Good Language

When the world talks about science, culture, economy or politics, it speaks English. English speakers don’t really need a second language at all. So, what’s the use of a second language when the first one is enough? English speakers can look for the luxury items: cultural and linguistic enrichment. In this article, I will evaluate the world’s major languages for their usefulness to English speakers, according to three different criteria:

1. Demographics: Opportunity to use the language actively: the number of native and second language speakers, and the chances of communicating with them in this language: use as a lingua franca. It’s not simply a matter of numbers. Mandarin is by far the most spoken language but it is concentrated in one country, China, and that reduces the impact. In the case of Hindi, educated speakers will very likely also speak English, so the opportunity to speak to people in Hindi is greatly reduced.
2. Personal Impact: This subjective criterion looks at the impact on the learner. How does this language study increase the learner’s own sophistication regarding languages, whether English or another, third language? How does this language make the learner a more culturally literate person?
3. Business factors: How will this language open new business and commercial opportunities?

Criterion I. Demographics: I begin with demographics because this is the criterion that first comes to mind in such a discussion. However, this factor only weighs 40 percent in the ratings, and certain entries here, such as Italian, Swahili and Turkish, will only become understandable when one sees the tables that follow.

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ADVANTAGES OF KNOWING ANOTHER LANGUAGE

You can enjoy greater personal power in a foreign country when you speak the language. Without leaving your own home town, you can enter into the literature and culture of another country when you can read a foreign language. You will feel greatly empowered asking for directions, inquiring about places to visit, and making new friends and acquaintances in the language of your host country. You will also expand your business and employment opportunities.

ANYONE CAN LEARN

Like many complex skills, learning a foreign language is much more a matter of daily effort than ability. In fact, scientists that study the human brain have discovered that parts of it are specialized for learning and using language. Except for a few people in special circumstances, virtually every adult human speaks at least one language.

BASIC PRINCIPLE

The most important principle to learning a new language is regular use. It is much easier to learn a spoken, living language than a “dead” language. You can study a foreign language in many ways and the more the better, but the best way is by immersion. Practice with native speakers as often as possible. If you can’t find native speakers, then find others who are trying to learn like you. Your local university or college may have a language house, such as a Spanish House, a French House, or a Russian House. If you attend the school, you can ask about living there. If you don’t, you may still be allowed to visit and practice the language with the residents. The internet also provides access to groups for people who want to practice a foreign language. Check newsgroups, Yahoo Groups, or MSN groups. You can practice listening to the language by watching a film or DVD in that language. Foreign films are also a great way to learn more about the culture that speaks your chosen language.

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Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but one that can enhance your worldly travels like no other. If you decide to embark on the quest of learning a new language you might be surprised to find that you first need to learn how to learn a new language. There is a bit of a myth that says you can simply move to another country, listen to the locals and pick up a new language gradually over time. Unfortunately that not really true, I know some people who have lived in China for over 6 years and can only speak a couple sentences to get by. The truth is you need to create a system of learning for yourself because and the speed at which you learn will completely rely on how affective the learning practices you implement are.

I learned a lot about how to learn a language while studying Japanese in Canada and now more recently while learning Chinese here over the past couple months. My training in teaching English as a second language also lead me to some cool insights. I’ve also spoken to travelers who have spent loads of time becoming fluent in new languages who were eager to share what they learned to prevent others from running into the same mistakes as them.

1. Ensure you know what you’re getting yourself into

My first advice is to make sure you really really want to learn the new language. I don’t want to discourage anyone from doing it, because it’s quite a rewarding experience, but just be aware that becoming fluent in a new language is incredibly time consuming and at times can be quite overwhelming. In the vast amount of time you’ll spend learning a new language you could learn many other valuable things. Make sure you have a good reason to learn to keep you motivated, if it’s just a hobby chances are your determination will waver when things get tough. Learning a language takes hard work and dedication so ensure you’re committed to it.

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