We all have to take a foreign language in high school, then again in college as a requirement and most people don’t think anything of it. I, on the other hand, fell in love with Spanish as soon as I started learning it and that fire hasn’t died throughout the seven or eight years I’ve been learning it. Over the years, I’ve learned that knowing a foreign language is something that can be extremely fulfilling, and here’s why:
Photo by: LaShauna Bell
1. You Actually Know Another Language, Which Is Super Cool
In the beginning steps of learning a new language, there is not much to get excited about because you’re learning a little bit at a time. The more you learn, though, the more the pieces fit together and, before you know it, you can fully understand more than one language! When you get to the point where you don’t have to concentrate to translate specific words and phrases, the language comes naturally to you and it’s an inexplicable feeling.
2. You Can Communicate with More People
Being able to help someone communicate who is not strong in English is fulfilling in itself as well because you know the language enough to not only understand other people, but enough to actually help them in real life situations. I used to work in a child care center and there have been a few babies whose parents only spoke Spanish, so I was able to talk to the babies and toddlers in a way that they understood and allowed them to communicate without barriers to me. It was amazing, and I love that I have that ability.
3. You Also Learn About Other Cultures Through the Language
Once you know another language, the communication skills you have can allow you to learn more about the culture of a place or the specific traditions of a family than you would on Google, which is something that is super cool as well. You never know, you may discover some things that you want to incorporate into your own life!
4. You Can Experience More Overall
Knowing another language will open doors for you all over the place. You’ll finally be able to understand the bops at the Mexican restaurants, you’ll be able to watch movies and television shows that you wouldn’t have been able to before, and you can even have an advantage in the job market for knowing a different language, which can be extremely helpful, too!
I’ve loved learning Spanish and I intend on continuing my education with it. There is a great feeling that comes with knowing another language, especially if you have a passion for it like me, so there are so many cool things that you can do when you have this extra knowledge. Plus, it’s just awesome and beneficial. So, if you want to learn a new language, do it, you’ll thank yourself in the future!