Why study foreign languages?

Imagine being able to go to another country and be able to understand a map, talk to a cab driver, or even discuss a poem. Imagine making connections with people across the barriers of language, culture, and history. Imagine the ways your personality and life might change when you meet and communicate with people whose cultural background differs from yours. Imagine the difference you might make in the lives of others, inside Iran and out, who are reaching out across the world to you. Imagine the difference those people might make to you.

Many students come to college looking for classes that will help them build a successful and interesting career as teachers, business people, communicators, scientists, etc. Others want to grow intellectually, to change the world, or to change themselves. That is why I say a new language brings you a new life.

Here are fifteen things studying a new language might do for you

Language study…

1. broadens your experiences; expands your view of the world

2. encourages critical reflection on the relation of language and culture, language and 
thought; fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature 
 
3. develops your intellect; teaches you how to learn  
 
4. teaches and encourages respect for other peoples  

5. contributes to cultural awareness and literacy, such as knowledge of original texts  

6. builds practical skills (for travel or commerce or as a tool for other disciplines)  

7. improves the knowledge of your own language through comparison and contrast with 
the foreign language 

8. exposes you to modes of thought outside of your native language 
 
9. a sense of relevant past, both cultural and linguistic  

10. balances content and skill (rather than content versus skill)  
 
11. expands opportunities for meaningful leisure activity (travel, reading, viewing foreign language films)  

12. contributes to achievements of national goals, such as economic development or national security  

13. contributes to the creation of your personality  

14. enables the transfer of training (such as learning a second foreign language) 

15. preserves (or fosters) a country’s image as a cultured nation

(Shahab Mahdavi)