We are all born into a specific culture which determines the language we will use throughout our lives. Some people are born into multicultural homes in which two or more languages are used. For those who do not have this benefit, or those who want to learn more, then learning a new language is just for you. Joining an ESL program, taking Spanish classes, or any language lessons will always enhance your life. There can be many reasons to learn a new language. Whether it is English, French, or Chinese, learning a new language is always a positive action. Below are the top five reasons for learning a new language:

• Travel: Learning a new language will expand your horizons. You will be able to go to countries you have always dreamed of visiting. The opportunity to travel abroad and not need an interpreter to help you do simple tasks such as going out for dinner and ordering from a menu, asking for directions, or getting a taxi is one you can't miss out on. It will also help you save time and money.

• Work and business expansion: If you own your own business, you can expand it to foreign markets. The possibility of entering the European or Asian market is an opportunity to grow your business. In the case that you don't own your own business, and are an employee of a multinational enterprise, you have the opportunity of transferring to another department abroad, or taking over a foreign department in your country of residence.

• Education advancement: The capability of communicating in another language is essential if you want to learn more about a specific culture. It is a very different picture to learn about a culture through books than to learn it directly by immersing yourself in the country itself. Simply imagine what it would be like to learn Spanish by living in Spain, or Chinese in China. Learning a new language will also help you enjoy the arts of different countries. You would have the opportunity of communicating in Italian when visiting the most famous sights in Rome. You would not have to depend on an interpreter to guide you through your stay in the country.

• More information and perspective: The more languages you learn, the more you will understand the world and its events. If you learned a new language, you would have the possibility of reading newspapers in their language of origin. Your view of the world and what happens in it expands. With all of the technological innovations that we have today, you can use the Internet to access newspapers, magazines and articles in other languages. You would receive information directly from the source.

• Help people in other countries: If humanitarian help is what you've always wanted to do, then learning a new language will push you towards your goal. You would be able to join humanitarian help groups and travel aboard to offer your services. The important aspect is that you would be able to communicate directly with the people you meet. They can tell you their stories first hand.

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Susan Thomason has written numerous articles for LCI English Center, an ESL school in Denver, Colorado. LCI offers the best English training through experienced teachers and high quality programs. Check out more ESL articles at www.englishlci.com/blog