THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Learning a new language can be a highly enjoyable experience. Not only does learning a new language teach you about another culture, it can enhance students' job prospects and knowledge of their native language.

  Languages are beautiful. Language is what makes us human. It is the medium we use to share our thoughts with the world. Could you imagine thought without language? Great language also has a wonderful musical quality. Learning a new language is like learning a new way to think and a new way to sing. Don’t sell yourself short by stubbornly ignoring every language but one. I know this might not make sense at first but hear me out. As a person who speaks only one language you have no basis for comparison; all you know is Greek. In different languages the same idea is often expressed in different ways. Knowing another language gives you a great measuring stick. It will help you better understand tenses, prepositions, and all the other parts of speech we normally take for granted. You will find yourself speaking and writing more precise creative sentences. There is a reason most great writers and poets are students of many languages.

   Foreign languages are also important to those working in business, communications and nearly every other career track. A foreign language opens up job opportunities for everyone. It is a great medium to join the global community – The truth is new thoughts and ideas are happening everywhere and they are not being immediately translated. The world is getting smaller and we are coming into contact with more non-Greek speakers all the time. Gain an advantage for yourself in business and personal relationships by being able to communicate with people in their language. This will set you apart and gain you immediate respect and credibility.

  Knowing a foreign language helps enhancing your travel experiences – Traveling is one of the great joys of life and also one of the most expensive. Why not get the most out of your experience? As a person who doesn’t know the native tongue you are completely excluded from the culture. The locals shun you and you are relegated to sightseeing and taking cheesy photos. Knowing even a few phrases of the language will make a huge difference. You will meet many more people and find it much easier to get around. People are much more receptive if you make an effort to speak their language. This can turn a frustrating experience into the trip of a lifetime. What is more, it helps you expand your view of the world as it exposes you to modes of thought and viewpoints that are available only in the foreign language and its culture.

In a world that is increasingly interdependent, we can no longer afford to remain monolingual. Success depends in large measure on the ability of an individual to function as a member of a global village whose members speak a variety of languages. Learning foreign languages is no longer a pastime: it is a necessity.