The Importance And Advantages Of Learning A Second Language


There importance and advantages of learning a second language are innumerable. Language is a bridge that helps people to connect to each other verbally. The capacity to speak makes us Human beings; otherwise practically we are not very different from being animals. When we are blessed with such a beautiful quality, why should we limit it to just one language?

 

This world has numerous countries and each country has numerous languages. Such is the beauty & creativity of language, that for expressing something we have close to infinite ‘species’ of words.

 

"No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive." – Mohandas K. Gandhi, Indian freedom fighter.

 

These are very beautiful words uttered by Mohandas K. Gandhi, which are equally applicable on Languages. There are many reasons that why a person should speak more then one language. Here are some points to help you understand importance and advantages of learning a second language.

 

Gather more knowledge and wisdom: To learn a new language is not just about learning few words or phrases. In fact it is synonymous to having visited a new culture and life form. Languages imbibe the very essence of the land from where they have originated. The person who learns a language comes to know the very culture, values, teachings and the morals of the associated land. This makes a person gain more knowledge and wisdom. The person in the process of learning the language comes to know the perspective or view point of the people from some different part of the world. It is for this reason that all the great travelers achieved great wisdom and respect for themselves.

 

Enrich one’s own language: The languages often seem to be following the evolution theory; different languages from different parts of the world come in contact and make an ever lasting impression on each other. For instance Mother in English has originated from ‘matyr’ similarly Brother from ‘Bhratyr’. Similarly many of the Greek words find their place in English language and vise versa. This enrichment happened because of the people from different cultures came together, lived together and learnt from each other.

 

Discovering a Country: Gone are the days when People boasted of their own civilization. With the increasing globalization People have started to respect other nations and their achievements. There is an increasing tendency in people to go a step ahead and visit the countries which they find interesting. Learning the language of that country prepares them to be able to fuse with the residents and discover the land fully. Apart from taking just snaps of the scenic beauty, the traveler would also treasure memories of mixing with local people, emotions, love, care and their hospitality. This probably is an appropriate way of discovering a country where in we get to know the geography along with the human element.

 

Some more Importance and Advantages of Learning a Second Language can be suggested as below:

 

Create new opportunities: Over the years the Business activities are not just limited to one country or continent. Businesses now are looking for opportunities to distant places for their expansion and growth. Doing business would never be successful if there is a communication gap. Learning the country’s language could help bridge that communication gap. Parties on either side would be able to understand each other’s requirements and expectations.

 

Enhanced Brain functioning: Learning is an ongoing process that goes through out life. There is no better way to tickle the brain cells, then to learn a new language. It’s like being in a laboratory and doing experiments with the words and phrases. Scientifically speaking, learning new language increases the cognitive abilities of one’s mind. Such an exercise enhances the grasping power of an individual and makes his mind more receptive.

 

Increasing Global tolerance and acceptability: the world is becoming small day by day. People from distant countries are now associated with each other through businesses, services, diplomatic relations, political concerns and international diplomacy. All this calls for an increased awareness towards such delicate and crucial topics. Learning another language gives the person to develop an insight into the perspective and state of other culture. Such learning efforts on either side enhance the cross international and intercultural understanding which would eventually mitigate cross border terrorism, military confrontation and misunderstandings.

 

Higher Education: The education is not limited to any one part of the world. Over the years different countries have come up with their specializations in different fields. Based on his/ her interests a student may prefer joining a university in US, UK, Australia or any other country for that matter. Being conversant with the language of that country would make the student cope well with the cultural shift.

 

“The Importance and Advantages of Learning a Second Language lies in the fact that this adds to an individual brilliance. The person becomes more knowledgeable, wise and confident. Not just as an individual but learning another language makes a person a better global citizen with a better understanding of global issues and concerns. As a more learned person, he is now in a position to take better decisions at his will”.



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