Is it important to study foreign languages?
by Per Nyberg
Issue date: 10/28/05 Section: Features
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So why, you ask, should one study different languages? I mean, taking the 101 class for Spanish or French, and trying to learn those infinite number of vocabulary words can be quite boring. It feels even worse when the professor is talking and you really don't understand a thing. Languages Schmanguages!
But hey, let me tell you, there will be a day when you go to a foreign country where English is not the main language. If you try to speak to people in their native language, however, you will be met with such openness and friendliness even if you're not that proficient.
Knowing a foreign language opens the door to a whole new world. Suddenly you understand what those funny people on the Spanish channel are saying and suddenly it makes sense!
Also, when applying for a job, if you know Spanish or French for example, you immediately have an advantage over the other candidates.
We live in a global society where national borders become invisible over the Web and business is conducted instantaneously between Paris and Atlanta; Stockholm and Hong Kong; and New York and Madrid. If you take my advice and use those three credit hours left unused for that one semester of another language class, you will be rewarded. You will have a life where you can communicate with people who can't speak a word of English. Ain't that cool? And really, maybe one day you'll want to learn Swedish as well! Well, at least I think you should.
But hey, let me tell you, there will be a day when you go to a foreign country where English is not the main language. If you try to speak to people in their native language, however, you will be met with such openness and friendliness even if you're not that proficient.
Knowing a foreign language opens the door to a whole new world. Suddenly you understand what those funny people on the Spanish channel are saying and suddenly it makes sense!
Also, when applying for a job, if you know Spanish or French for example, you immediately have an advantage over the other candidates.
We live in a global society where national borders become invisible over the Web and business is conducted instantaneously between Paris and Atlanta; Stockholm and Hong Kong; and New York and Madrid. If you take my advice and use those three credit hours left unused for that one semester of another language class, you will be rewarded. You will have a life where you can communicate with people who can't speak a word of English. Ain't that cool? And really, maybe one day you'll want to learn Swedish as well! Well, at least I think you should.