The Reasons I Decided to Learn English It is not unusual for us to learn a fact that there are nearly 90%

of people on earth learned English. Everybody has his or her own reasons for learning English, and so do I. There are several reasons why I am determined to learn English. My chief reason for learning English is that I am very interested in learning English. When I was a junior high school student, I always got high grade in English. Therefore, I always love English more than any other subjects. Because of this reason, I choose Apply Foreign Language as my major. The second reason why I decided to learn English is that English is more and more popular in the world. A recent survey (Department of Education, May 2001) indicated that there are more than 580,000,000 people

An old proverb says: Slow and steady wins the race. Indeed, with the above reasons, I believe my English ability will be more and more better. Also, my dream will come true in the future. in the world have learned English. In the other word, more than 80% of people on earth learned English. It is a trend that everyone in the world should learn English. English not only becomes a globe language, but also becomes common sense. Moreover, when we travel the world, English also becomes a necessary tool because it is a common language. The third reason why I want to study English is that I want to be an English teacher. I admire my cram school English teacher very much. He is not only a PHD, but also a great teacher. He is charmi Why learn languages? 10 good reasons why you should be learning a foreign language

"I speak English, so I don't have to learn a foreign language...." Everyone speaks English, right? Well, certainly not everyone speaks English. According to the CIA World Fact Book, only 5.6 % of the world's total population speaks English as a primary language. That number doubles when people who speak English as a second or third language are counted. By conservative estimates, that means that well over four-fifths of the world's population does not speak English. It's true that English has become a global lingua franca over the past several decades; this fact, however, really should have little effect on your decision to learn a foreign language. The attitude that English alone is enough, in fact, creates self-imposed limitations. To remain monolingual is to stunt your educational development, to restrict your communication and thinking abilities, and to deny yourself the ability to fully

appreciate and understand the world in which you live. Learning another language opens up new opportunities and gives you perspectives that you might never have encountered otherwise. Personal, professional, social, and economic considerations all point to the advantages of learning foreign languages. Still not convinced? Here are 10 very good reasons why you should be learning a foreign language:

1. To increase global understanding "... [E]ffective communication and successful negotiations with a foreign partner-whether with a partner in peacekeeping, a strategic economic partner, a political adversary, or a non-English speaking contact in a critical law enforcement action-requires strong comprehension of the underlying cultural values and belief structures that are part of the life experience of the foreign partner." - Dr. Dan Davidson, President of the American Councils on International Education "A different language is a different vision of life." - Federico Fellini, Italian film director "No culture can live, if it attempts to be exclusive." - Mohandas K. Gandhi, Indian nationalist and spiritual leader Learning another language gives the learner the ability to step inside the mind and context of that other culture. Without the ability to communicate and understand a culture on its own terms, true access to that culture is barred. Why is this important? In a world where nations and peoples are ever more dependent upon on another to supply goods and services, solve political disputes, and ensure international security, understanding other cultures is paramount. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, to an inability to cooperate, negotiate, and compromise, and perhaps even to military confrontation. Intercultural understanding begins with individuals who have language abilities and who can thereby provide one's own nation or community with an insider's view into foreign cultures, who can understand foreign news sources, and give insights into other perspectives on international situations and current events. For survival in the global community, every nation needs such individuals. A person competent in other languages can bridge the gap between cultures, contribute to international diplomacy, promote national security and world peace, and successfully engage in international trade. As globalization and mobility and communications are bring the world ever closer together, ever more urgent is the need for global citizens to be competent in other languages. The United States is the only industrialized country that routinely graduates students from high school who lack knowledge of a foreign language. Whereas 52.7% of Europeans are fluent in both their native tongue and at least one other language, only 9.3% of Americans are fluent in both their native tongue and another language. This

