Some of the benefits of learning a foreign language include "better employment potential, increased native language ability, sharper cognitive and life skills, and an appreciation of international literature, music and film," according to an online source for language learners, Vistawide.com.
Those who learn a new language are well-poised for a career in international business or work as an interpreter. In the global economy, communication is essential. Companies need to communicate with businesses all over the globe, and they need to understand a foreign culture's customs and language if they are going to have a successful working relationship. Therefore, those who can speak another language are essential. According Vistawide.com, "Multiple government agencies, the travel industry, engineering, communications, the field of education, international law, economics, public policy, publishing, advertising, entertainment, scientific research and an broad array of service sectors all have needs for people with foreign language skills."
Learning a new language can show you more about your own culture and allow you to contrast it with another culture. For example, learning how a foreign language's sentences are structured can give you a new understanding of how your native language's sentences are constructed and why. Also, learning a foreign language allows you to develop friendships with people around the globe.
The ability to speak another language broadens career options and makes traveling to foreign countries easier in many ways. Many countries view the ability to speak a foreign language as an essential component to one's education, for example, "Whereas 52.7 percent of Europeans are fluent in both their native tongue and at least one other language, only 9.3 percent of Americans are fluent in both their native tongue and another language," according to Vistawide.com.
Without the ability to speak a foreign language, understanding other cultures can be difficult. Once you learn a foreign language you can appreciate another culture's literature, arts and music which are all important in understanding another language. Immersing oneself in another country's culture can be a rewarding experience and may enhance your global understanding.