| For most people, this question is easily | | | | If you're reading this, you probably have at |
| answerable, but there's always that slightly | | | | least a moderate grasp of the English |
| smaller mass of guys and girls speaking an | | | | language and you might be wondering why you |
| important international language that wonder | | | | need to learn a foreign language while |
| why they need to learn another one, when they | | | | traveling, since, let's face it, you can get |
| can easily handle themselves about with the | | | | by with just English close to everywhere in |
| help of their mother tongue. Some of the | | | | the World. Well that's a wrong assumption to |
| reasons to learn a foreign language that I'll | | | | start with actually and it's also a bit |
| utter here might seem a bit too obvious, | | | | disrespectful to wait for them to speak |
| whereas others could spark an interest, | | | | English on their home soil instead of you |
| regardless, if they determine you to take up | | | | trying to learn their language. Whether |
| on a foreign language then I'll be a happy | | | | you're visiting a foreign country for 2 weeks |
| man :). | | | | or 2 months, at least knowing the basics will |
| | | | help a lot. |
| Moving abroad | | | | |
| | | | Cultural reasons |
| Obviously, if you've already moved abroad | | | | |
| then you will absolutely have to learn the | | | | Yes... cultural reasons. You might be |
| local language if you want to be able to | | | | interested in a different culture's history, |
| blend in with the society. If you're | | | | poetry, music or prose and let's face it, |
| expecting to move abroad in the near (or far) | | | | translations in these cases aren't the most |
| future you should take up on language lessons | | | | accurate. Learning the language of the |
| as soon as possible and not wait until the | | | | culture you're interested in is a great way |
| last second. | | | | to study it up close and understand the |
| | | | details that would've been left out in a |
| Career bonus | | | | translation. Knowing two or more languages |
| | | | will also boost your cultural status amongst |
| Learning a foreign language can be such a | | | | you fellow colleagues, co-workers or friends, |
| huge career boost in many occasions that it | | | | since a polyglot has always been highly |
| could prove to be an extremely useful | | | | regarded in any era's society. |
| investment of time and money. Conducting | | | | |
| business in a foreign country will be eased | | | | Although these are the main reasons that most |
| up if you know the local language and it also | | | | people are learning a foreign language for, |
| shows a higher level of bonding and respect | | | | there's a dozen more that we could specify |
| from your side, possibly allowing for a | | | | here. Having a foreign spouse, getting a |
| better professional relationship. | | | | scholarship in a foreign country or simply |
| | | | learning out of fascination for another |
| Traveling | | | | language can all be serious reasons for the |
| | | | subject at hand. |