There are never enough hours in the day to do all the things you need to accomplish, let alone do all the things you actually want to do. Learning another language is often one of those items on your to-do list that tends to sit there until everything else gets done. Here are seven reasons why you should study a foreign language.
- Learn about different cultures.
Languages are influenced heavily by their cultures and vice versa. Learning a foreign language will open many opportunities to learn about the different cultures associated with that language – from the cultures that speak the language to the cultures that influenced it!
- Communicate better.
Communication is an important skill to have and can always be improved upon. Learning another language can help you communicate better by challenging the way you think about speech. From grammar and syntax to different cultural values, speaking multiple languages will help you find more ways to effectively communicate.
- Become more open-minded.
Learning a new language will help you understand the world around you. This occurs when you explore new information about languages, cultures, and different groups of people, both locally and globally. As your understanding grows, so will your mind.
- Boost creativity.
People who speak more than one language tend to be more creative . This happens because you start to think about things in different ways as you begin to see the world through different points of view.
- Become more appreciative of art, music, fashion, and more.
Learning about cultures can make you more appreciative of all forms of art. From certain artists who made an impact culturally, to specific time periods that defined fashion trends for decades, and even understanding different types of music, learning a language can influence your artistic perceptions.
- Travel becomes easier.
Gone are the days of hoping someone in the area speaks English. Speaking the local language while traveling makes your trip much easier than having to rely on a translator. Think of all the places you can go!
- Increased job opportunities.
There are many jobs that prefer, or even require, experience speaking foreign languages. Having experience in a language can help you secure a career in any of the following areas:
- advertising
- architecture
- business
- communication
- economics
- education
- engineering
- government service
- information services
- journalism
- law enforcement
- legal professions
- marketing
- media and entertainment
- medicine and healthcare
- politics
- public relations
- science
- social services
- social work
- technology
- telecommunications
- trade
- translation services
- travel and tourism
The Department of Modern Languages and Classics offers courses in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Arabic, Classical Cultures, and Language Teaching. Take a language course today!