| More and more software programs, electronic | | | | to poetry. If poetry is translated into English with |
| devices, and websites devoted to foreign | | | | a preserved rhyming scheme, the meaning of the |
| languages are being developed daily. Why all the | | | | poetry is almost always altered. Being able to |
| excitement? Why would YOU want to learn a | | | | listen to the original language - with its subtle |
| foreign language? | | | | tones and nuances - will lend to a greater |
| Job Advancement - Get the Competitive Edge | | | | appreciation of the artist. |
| Many large corporations and government agencies | | | | Culture Appreciation |
| have positions requiring a second language. In a | | | | One can only truly comprehend a foreign culture if |
| country like Canada, which is officially bilingual, | | | | the language is also understood. Exactly what is |
| someone who knows both French and English will | | | | 'Bratwurst' or 'Calvados'? And what about foreign |
| have better employment prospects. | | | | films? Wouldn't you like to be able to watch |
| Travel | | | | something with subtitles - and skip reading them? |
| Travel to a foreign country can be exciting - and | | | | Invigorate the Brain |
| also very exasperating if you can't understand the | | | | Adults benefit from the brain stimulation produced |
| local speech. Many North Americans are | | | | by language training. Seniors who tackle a foreign |
| somewhat egocentric in this regard, expecting to | | | | language show improved brain function over a |
| find English spoken no matter where they are. | | | | period of time. Students who learn foreign |
| Although this is sometimes true in larger cities, | | | | languages as children score better on academic |
| don't expect to find English-speakers in small | | | | tests. There is also evidence to suggest that they |
| communities. | | | | may be more creative and resourceful when |
| Relatives | | | | faced with solving complex tasks. |
| The world is a melting pot of cultures and | | | | Learning Teaches You How to Learn |
| languages. You probably have living relatives in | | | | The self discipline and study habits acquired |
| other countries with whom you could | | | | through successful acquisition of a foreign |
| communicate more effectively if you took the | | | | language can be applied to many other aspects of |
| effort to learn at least a few words. | | | | your life. |
| Genealogy Research | | | | Studying Abroad |
| Some of your ancestors probably spoke a | | | | What better way to learn about a country's |
| different language. If you plan to search old | | | | culture than to study there? This requires an |
| genealogical records, you will be more successful | | | | excellent command of the local language. |
| with at least a basic understanding of your | | | | Communicate With Someone Secretly in Public |
| ancestors' language(s). | | | | Imagine chatting in public with a friend about |
| Understanding Your Own Language | | | | something private, knowing that only your friend |
| Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once said, 'Wer | | | | understands! |
| fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, weiß nichts | | | | Make Online Penpals and Friends |
| von seiner eigenen.' or 'Those who don't know | | | | The internet is transforming our world into an |
| foreign languages know nothing of their own.' | | | | intimate global village where you can chat via |
| Learning a foreign language will give you a much | | | | e-mail, forums, live chat sessions, and audio/video |
| better understanding of English. Your knowledge | | | | feeds. |
| of English grammar, vocabulary, verb tenses, and | | | | Impress a Date? |
| sentence construction will improve when you | | | | In closing - male or female - you will make points |
| tackle another language. | | | | with your bilingual date by learning a few |
| Self-Actualization and Challenge | | | | important words. If your date doesn't speak a |
| If you've already been everywhere and done | | | | foreign language, he or she will be impressed by |
| everything - perhaps it's time to tackle something | | | | the enchanting allure of intimate expressions in |
| new. What could be more challenging and | | | | one of the 'romance' languages. |
| rewarding than immersing yourself in another | | | | So - what are you waiting for? Get learning! |
| language? | | | | ©Copyright Kathy Steinemann: This article is |
| Opera, Poetry, and Prose Appreciation | | | | free to publish only if this copyright notice, the |
| Artistic works written in a different language | | | | byline, and the author's note below (with active |
| often cannot be fully appreciated when translated | | | | links) are included. |
| into English. This is especially obvious when listening | | | | |