statistic does not bode well for the future of America in a global society. The upward trend in language learning must accelerate if the U.S. is to continue to be a major participant on the international stage. Reasons for learning English By:Mike B. Date: 20 March 2005 I think many, if not most, people learn English to better their job prospects. I read somewhere about the number of people who study/speak English as a second or foreign language, and although I can't recall the number it was staggeringly high. My point was that speaking fluently is the goal, not necessarily speaking like a native speaker. A foreign speaker of any language usually has an accent, and has a somewhat simpler vocabulary, less synonyms: for example a non-native speaker will go for a walk, while a native speaker might also take a stroll, etc. For the great majority of people I have taught or met (hundreds over the past 10 years) the finer points of English are surplus to their needs. As they are to many native speakers, as well. A good non-native teacher is better than a bad native speaker teacher, and for many students possibly as good as a good one. Of course a bad non-native teacher is worse than a bad native speaker teacher, in that the native speaker offers something just because he or she is usually fluent enough in English to provide some language input, even though it may be boring. There are a great number of reasons an individual may want to consider learning English as a second language, to benefit our life. The most obvious of these reasons is to benefit monetarily. Other reasons include convenience, for a challenge, and for travel. Three of the most prominent reasons that learning English will help you financially include the following. 1. Learning English gives you the Ability to Do Business Overseas and In Other Countries - English is the language of business, and even if the country you are looking to do business with does not speak English as a primary language, it can be a good half-way point for both sides to communicate without a translator. Learning English gives you the ability to do business with other countries, and in areas you previously would have never been able to reach. 2. Learning English Makes You a More Valuable Hire - Learning English immediately makes you more valuable in every job interview. This is because knowing the language opens you up to opportunities for which other

candidates for the position may not be suitable. In fact, knowing English may even make you eligible for positions for which you would not otherwise qualify. Potential employers will see your ability to speak English as an asset in communication at meetings, in telephone conferences, and in international business. 3. Learning English is Great for Market Study - Learning English also means that you will be able to better understand what it is that English-speaking countries are seeking. It will allow you to be aware of trends and jump on them before these trends become apparent around the world. Learning English is great for marketing, and combining a previous marketing knowledge with fluency in English makes you immediately more valuable to potential employers, companies and as a consultant. Learning English may be one of the best choices you ever make with regards to business. The easiest way for you to accomplish this is to utilize our specially designed English grammar check software. Not only does that cost considerably less than a class at the local community college, but it also allows you to learn at your own pace. Please check out the following links for more information. Many people, when faced with the prospect of having to study English, take on the attitude that most people have when required to do something: they act resigned and sometimes, even rebellious. However, you should understand that in order to really excel at something, you need to have a passion for it. If you truly want to improve your English, it is necessary for you to see the fun side. Learning English isnt just about serious business. It also opens up your world to a lot of different fun activities. One of the biggest reasons people today wish to learn English is that they want to meet people from all over the world through the Internet. Through English, you will be able to talk to different people and see the world through their eyes. You will be able to hear a number of interesting stories and connect with the world in a way you may never have thought possible. The most popular movies today are made in the English language. By learning English, you will be able to better understand the plot of a movie without having the meaning lost in translation. This means you will enjoy a

Hollywood film in the manner that the writer and director meant for you to enjoy it. You will no longer have to listen to dubbed voices or squint at captions at the bottom of screens. Learning English will also allow you to better appreciate word games, riddles and puns. You will be able to appreciate why people find Scrabble to be so much fun, and why talk show hosts get so many laughs. Some of the most talented and wittiest people in the world communicate their ideas through the English language, and you can only truly appreciate just how great they are if you learn the language and understand them yourself.

Theres no denying that English exists in a number of varieties with no one type necessarily more valid than any other. But where you choose to learn it can make a big difference to your chances of success. The reasons for language learning are many - better career opportunities, personal development, the chance to travel or to achieve world class qualifications. Learning in an English speaking environment is crucial but so are other aspects. The mix of nationalities, choice of location and type of school, cultural factors, opportunities to study further qualifications or subjects alongside English and, of course, the quality of the learning experience are all significant factors. Learning English in the UK allows students to benefit from all of these in abundance. More than 600,000 people come to the UK every year to learn English. Some come for a few weeks in the summer; others to spend a number of months improving their language skills whilst working and some to start a programme which will lead from English study to A levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at UK universities. It is not unknown for students to have a 7-year strategy which they will achieve before returning home to bright career prospects. English UK members a nearly 400 throughout Britain and Northern Ireland a welcome students from over 70 different countries, from Brazil to Japan, Morocco to Uzbekistan and all points in between. The resulting mix in nationalities means not only that learners practise English communication skills inside and outside the classroom but also that friendships are made with fellow students from across the world.

