The thought of learning a new language is probably a little intimidating. If you listen to native speakers chattering away in their native tongue, the words go by so fast that you probably think you’ll never be able to get them down. But learning a new language is a better idea than ever before. The internet, technology, and social networking has made communication with people of all different types the world over much easier, and people who speak more than one language are going to have certain advantages as the global community continues to expand. Here are a few reasons you’ll be doing yourself a big favor by learning to speak another language:
Build a bridge! Learning another language gives you a window into a whole other world. You’ll be able to learn about other cultures far more easily if you’re able to speak and understand the language of those particular people. Finding a pen pal from another country offers you the opportunity to make a new friend who can help you learn at the same time, making connections and building bridges that will allow you to become a more well-rounded person.
Boost your confidence! Learning a new language is an enormous accomplishment, and one you should be justifiably proud of! As you realize how much you’re learning, and as it becomes easier all the time, you’ll find that you probably have a little more zest for learning in other areas too. All the exciting discoveries that you make along your journey will hopefully whet your appetite for more, and the more you flex your thinking muscles, the easier the learning becomes.
Get ready for college! It may seem like a long way off, but you can get ahead of the game if you start learning another language right now. Colleges are increasingly competitive, and you’ll be able to beef up your résumé if you show the admissions board your proficiency in another language (or maybe even more than one).
Study abroad! You can probably convince your parents to let you travel to the country where people speak your new language of choice. What a fantastic opportunity, and how much fun would that be? The easiest way to truly learn another language is through immersion, and there’s no easier way to immerse yourself than by being constantly surrounded by people who do nothing but speak the language! You’ll be able to enjoy the culture (and the food!) while you practice your speaking skills. And if you already have a pen pal, you’ll have a friend you can look forward to visiting who can show you the ropes … and the sights.
Oh yeah, English! Finally, learning another language helps you understand English a bit more, even though you’ve been speaking it since you were born! Studying the grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary of another language makes understanding those same qualities of English easier. You’ll be able to improve your own reading and writing skills and develop a bigger vocabulary as you learn those of another language.
Amy Dorcy is a contributing writer for a German English translation service. Whether you are traveling to Berlin or Hamburg, brush up on your language skills before you go and find out about their Übersetzungsbüro (translation agency).
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