DVD teaches parents the 5 cries all newborns use to … |
|
|
Plaza Sesamo: Me Gusta Ser Yo $3.96 Me Gusta Ser Yo ? I Like Being Me Nuevos episodios creados con base en la imagen y reputaci oacute;n de Sesame Street un lugar confiable y alegre donde los ni ntilde;os preescolares aprenden cosas b aacute;sicas. Me Gusta Ser Yo lleva a los ni ntilde;os en un recorrido por algunas partes del cuerpo?los ojos la nariz las orejas. iexcl;Que divertido Lola hace su debut en las actividades con los ni n… |
|
|
Japanese English USB Wired Black Computer Keyboard (Black Background with White Letters or Characters) – SimplyPlugo Bilingual Keyboard $26.00 This Keyboard provides superior comfort without forcing you to relearn how to type; it also maintains the key locations in the standard layout so you don’t have to relearn how to type. The keyboard features an attractive design, a dependable construction that makes this board a great value, and keys that have a light, responsive feel, a standard size that uses less space than split keyboards, The … |
|
|
Berlitz French Premier (Win/Mac) $9.99 Now you can learn French the easy way with the straightforward software that’s been helping people learn foreign languages for more than a decade. Berlitz French Premier is fast, easy and effective. Guaranteed! With this unique, time-proven learning system, we’ve provided three powerful options to learn French…. |
|
|
Ectaco NTL iTravl MMC Memory Card for English Spanish Bidirectional Electronic Dictionary & Phrasebook $69.95 Add new languages to your handheld device with this MMC card! The card stores the full contents of ECTACO NTL iTravl Talking Electronic Dictionary and Audio PhraseBook. You need to have one of It features both state-of-the-art speech recognition and highly advanced voice capabilities powered by the latest TTS (Text-to-Speech) technology. It even goes so far as to include crystal-clear native-speak… |
|
|
Rosetta Stone Spanish (Latin America) Level 1-5 Set $499.00 Develop your command of the language. From the simple to the complex, gain the confidence to share your ideas and opinions in your new language. Develop the conversational skills to plan adventures, care for your health and move abroad. Talk about government, work, movies, family, and more. Includes everything you need to learn at home and on the go. What Will I Learn This level will help y… |