In todays world it is arguably more probable that English is needed to communicate with other non-native speakers of English rather than with native speakers. Take a company in Berlin doing business with a firm based in Sao Paolo a the likelihood is that the language used is neither German nor Portuguese but English. Sharing a class with students from a number of different countries gives rise not only to international contacts but also valuable insights into the language issues of other nationalities. It is probable that the greatest number of nationalities can be found studying English in the UK than anywhere else in the world. This cultural aspect is reinforced by the UKs heritage and its proximity to continental Europe. The country which gave English to the world provides a wonderful backdrop to language learning through its history and customs. Not just the classic attractions of Buckingham Palace and Stonehenge, but Londons theatres, the Edinburgh Festival and the wonderful variety of the countrys pubs with an atmosphere unique to the UK. All provide exceptional opportunities to experience the culture and living language of English. And when youve experienced something of what Britain has to offer, Paris, Madrid and Rome are easily accessible. Where else in the world offers such diversity on your doorstep? Of course major cities such as London and Edinburgh are not favoured by all students. For many the attraction of the UK is that you can choose the surroundings that suit you best. The vibrant south coast of England is a mecca to many thousands during the summer months and the university cities of Oxford and Cambridge ring with the sounds of language learners all through the year. But what about the Lake District, Wales or Northern Ireland where the University of Ulster is the fourth largest university in the UK? Dracula country in the seaside town of Whitby might be your thing, close to the Yorkshire moors that were home to the Bronte sisters. Or elegant Bath with its world-famous Roman spa. Whatever you are looking for, you can be sure to find it a with an accredited language school, university or college nearby. Choice should not be restricted to location, of course. Alongside English study, many learners choose to study other subjects of interest. Floristry is very popular with Japanese students, golf attracts many Scandinavians and third age students, whilst courses in whisky tasting have an almost universal appeal! For longer-term students the opportunity to study towards a qualification in vocational subjects such as fashion design, broadcasting or business can add to

the CV at the same time as learning the language. Work experience is increasingly common in many of these areas. Add this to the number of schools which offer English for specific purposes such as medicine, law and journalism and the range of possibilities is great indeed. Perhaps the most crucial part of choosing any course is to have the reassurance that you will receive a quality experience. Language learners are typically categorised in marketing terms as highly motivated go-getters focussed on achievement. Investments of both time and money are often significant and a successful outcome is expected. But choosing a language school from the hundreds on offer via the internet can become something of a lottery for the unaware. The better informed know to look for an institution which is accredited under the English in Britain Accreditation Scheme (EiBAS) and which carries the marque Accredited by the British Council. All English UK members are accredited in this way. Accreditation offers a guarantee of quality but even so, many potential students are unaware of what it actually means. When they hear that all accredited schools, colleges and universities are inspected specifically for English language courses by the British Council, they are more confident. Add to this the fact that under EiBAS almost every teacher in every school is individually observed in the classroom a by no means all accreditation schemes around the world can boast this a and that the inspection includes not only teaching but accommodation, welfare and social programmes as well as all the marketing information, then students know that they can rely on a quality experience in the UK. If you are serious about learning English, first consider your reasons, motivation and expectations.

Why should I learn a language?

Learning a foreign language takes time and dedication. The reasons below may help to convince you to take the plunge, if such persuasion is needed. Some reasons are practical, some aspirational, some intellectual and others sentimental, but whatever your reasons, having a clear idea of why you're learning a language can help to motivate you in your studies.

