The importance of learning a foreign language

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Goura Eleni A’1

Over the past decade, countries have started to become more and more interdependent, and new technologies have erased many existing borders. As boundaries between countries are dissolved, foreign language instruction has become more necessary than ever for linking with the rest of the world. This is why learning a foreign language-or even more than one- is imperatively advised. The reasons below may help to convince you to take the plunge, if such persuasion is needed. Some reasons are practical, some aspirational, some intellectual and other sentimental, and personally I advise you to pay attention to each and every single one of them. But remember: Learning a foreign language takes time and dedication.

First and foremost, by learning a foreign language you become competitive at the global job market. Due to the globalization of the economy, many companies cooperate with others at an international level. One of the skills necessary for the future of work is cross- cultural competence and that’s why individuals who can work in a culturally diverse environment and who have strong skills in a foreign language are more likely to become employed. And even before that, there are also academic benefits to students, because they are given the opportunity to expand their intellectual horizons by studying abroad and deepen their knowledge of the field of their studies by researching foreign bibliography. Furthermore, students who have studied a foreign language develop greater cognitive skills in areas such as mental flexibility, creativity, divergent thinking and higher order thinking skills.

 Travelling is another aspect that the knowledge of a foreign language will help you at. A basic ability in a foreign language will help you to “get by’, i.e. to order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc when traveling abroad. If you have a more advanced knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the people you meet, which can be very interesting and will add a new dimension to your holiday. In addition, learning a foreign language will help you understand the speakers’ way of thinking and appreciate your native language as well. Also, keep in mind that this way racial discrimination will be eliminated and you will become a more open-minded person.

To sum it all up, it is conspicuous that the knowledge of a foreign language is crucial in the times we live in. I hope that anyone who hasn’t decided to take up a foreign language was convinced by this short but inclusive article. And for the end, a quote from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: ‘Wer fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, weiß nichts von seiner eigenen’ (He who knows no foreign language knows nothing of his mother tongue).

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