Top 10 Reasons to learn a Foreign Language, by Shelley Hopkins

Top ten reasons to learn a foreign language

1               My number one and favorite reason is that you can make new friends, and communicate with them in their own language.  Your circle of potential friends grows immensely.  More friends!

2               My other favorite benefit is you now have access to more books, articles, music and movies, and are able to enjoy them in the original tongue.  Even if you don’t understand perfectly, more of the meaning and culture comes through.   More books!

3               You can learn different expressions and ways of saying things that may not be easily expressed in your own language.  Sometimes one language has ideas that just don’t translate directly.  More ideas!

4               Travel is always better when you can actually communicate in the language of the country.  You can immerse yourself in the people and culture.  More places!

5               Learning a language improves thought and brain function.  Studies have shown that language learning aids memory and pushes back dementia and Alzheimer’s.  More memories!

6               When you have worked hard to learn another language, and struggled to express yourself without all the words necessary, you have compassion and understanding for others in the same position.  More understanding!

7               In learning another language you learn and appreciate new cultures.  Your world grows.  More world!

8               People that speak more than one language are at an advantage in job interviews.  Many companies need bilingual employees.  More jobs!

9               Your first language is improved with the involved study of the second.  You understand grammar and structure better, and develop an ear for listening.  More!

10           More words!  What a benefit to simply have more words, more ideas and more ability to express yourself.  Vamos a estudiar!  Vamos a hablar! A ligean ar Staidéar.  A ligean ar labhairt.  Let’s study!  Let’s talk!

I know Spanish, and the second language I wish to learn is Irish.  I had to cut and paste the Irish above, as I only know a few phrases in that language right now.  Hopefully that will change, and hopefully I will keep studying.  It is easy to give up on language learning, especially when we worry about speaking perfectly or fear making mistakes.  I make mistakes every time I speak or write, but usually I can communicate, and every time I try I learn.  So will you!