One of the more practical reasons for learning a foreign language is that speaking a language other than English can give you an advantage in the business world. Because English is not the most commonly spoken language in the world (Spanish and Mandarin Chinese are), being able to speak another language will allow you to communicate with customers and business colleagues from different parts of the world. Speaking a foreign language can also give you opportunities to travel abroad for work-related trips. This will allow you a chance to see the world while your company is paying for your business expenses. You may also get the opportunity to live abroad and work for your company in a different country. Many bilingual employees are paid more than those who only speak one language.
There are several college scholarships available for those who can speak a different language. Learning a new language can be a good way to help improve your chances of receiving money for college. Knowing a language other than English can help increase your resources used in academic research. For example, if you know French, you will be able to read what French scholars have contributed to your academic field rather than only English-speaking scholars. You will also be able to read works in their original form rather than translated versions. Learning a new language later in life can also help you with your English grammar skills because it requires you to re-learn grammatical terms and structures that you may have forgotten.
Learning a new language can help expand your worldview by allowing you to experience the world through the eyes (and ears) of another culture. Expanding your knowledge in this area can help you understand other cultures and their traditions and how human beings communicate (or fail to communicate) with one another. Studying a foreign language can also help you keep your mind quick and sharp. Learning a new language requires a lot of memorization and practice, which is healthy for your mental well-being.
One of the most beneficial aspects of learning a new language is feeling comfortable traveling in a foreign country. Knowing a foreign language will allow you to make personal connections with people you meet during your travels that go deeper than simply ordering food, asking where the restroom is or buying a postcard. You will be able to ask about the culture and traditions of the country you are visiting. Knowing the national language of a country you are visiting can also make the locals more welcoming to you and this can lead to helpful tips about where to visit, eat or stay -- information that isn't always shared with tourists.
Besides just being able to make more money to provide for your family, knowing a foreign language can offer a number of family-centered advantages. If you have relatives that live outside of the United States, you will be able to communicate with them on a deeper level if you know their language. You will be comfortable visiting family members in foreign countries. Learning the language of the country of your origin can also help you feel more connected to your roots and help you gain a better understanding of where you (and your ancestors) came from.