Kolik jazyk zn, tolikrt jsi lovkem. You live a new life for every new language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once. (Czech proverb) Emigration When you move to a different country or region, learning the local language will help you to communicate and integrate with the local community. Even if many of the locals speak your language, for example if your L1 is English and you move to the Netherlands, it's still worth your while learning the local language. Doing so will demonstrate your interest in and commitment to the new country. Family and friends If your partner, in-laws, relatives or friends speak a different language, learning that language will help you to communicate with them. It will also give you a better understanding of their culture and way of thinking. Work The 3rd reason is if we work involves regular contact with speakers of English language, being able to talk to them in their own languages will help us to communicate with them. It may also help us to make sales and to negotiate and secure contracts. Knowledge of English language may also increase us chances of finding a new job, getting a promotion or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips. Many English-speaking business people don't bother to learn other languages because they believe that most of the people they do business with in foreign countries can speak English, and if they don't speak English, interpreters can be used. The lack of foreign language knowledge puts the English speakers at a disadvantage. In meetings for example, the people on the other side can discuss things amongst themselves in their own language without the English speakers understanding, and using interpreters slows everything down. In any socialising after the meetings, the locals will probably feel more comfortable using their own language rather than English. Study or research You may find that information about subjects you're interested in is published mainly in a foreign language. Learning that language will give you access to the material and enable you to communicate with fellow students and researchers in the field.

Language is the archives of history. (Ralph Waldo Emerson) Travel Many English speakers seem to believe that wherever you go on holiday you can get by speaking English, so there's no point in learning any other languages. If people don't understand you all you have to do is speak slowly and turn up the volume. You can more or less get away with this, as long as you stick to popular tourist resorts and hotels where you can usually find someone who speaks English. However, if you want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the local language is necessary. A basic ability in a foreign language will help you to 'get by', i.e. to order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc. If you have a more advanced knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the people you meet, which can be very interesting and will add a new dimension to your holiday. Die Grenzen meiner Sprache bedeuten die Grenzen meiner Welt. The limits of my language are the limits of my universe. (Ludwig Wittgenstein) Many English speakers seem to believe that wherever we go on holiday we can get by speaking English, as long as we stick to popular tourist resorts and hotels where we can usually find someone who speaks English. However, if we want to venture beyond such places, to get to know the locals, to read signs, menus, etc, knowing the English language is necessary. The third reason is if we work involves regular contact with speakers of English language, being able to talk to them in their own languages will help us to communicate with them. It may also help us to make sales and to negotiate and secure contracts. Knowledge of English language may also increase us chances of finding a new job, getting a promotion or a transfer overseas, or of going on foreign business trips. There are a great number of reasons an individual may want to consider learning English as a second language, to benefit our life. Studying abroad

If you plan to study at a foreign university, college or school, you'll need an good knowledge of the local language, unless the course you want to study is taught through the medium of your L1. Your institution will probably provide preparatory courses to improve your language skills and continuing support throughout your main course. Secret communication If you and some of your relatives, friends or colleagues speak a language that few people understand, you can talk freely in public without fear of anyone eavesdropping, and/or you can keep any written material secret. Speakers of such Native American languages as Navajo, Choctaw and Cheyenne served as radio operators, know as Code Talkers, to keep communications secret during both World Wars. Welsh speakers played a similar role during the Bosnian War. Required course You may be required to study a particular language at school, college or university. Getting in touch with your roots If your family spoke a particular language in the past you might want to learn it and possibly teach it to your children. It could also be useful if you are research your family tree and some of the documents you find are written in a language foreign to you. Revitalising or reviving your language If you speak an endangered language, or your parents or grandparents do/did, learning that language and passing it on to your children could help to revitalise or revive it. Culture Maybe you're interested in the literature, poetry, films, TV programs, music or some other aspect of the culture of people who speak a particular language and want to learn their language in order to gain a better understanding of their culture. Most people in the world are multilingual, and everybody could be; no one is rigorously excluded from another's language community except through lack of time and effort. Different languages protect and nourish the growth of different cultures, where different pathways of human knowledge can be

discovered. They certainly make life richer for those who know more than one of them. (Nicholas Ostler, Empires of the Word) Religion Missionaries and other religious types learn languages in order to spread their message. In fact, missionairies have played a major role in documenting and devising writing systems for many languages. Others learn the language(s) in which the scriptures/holy books of their religion were originally written to gain a better understanding of them. For example, Christians might learn Hebrew, Aramaic and Biblical Greek; Muslims might learn Classical Arabic, and Buddhists might learn Sanskrit. Food Perhaps you enjoy the food and/or drink of a particular country or region and make regular trips there, or the recipe books you want to use are only available in a foreign language Linguistic interest Maybe you're interested in linguistic aspects of a particular language and decide to learn it in order to understand them better. Challenging yourself Maybe you enjoy the challenge of learning foreign languages or of learning a particularly difficult language. Sounds/looks good to me Perhaps you just like the sound of a particular language when it's spoken or sung. Or you find the written form of a language attractive. If you like singing, learning songs in other languages can be interesting, challenging and enjoyable. One language is never enough! If like me you're a bit of a linguaphile / glossophile / linguaholic or whatever you call someone who is fascinated by languages and enjoys learning them, then one language is never enough.

