WHY LEARN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE?

There is this saying from Slovakia. It says that the more languages a person can speak, the more human he is. If taken from the perspective that learning a language involves learning more than the words but instead covers the culture of the people as well, speaking more than one language indeed makes one more human. That is, the more languages a person knows, the more he knows about the different cultures of the world. Thus, the more he is in touch with his fellow men. In that sense, he is more human.

Moving on to more practical purposes, today�s global society requires people to have a means of communicating with one another. Despite the fact that the means is present with the aid of technology, the language barrier still exists in many places. This is the main reason non-English speakers scramble about trying to learn the main language in the business sector. For English speaking people, however, it is still of some import to learn the native language of their business counterparts. This is especially significant if they do business in a foreign country. This situation is increasingly becoming common as developed nations continue to follow the trend of establishing businesses in developing nations. As such, it would add to the effectiveness of the business for people to learn the local language.

METHODS OF LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Traditionally, people went to brick and mortar establishments to learn any subject. Learning a foreign language is not much different. Traditional language schools can be found in any country around the world. In the United States alone, there are countless foreign language schools to be found. For example English schools in New York
. In other countries, there are more English language schools as well (sprachaufenthalt england ). More often than not, these language schools operate on the basis of part time education. Students can choose classes that do not coincide with their work schedule. They may either study after work � during evenings � or during the weekend.

With the busy schedule that most people face today, alternative ways of learning a foreign language have emerged. One popular way is to engage in distance learning. This can involve purchasing modules which the student can complete on his own time. Modules include audio materials, books, and exercises. Alternatively, many schools are now extending their services through the Internet and over the phone. Busy businessmen may opt to take one on one classes over the phone or over the Internet. As such, they have the convenience of not moving away from their place of work to learn a foreign language and yet come into actual contact with a teacher or instructor.

Some people, especially students, prefer to get involved in schools offering immersion programs. That is, these schools send their students to other countries so that they can learn the language hands on. This is perhaps one of the best ways to learn a foreign language, especially if one spends long periods of time in the host country. Of course, it is also the most expensive.

The continuing trend of integration in Europe and globalization all over the world makes it imperative for people to learn at least one foreign language today. Though in the past, only scholars and people who had dealings with other cultures saw the need for learning a foreign language, today it is not the same case anymore. Take a look at Europe. In the past several years, the European Union has continued to expand and accommodate more and more countries. Though in the beginning majority of the member countries were English speaking countries, today, more and more non-English speaking countries are becoming members as well. As such, it is important for Europeans to be able to communicate with one another. Whether the reason is for business or for leisure, the need remains the same. While it is true that English may serve as an official language of communication, the fact remains that knowing how to speak a foreign language gives the person a distinct advantage.

Let�s talk about business first. Europeans or Americans � or any national for that matter � now have almost daily dealings with their colleagues or clients in parts of the world other than their own. Though communication may be possible without one learning the native tongue of his or her counterpart, imagine the nuances that he or she may pick up if only he or she had a working knowledge of the local language? More so, it is in the human nature to give more respect if the other person one is dealing with shows respect as well � in the way of at least knowing how to converse in the local language.

For leisure purposes, imagine the scenario of going to a foreign country where not many people speak English. You can�t get a cab, you can�t get to your hotel, you can�t just get your point across! This is quite a common scenario these days. Though it may not be very feasible to go through an extensive language course for every country you visit, it would surely be worth your while to learn the basics � common phrases and such.

They say that once you have learned one foreign language, it will be easier to learn another one. It may be true in some cases and yet not true in some. Whichever the case may be, there are certain principles to learning a foreign language that will definitely make the whole learning process easier for everyone concerned. There is absolutely no reason for one to say that he cannot learn a foreign language. In fact, researchers have found out that our brains have specially designed parts that are meant for language acquisition and learning. So basically, learning a language is for anyone! It is more a matter of effort and usage than of ability. Though of course, it cannot be denied that there are people who are quite gifted when it comes to languages.

So how does one learn a foreign language? Perhaps the most basic principle in this endeavor is USAGE. You�ve heard of the age old adage � practice makes perfect. The same applies to language learning. You have to use the language on a regular basis to get the hang of it AND not forget it. One of the quickest ways is to go to language schools in the concerning country: French language schools in France, English School New York. There are different possiblities you can stay in Hostels (London hostels, Youth hostel Paris), choose accomodation in families or share an appartment with other students.

Then of course, before you can actually go about using a language, you would have to have some sort of training first. Different schools of thought have different methods and tags to this part of the learning process. Some say that language is acquired (the way little children pick up their mother tongue for example) and not learned (what we do in a formal language school). Still others say that both factors may be present. Whatever principle you choose to believe in, one thing remains the same � you must have some sort of exposure. This could either be from people speaking the language around you or from materials such as documents, audio tapes, and the like.
It would also be of help if you knew the basic parts of the language. Of course, the most basic elements are present in most in the world so what you need is to identify these in your target language and get to working. Here are some of the basic elements: Pronunciation (Phonology), Words (Vocabulary), Word Forms (Morphology), Grammar (Syntax), and Spelling (Writing System).