Learning Different Languages


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Why should you do it?

Most people will say, "learning another language will benefit you in the future." But why should you? Could it ever help you? Or is it a waste of time? It is obviously much more complicated than it looks.

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Benefits

Think about this, what if one day you decided to take a trip/vacation to Mexico, or France? How would you be able to understand them if you didn't know their language? First of all...

  1. You wouldn't be able to understand a thing
  2. You can't really go anywhere or do anything without a translator or a friend you can rely on

Or maybe you are a doctor who has a client who speaks a different language. Would you be able to talk to them? Or would you need a translator? You might even have to send the patient to another doctor who speaks their language.

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But lets say that you do know a little bit of Spanish or another language, you would be able to...

  1. Understand your client and possibly even talk to them
  2. Possibly have more clients who speak that language
  3. Make more money because you have more patients
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Challenges and Tips

Of course, learning a language is not as easy as it sounds. Some languages are extremely hard to learn, due to its diversity. So what can you do?

  1. Start off with someone who knows that language and can help/teach you, usually schools have classes
  2. Use websites such as Duolingo to help you
  3. Learn the basics such as simple words, numbers, some greetings, etc...
  4. Learn the grammar format
  5. Then slowly add more vocab and start to combine the words you know into sentences
  6. Eventually, you will reach a level where you can start to read basic books in that language you are learning
  7. Keep adding in vocab from the books and practice, practice, practice
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Fluency

Once you reach a certain level, you will be able to speak that language fluently enough to the point that someone can who knows that language can understand you. At that point, if you choose to keep learning, then its mainly up to experience that will build you up.

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Personal Experiences

Why should you listen to me?

Currently I am learning 2 other languages besides English, they are Chinese and Spanish. I take Chinese classes once a week on sundays, and Spanish classes every other day of school. I use Chinese a lot at home, and if I don't know how to say something, I ask my parents. As for Spanish, I have a great teacher. He always makes that class so fun and he really creates a friendly, exciting learning environment.


Conclusion

So now, will you decide to learn a different language? Do you think there are benefits that can come with it? It's not up to me to decide, but you!