Why you should learn a foreign language

Why you should learn a foreign language
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Why you should learn a foreign language
Why should one decide to learn another language? Answering this question depends upon one’s individual objectives. However, whether one thinks of foreign languages mainly for career development, or for intellectual, cultural or individual enrichment, any language is a worthwhile choice. Learning a foreign basically takes commitment and time. In this persuasive essay, clear and comprehensive arguments are provided as to why it is important for one to learn a foreign language. The opposite opinions of my arguments are stated and refuted. The major reasons why it is important to learn a foreign language are to gain cultural awareness, and for academic and career enhancement.
Argument 1: Cultural awareness – besides getting to learn a new language, the student will be able to gain exposure to a different culture. Consequently, this will heighten awareness of diverse cultures in general which will give the students a wider perspective regarding the world as well as improving the interaction of students with persons from other cultural backgrounds. It is notable that in today’s age of global interdependence and a society that is increasingly more multiethnic and multicultural, studying foreign language will give students insight into other cultures (Kang, Gollan, & Pashler, 2013). It will also build their cultural competency skills in a manner that no other discipline can do.
Curtain and Dahlberg (2011) stated that learning a foreign language is an important way of helping students to intercultural competence. In essence, the awareness of an international community could be improved whenever students have the chance of experiencing involvement with a different culture by way of a foreign language. The positive impact of cultural information is greatly improved whenever students experience that information through a foreign language, accompanied by experiences in situations that are culturally authentic. Strong evidence from studies has revealed that people who have learned a foreign language are more open-minded and tolerant of the dissimilarities amongst people (Curtain & Dahlberg, 2011).
Another evidence is from research by Gabszewicz et al., (2011) which showed that being able to speak a foreign language will help the person in getting to know a dissimilar culture and people as language and culture go together. Language basically defines and is defined by the world around us; hence studying a foreign language will open a person’s mind to new ideas and ways of viewing the world. Nonetheless, some people claim that studying a second language might be of no use to some people especially if they lack the interest in learning a foreign language. Furthermore, it can also be of no use if the person does not travel particularly in areas where the language is spoken. As such, they ...