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The study of a foreign language helps us to understand and appreciate
other cultures as well as providing insight into our own. Today,
as travel becomes easier, countries are more and more dependent on one
another, the ability to deal with people from different cultural and
linguistic backgrounds is becoming an essential skill. Knowing
a foreign language will help you:
Improve your command of English.
Learning a foreign language will sharpen your skills in English. You
will build your English vocabulary, since many of our words come from foreign
languages, and you will also develop a greater awareness of English grammar.
Develop your critical thinking skills.
Learning a second language increases your problem-solving skills
at the same time that it improves your memory and your self-discipline. Studies
have shown that the ability to think in two languages also heightens your creativity.
Increase your educational opportunities.
Knowing a foreign language will enable you to take advantage of significant
educational opportunities, such as spending a summer or a semester abroad.
Prepare you for graduate school.
- Students who have studied foreign languages score better on entrance exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, & LSAT.
- Foreign language is an important research tool in many disciplines, and reading
knowledge of a foreign language is usually required for completion of a doctorate.
Increase your career opportunities and salary potential.
- Hundreds of foreign companies have US subsidiaries, while many US-owned
companies in the Tristate area routinely do business with clients abroad. Knowledge
of foreign languages helps a business person to communicate with those customers. Also,
in other countries, many business deals are made away from the office, in
a social setting where all parties feel comfortable. The ability to
converse in another language about food, family, education, or politics is
an excellent way to establish that level of comfort.
- Many Americans speak languages other than English, and many people from
non English-speaking countries visit the US each year. People who work
in health care, social work, law enforcement, government, the military, tourism,
education, and communications increase their chances for success if they
speak more than one language.
- Professionals who know a second language may be asked to travel and exchange
information with people abroad. Architects and engineers from the US
often work on projects overseas. Scientists read research articles
in foreign journals and participate in international conferences. Musicians
sing in many languages and tour in foreign countries.
Open your door to literature and the arts.
- Most of the classic works of literature are written in languages other
than English. A literary reading of works in their original
languages reveals new insights into famous texts.
- Knowing a foreign language can enhance your appreciation of art, music,
dance, fashion, cuisine, and cinema. Here in the U.S. you
can discover foreign restaurants, films, paintings, and music
from around the world.
If you would like to read some studies on the benefits of learning a foreign language, you might want to check out this ACTFL link: What the research shows. |
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