If you're reading this, you're probably already interested in learning a foreign language. I'm hoping that these great reasons will get you off that fence and motivated to learn. Language is the study of communication, of coming together, and learning another language is NEVER a bad idea.

Reason 1 - Work

First, I'll appeal to your wallet. Speaking another language looks good on a resume. It shows that you have determination and drive. Should you do business with anyone from abroad, then you have even more reason to speak their language. Nothing will impress prospective clients more than chatting with them a little in their native tongue. Even if you sound like a fool, they will almost always awared you points for the effort.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.

If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.

- Nelson Mandela

Reason 2 - Travel

True, someone at the ClubMed is going to speak English. Personally I've always liked The Travel Channel's campaign: "Be a traveler not a tourist." To really get in there, explore the truly magical parts of another culture (if only for a week or two) then a little linguistic flexibility is necessary. And throw away the phrasebook! They are for the most part more difficult to use than just learning the survival elements of a language.

Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages.

- Dave Barry

Reason 3 - Personal History

Many of us are related - by varying degrees of separation - to an immigrant. Almost all of us will have someone from away in our family tree. It might be parents, grandparents, or someone many "greats" removed. Learning another language can put you in touch with all the cultures of your personal history in a way that complements and enriches any other genealogical endeavors.

Language is the archives of history.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reason 4 - Personal Awareness

The multi-lingual are made of sterner stuff. It's the same reason is impresses future employers: Learning languages is tough! Like any challenge, though, it's an opportunity for development. It gives you the chance to shine. And along the way, you just may learn a few things about yourself, your preconceptions, even your mother tongue.

The limits of my language are the limits of my universe.

- Ludwig Wittgenstein

Reason 5 - Fun

Let's face it, it can be just plain fun to speak another language. For those with a taste for culture, it opens up whole new realms of literature, theater and cinema. Wouldn't you like to know what they're singing about in Don Giovanni? Then there are those of us with lower aspirations. Being able to curse and swear without really offending anyone is great. And if you and a friend share a foreign language, you can discuss pretty much anything in earshot of anyone, and no one's the wiser.

You live a new life for every new language you speak.

If you know only one language, you live only once.

- Czech proverb

So if you have read this far then I'm sure your question has changed. I'd be willing to guess you're not longer wondering why to learn a language. Now you're wondering which language to learn! All I can do now is wish you the best of luck on your choice, and hope that you get everything you've ever dreamed out of it.

Daniel C Howard is a language teacher living in Asia. He has over a decade of experience teaching all ages a variety of subjects. For free info and lessons on languages, please visit his blog at here.

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