"... [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
Any person may think that each invidual around the world speaks English. Well, we need to ponder on this a bit because according to the CIA World Fact Book, only 5.6 % of the total population of the world speaks English as a primary language. That number doubles when people who use English as a second are counted. By conservative estimates, that means that well over four-fifths of the world's population does not speak English and a large percentage of the world's population doesn't. This give is an overview that even it has been a great trend and has been a must to some countries to study English language, a large number of people still opt not to learn this language for some reasons.
Indeed, English has been known as a global lingua franca over the past several decades; this fact,should have given you a little effect on persuading your decision to learn a foreign language. The attitude that only English is enough, creates self-imposed limitations or boundaries to which your growth and opportunities stand. To remain just monolingual hinders your educational development, restricts your communication and thinking abilities, and deprives yourself the ability to fully appreciate and understands the world in where you live. Learning another language opens up new opportunities and gives you perspectives that you might never have encountered.Otherwise, gives you personal, professional, social, and economic considerations or all point to the advantages of learning foreign languages. A lot of countries which are stable in their industry and still growing are countries who have established a good communication to its people. Joining their industry entails understanding their culture and people. And learning their language is a prerequisite on these steps of understanding them . Some of these countries are Japan and Korea, most of their people don't speak English. It's indeed true that work and culture go hand in hand. And by understanding the culture of any countries you'll take a key to open that venue-Learning their language.
It's a fact that 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 being barred. What's the relevance? In a world where nations and people are ever more dependent upon on another in supplying goods and services, solving political disputes, and ensuring international security and understanding other cultures are given importance; the key to all of these is a language which give you a bridge to them. A language that is known to all of them and have been a part of them. Lack of intercultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust and misunderstandings, 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. tongue and another language.
Career path is easy for those people who have started taking a step on learning other languages. It may need an effort, money and time but the effect is rewarding since it gives you opportunities. Opportunities which only knock to those people who understand their goals.
Have you asked yourself how of many countries who have strong workforce need you, but you couldn't reach them because of the worries that they may not understand you ; In Japan, Korea or Russia perhaps? Have you tried to ponder how many of these stable countries speak English? Have you tried to think of getting good career with these English Speaking countries but just worried about the competition? Or Have you asked,what if I'll choose Japan orKorea to start with? Would you have a better way ahead?