is Foreign language useless when don't even meet the people?

Question

Hello, i've been learning a language since college. after graduation i still study it from time to time.. im forgetting some i haven't seriously studied in some time now but i still have it. And i plan to review it again and learn more vocabs. But i ask myself , if i never meet the people of that country, never see them, never run into them, so what's the point? Like in highschool i studied french, but there is no french people anywhere so if i was still good, i could never use it. the language now is japanese, and i neeeeever meet these people. in fact ESL students meet more japanese than i would ever, cause they are with them in classes,. . so, is there benefits for me to keep studying if i'm never using it with other people, and i'm never going plan on traveling to countries where it is used? Perhaps at least something in my brain would improve? to be smarter in general? idon't know. help

Answer 1

In addition to learning to talk to native speakers of the language, studying a foreign language can also help you increase your English vocabulary (especially if you study a language like French from which we have borrowed so many words) and improve your English grammar. It also generally makes you more open-minded.

But here's another benefit of foreign language study that hasn't been mentioned: it protects you from Alzheimer's and dementia in old age. That's right! Studies have shown that elderly people who speak more than one language are less likely to develop Alzheimer's. In fact, bilingualism appears to protect the brain from neurological problems resulting in dementia as well. Furthermore, elderly people who continue to learn new things, and especially those who study a foreign language, have a better memory than those who don't. I suppose it's the "use it or lose it" factor. If you keep learning, your brain keeps building neurological connections. If you don't, the old ones fade without being replaced by new ones.

So don't give up your foreign language studies! Try to find a local group such as the Alliance Française where you can speak with native Francophones and others who, like you, are interested in improving their grasp of the language. I'm sure there are native Japanese speakers around your area somewhere, as well! You might even consider exchanging English lessons to Japanese students of ESL in exchange for Japanese lessons. I'm sure there would be plenty who would jump at the chance!

Answer 2

Interesting. Well, when I study a language, it means I want to visit the country one day and learn about the culture first hand. Are you sure you'll never go to japan (this is one of my dreams, but I should first learn the language a little bit)?

Maybe one day you'll be able to go there, you know. Maybe you can find a program (through the internet) which would help you find "penpals" there. You write in both languages, and learn about the other culture. Maybe it will make you want to go there.

Answer 3

Absolutely no longer vain! The least you'll get is peers of an extra tradition which constantly support us be larger humans due to the fact we realise different features of perspectives. Interpreter for a sort of firms (executive, individual firms, record translator...).You will also receives a commission further in a few jobs only for the truth that you understand yet another language, allow on my own multiple. Work from dwelling simply translating for special firms whilst. I simply talk one further language and regardless of wherein I move I constantly receives a commission further for that...Are you kidding me? You have a well skillability there! Good for you!

Answer 4

Of course learning a foreign language brings good to you and your mind. I'm french with english as 3rd language, and as you learned french, you'll perfectly understand the following example.

Never wondered what is the consequence that in english you say 'you' and that in french you have 2 words meaning 'you' (tu & vous). Try to answer it yourself and you'll understand that there's much more beyond learning a foreign language than just communicating with foreign people.

And it helps yourself to have a better understanding of your own language !! If you do some ethymology of english words, you'd be surprised to discover so many things coming from so many different languages.... and there are so many english words that are entering in the french language now ... it's really benefic for me to know english language.

Answer 5

Any foreign language that you learn opens up a new world before your eyes. Even if you don't travel to the countries or meet people whose language you've learned, just reading websites or publications gives you a different view of how people in different cultures percieve their reality. The hardest part is that when you don't practice a learned language, it is easy to forget.

Answer 6

I HATED learning French at school, but despite never leaving Ireland, met a French girl, settled down, had bilingual kids, and became fluent myself. I now LOVE speaking French, love the sublety of the language, so you just never know. To be able to express yourself in another language in a way that is not even possible in your own language is a magical thing!

Answer 7

Learning another language is valuable. It will help your mind create links and help your understanding of world language, culture and history, just to name a few. To me, it's all like a huge puzzle. I find languages fascinating. Don't give it up. You obviously have the same passion, or else, you would have dropped it by now. Don't let this petty frustration get you down. You'll be over it soon. Kampai!

Answer 8

It helps you understand the English language more and how our words were derived. It also helps you to understand another culture other than your own and to expand your knowledge. It also shows that you have the ability to learn something you have never heard anything about before studying.

Answer 9

no, because you never know when you can meet someone speaking that language. i don't meet very often English speaking ppl, but if i didn't known English, i wouldn't be able to answer questions or read Shakespeare, Faulkner in English. and Internet wouldn't be that interesting. not to speak of listening to The Pogues, B. Dylan or Red Hot Chili Peppers. last, but not least i wouldn't be able to travel all around the world without haveing to know e.g. Hungarian, Spanish...

Answer 10

its not useless because you can meet a person from that origin later in life. like me i had that same problem when i was younger. i thought no one knew the language that i can speak ( i speak 2 languages) but when me and my dad went to a differnt state there was soooo many people that spoke that language. so it is good that you know more than one language.