The importance of learning a second language !

           Any language other than someone’s native language or mother tongue is a second language. Every one of us can speak his native language easily because of being born and brought up in a family and neighborhood where all speak and understand it. It is quite difficult to understand some other language and master it. However, this has certain benefits and one must try to learn at least one language other than the native language.

 Learning a second language enhances your cognitive abilities. The mind is a complex mass. Some people say that we are normally using only ten percent of our brain. With this ten percent, humans have created wonders and achieved so much. What if we use some more of it for learning a second language?

            Learning a second language means interacting with a new group, and new people with different cultures and different ethnicities. This interaction might lead to new friendships and opportunities to learn and engage in a business. Globalization of businesses would help create consumer demand for different products across borders.

            Career opportunities are also enhanced by learning a second language. If someone learns Spanish in the United States, the chances of getting a job increase as Hispanics are the largest minority in the US. This is also the case with countries where there are two or more languages widely spoken. For example, in Pakistan, Urdu is the national language but English is widely spoken and taught in the universities, besides being a secondary national language. If you know how to read, write, and speak English well, the chances finding a good job increase.

            By learning a second language one can have access to a different set of knowledge and information which might strengthen the knowledge base. A scholar looking for some information, data or evidence might find something in a language different from his native language. Although translations are available, like Google Translator, the understanding of something on your own keeps the originality.  Take it the other way, by learning any other language you might be able to translate something into your own native language, which would help people understand things they wouldn’t have understood before.

                                    Some people might argue that learning a second language will lead to losing your culture. I don’t think so. You don’t lose your culture. You learn about a new culture but keep your own traditional culture. I believe that someone’s cultural values would not be that much shaky that just learning a different language would make them lose their culture which is inherited in their genes. Besides culture, it doesn't mean you are not valuing your own language. To learn a second language we don't need to disrespect our own languge.

            I would suggest learning at least one other language in your lifetime. It will improve your mental capabilities, groom your personality and provide access to more information.