6 reasons why it is very important to speak several languages

I know this is not a topic directly linked with software or technology, but since it had a very important impact in my life as engineer I believe it worths writing about it.

I am Argentinean, so my Mother tongue is Spanish. On the other hand, I live in Germany, so I had to learn German (I am quite bad doing it I must say).

My Mother sent me to learn English when I was 8 years old. In Argentina at that time wasn't very common for kids to learn other languages. But I slowly started with it and with the time it changed my life.

So, I wanted to share with you a short list describing how speaking other languages changed my life. Here we go:

1. Learn about other cultures: Languages have a direct relation with the people who speak it. Knowing a language is learning about other cultures and societies. Learning to think in other languages teaches us to think as others do it.
2. Fast access to information: The information is written first in the language of the place where it was produced. If you want to be the first to know, you have to be able to read it.
3. Those bad translations: The translations are most times inexact (and not only the Google ones). Translations can be almost literal or adapted to the local culture. The literal ones are usually incomprehensible and the adaptations are done based on the criteria of the translator. Reading the material in the original language is far richer and more accurate.
4. Commercial reasons: If you speak the same language of your prospects and customers, you do not need intermediaries and creates many more opportunities.
5. Career: Speaking other languages opens up more career opportunities.
6. It could be very fun: I was working in Paris for two weeks and I have enjoyed very much practicing a little French here and there. I love this language and I am planning to learn it someday.

Do you know other advantages? Do you think it is not good to speak other languages? Your comments are very welcome!

Comments

[Vincent]

Bonjour !

[Guillermo Acilu]

Bonjour! I do like your language!