The Importance of Foreign Language Study - Why Study a Foreign Language?

By Stephanie Tekrider

With so many people throughout the world able to speak English, it's easy to understand why some might question the importance of foreign language study for native English speakers. I spent a few years living in Japan and many of my Japanese friends would express jealousy over the fact that I grew up speaking such a "useful language".

Still, there are many reasons why English speakers should consider studying a foreign language:

1. Your job prospects. The world is becoming increasingly smaller, as the internet allows people to connect from anywhere in the world. Speaking a foreign language can help y ou to get a job with a company that does business outside of English-speaking countries. You may even be given the opportunity to live abroad.

2. It fosters cultural understanding. When you study a foreign language, you don't just learn the language. You learn about a country's people, culture, and traditions. Understanding the differences between your own and another's culture is a great way to foster a more cooperative spirit.

3. You can travel more easily. While it's true that people of many different countries speak at least basic English, this isn't always the case. Speaking the language when you visit a foreign country makes for a much better experience. Even if a person does speak English, you'll find that you get better service and help when you try to speak the native language.

4. You can make new friends. Speaking more than one language means that you are able to interact with a broader range of people. You can use the internet to find "email friends", connecting with people across the globe. You can also find homestay or cultural exchange programs that allow you to directly experience another culture or share yours with someone different.

5. You'll exercise your brain. Whether young or old, everyone's brain needs a good workout now and then. Learning a foreign language can help you work on a variety of different skills-listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This easily increases your brainpower and makes you a smarter person overall.

6. You can learn discipline. Foreign language study often requires a high level of discipline if you want to do it right. You can easily take these skills and transfer them to any number of projects.

Studying a foreign language takes patience and hard work, but you can succeed. Click here to learn about improving your study skills.