RSS FeedA lot of of us have at one time or yet another fantasized about becoming fluent in a foreign language. At that point, most individuals take the path toward half-hearted attempts at studying but by no means actually become proficient. Meanwhile, a brave few commit themselves and genuinely make it take place. What makes the folks who decide on the latter path undertake the countless hour of study, occasional moments of embarrassment, and the uncertainty of success?
My road to mastery of a foreign language – Japanese – began in college. It was tough going at first, but over the ensuing 15 or so years I attained a high level of proficiency in the language: I have given lectures at Japanese universities, critiqued essays for Japanese college students, and translated books from English into Japanese. And along the way, I have come to believe in the inherent value of learning and mastering a foreign language.
Here are 5 factors to why you ought to consider learning a foreign language:
Reason #1: Expands your social network: The act of studying a foreign language can aid you bond with fellow travelers along the same path. And, once you become proficient in the language, your social network of prospective contacts and acquaintances will enhance by the thousands or millions as you become able to communicate with a whole new population of individuals.
Reason #2: Gives you sense of accomplishment: The sense of accomplishment one feels upon becoming fluent in a foreign language is directly proportional to how challenging it is to discover. Like anything else in life, we gain a feeling of self-confidence and satisfaction when we overcome challenges. Since languages are so multi-dimensional, studying a language means truly stretching ourselves mentally and emotionally. There are few greater feelings in the world than the first time you have a meaningful exchange with a native speaker of the language you are studying.
Reason #3: Provides new avenues for making cash: The world is acquiring smaller, but not everyone speaks your native language. Learning a foreign language opens you up to a world of opportunities both abroad and at home. Banks, technologies businesses, consulting firms, international trading firms, and educational institutions around the world are constantly searching to give well-paying jobs to people who speak a foreign language.
Reason #4: Expands your consciousness: When I am speaking or writing Japanese, I immediately switch into a different mode of awareness. You, too, will discover that as you grow to be proficient in the language you are studying, you will not be able to steer clear of seeing the world a small bit differently: almost like you have two sets of lenses via which to view the same reality.
Reason #5: Makes you more globally conscious: As you study a foreign language, you will inevitably be exposed to the culture, history and sociology of the regions or countries with which your language is associated. With ongoing environmental challenges, global trade and regional conflicts, becoming much more globally conscious may be an vital part of survival in the 21st century.
The reasons why 1 really should find out a foreign language are many. Regardless of whether you intend to expand your awareness, obtain a deeper understanding of your self or just want to boost your value in the marketplace, studying a foreign language may possibly be one of the very best investments you can make.
Posted in 
