Learning a new language

Why do people all over the world learn foreign languages? Perhaps because the world is getting smaller, in a way: nations are more closely linked with each other than ever before, companies operate world-wide, scientists of different nationalities co-operate, and tourists travel practically everywhere. The ability to communicate with people from other countries is getting more and more important.

Learning a new language is a great thing. It is fun, it is interesting. It broadens your horizons and leads to great opportunities, too!

When you learn a new language, you are exposed to new things. You also learn their culture and the way the people live and the food they eat. It is often fascinating when you find out how different other people's way of living is compared to your own.

It would be great to learn a new language. For example, if you have a passion for France and one day you may have a chance to travel or live in France. It would be an advantage if you know French, even if you know just a little, you do not have to be fluent. Just as long as you can communicate, that way you can learn even more.

There would also be less chance that you might be cheated there, because you can understand what they are saying.

Learning a new language can also lead you to a great job overseas and many other opportunities. This may happen if you work in a large company and they need to send someone over to Germany for a business meeting. You would have - advantage if you know German. There's a high chance that you will be chosen. Л great opportunity would be meeting a native speaker and you can talk to them and learn ever more about their language and culture.

There are much more reasons to learn a new language. It is a great way to learn more things. Like the saying 'Knowledge is power.' The more you learn the better. So next time you are looking for a new hobby, why not pick up a new language and expand you knowledge?

Academic reasons for studying foreign languages

Students gain essential academic benefits from foreign language study. Among these are communication skills, cultural knowledge, connections to other subject areas, comparisons to their own language and culture and participation in multilingual.

The study of European languages, both modern and classical, enhances vocabulary building because so many English words are derived from those languages. Languages such as Japanese, Arabic and Russian have the additional benefit of requiring students to develop an ability to interpret unfamiliar symbols. Students of foreign languages gain a greater understanding of grammatical structures and syntax and also gain an increase in vocabulary.

In various studies throughout the U.S., foreign language study has also been associated with improvements in students' creativity, self-concept, critical thinking abilities, memory, listening skills and performances on standardized tests.

Students also gain an increased appreciation for literature, art and music as a result of exposure to foreign cultures.

These benefits hold true for the college-bound and non-college-bound student alike.

Foreign language study is an educational necessity, along with English, math, science, social studies, physical education and the arts. Therefore, foreign languages are an integral part of any program of study.

Task 4. Look through the list of reasons for studying foreign languages and decide which of them are true for you and which are not.