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. (Nelson Mandela) Your reasons If you have comments on the above or have other reasons for learning a foreign language, let me know. To better understand our thought processes (from Judah Kay) All of our thought processes are conducted in language, so really our entire existence or essense or soul, however we phrase it, is inextricably bound up to and with the languages we speak. Try to think without language for instance. However, we see that the language is in essence superficial, since many languages exist. To understand the true roots of our thought processes, the real nature of the human soul, a knowledge of several languages may be necessary. To become someone else (from Janet Gil) As a teen, I wished I were someone else. Learning Spanish let me be part of my best friend's family and have friends in college from South America whom I may not have met had I not had such an interest in learning Spanish. I liked myself with these other people more than I liked my American self (if that makes sense). I have known of people who learned another language at age 19 and above who now speak their second language almost without an accent but speak their first language with an accent! To understand your own language and culture better (from Evona York) Sometimes learning a foreign language helps you understand your own language and culture better through comparison, or through the relationship between the foreign language and your mother tongue. For instance, studying Latin in high school taught me an incredible amount of English, because English has so many words that come from the Latin. Same with Greek. Wer fremde Sprachen nicht kennt, wei nichts von seiner eigenen Those who know no foreign language knows nothing of their mother tongue. (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) To keep your mind healthy (from Harvey Schmidt)

Learning a second language has been proven to delay the onset of dementia. To find your future husband/wife (from Rico Suave) Learning a new language and culture increases the size of your selection pool. To better understand the rest of humankind (from Philip Lightfoot) Language is an aspect of humanity, and learning what a fellow human speaks teaches you more about humankind as a whole. The more languages you know, the more you understand our species, and that is beneficial no matter what the situation is. To talk to friends without others understanding (from Elizabeth) If you and some of your friends learn a foreign language, you'll be able to talk to each other without other people having a clue what you're saying. This works best if you choose a language few people study, such as Japanese. To learn songs in other languages (from Michelle Kelleher Tietz) Michelle has been learning Irish and Scottish Gaelic because she likes to sing and has founded an a cappella group that sings in Celtic languages. They sing old work songs, lullabies, etc. This hobby combines her interests in languages, history and story telling. To help people in need (from Nuntawun Yuntadilok) Learning other languages increases our chances of providing help to people who seriously need it, such as those in hit by the tsunami of 2004, many of whom can not communicate in English, especially children. Friendship (from Bill Conwell) My best friend is French and speaks English, Spanish and some German as well. I am trying to learn French to enhance our communication, though he doesn't demand nor expect it. Venting your feelings (from Dick H.) Another reason why one might want to learn a foreign language is to insult/cuss out people without them understanding what you're saying. It

works best if you choose a language few people study. Avoid the Big Two (Spanish and French), because too many of us learned them in high school. And you never know who has a German, Finnish, Italian, or Greek grandmother! To help you understand how other people think (from Orionas) Language influences culture, so learning a language helps you to understand how other people think, and it also helps you to get a general understanding of our world and the many people and cultures that inhabit it. Because I love learning languages (from Cody Warren) My reasons for learning foreign languages is because I just love to do it, it's all the different ways people express themself, and it shows that there really are other people out there (to a teenager who's always stuck at home in a small farm town). Its also a way to learn how people interact and socialize with each other, and how each society works. Also, I like conlanging, and learning different languages help me to understand how things work so i can build conlangs, and vice versa, creating the conlangs help me to understand how all different languages grammars work (Im always a sucker for using a lot of moods, cases, tenses, etc). Learning languages to me, is much more than making myself able to communicate with others. To me it's like getting some nice new surprise and a whole new level of understanding.