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.