10 reasons to learn a language this summer
Friday, 22nd May 2009
There are lots of reasons why people choose to learn a foreign language, but here are 10 that make attending language lessons a great option this summer.
1. If the unfavourable Euro exchange rate means you can’t go to the Continent this year, get the Continent to come to you!
If you’re after a flavour of the Med but can’t stretch to a holiday in the current climate, learning a bit of the language might be a good compromise. Language lessons will give you an important and interesting insight into foreign culture and customs as well as teaching you the nuts and bolts of the language your learning. Achieving a basic level of proficiency at least will also mean that the next holiday you have will be even more enjoyable!
2. Make yourself more employable in a competitive market.
Everyone is sick of hearing about the credit crunch, and how awful the job market is at the moment …but it is unfortunately true that for the time-being at least, it’s very much the employer’s market. In times like this, up-skilling is an essential for any would-be job seeker.
3. Increase your native language ability.
It is long-established fact that knowledge of other languages greatly enhances learners’ understanding of languages in general and enables people to use their native language more effectively. Foreign language learners have stronger vocabulary skills in English, a better understanding of the language, and improved literacy in general - enhance these skills and again, you’ll be much more employable.
4. Get some much-needed inspiration in these testing times.
Again, at the risk of exploiting those oh-so-over-used phrases like ‘troubled times’, ‘current climate’, ‘economic downturn’, it’s true that there is quite a lot of doom and gloom about at the moment. Learning a language can be a really inspirational thing to do – not only does learning new skills give you a sense of enthusiasm and achievement, it can also open new doors and broaden your horizons.
5. Prepare for studying abroad.
Although Brits are widely regarded to be somewhat lax in the language learning stakes in comparison to other nationalities, there are still plenty of people in the UK who choose to study foreign languages either at ‘A’ level, or at university. Taking a summer language course, whether abroad or in the UK, can be a really good way of preparing for the coming academic year by practising and building on the language you have already learned.
6. Appreciate international literature, music, and film.
The summer is home to many festivals of all descriptions that highlight and nurture our love of music, film and the arts (such as the Brighton and Edinburgh festivals, for example). Although the majority focus on British culture, they undoubtlessly awaken general awareness and appreciation for foreign arts and culture, which can normally only fully be appreciated if you have a working knowledge of a foreign language.
7. Get more out of holidays abroad.
In honesty, there are relatively few places on the tourist trail where you will struggle to find someone who speaks English. For this reason, you will always be able to get by. Speaking some of the language will always give you an easier, and arguably more interesting, experience though. Understanding and being able to communicate in the foreign language really is the key to finding out about the reality of where you are, and how people who live there function on a day to day basis.
8. Research your roots.
Although it is natural for people to be interested in their ancestry, it seems that researching and completing your family tree is becoming increasingly popular. There are plenty of people whose forbears have come from abroad, and often researching them with require some grasp of a foreign language.
9. Prepare for TEFL projects abroad.
TEFL has always been a popular option amongst people who are keen to spend time abroad. It attracts a real variety of people – from new graduates, to career-breakers and people who have finished their main career and are looking for a new project. Since the economy took a nose dive, it has appealed in particular to two groups of people – those who have been made redundant and are in a position to act on plans and ideas to teach abroad, and new graduates who are emerging from university into a dwindling job market.
Whilst speaking the language of the place you’re headed to isn’t necessary in terms of being able to do your job, it will definitely help you to settle in and make friends if you can already speak a bit of the language.
10. Meet interesting and like-minded people.
Attending a language course is a great way to make new friends, who are likely to be interested in the same things as you. Going to a weekly, or intensive language class will spice up your summer social life, and who knows, those latin-based lingustics could even lead to a spot of romance!
More about language courses abroad
More about language courses in the UK
Tags: english, spanish, french, german, culture, learning, italian, tefl, festival, tailor-made, languages, language, language course, language learning
Posted by Laura Harrison under Attitudes to Language Learning,
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