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2006-07-05 07:58:11 · 14 answers · asked by andy17mex 2 in Society & Culture Languages

14 answers

yes, being multilingual is a plus.

2006-07-05 08:02:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

It's an incredible skill to have, and it can give you lots of incredible experiences that you couldn't possibly have if you didn't speak a second language. But the truth is, if you're an American it really isn't that important. It's not really fair to most other people in the world, where learning English is a must, but it's the truth.

I have a bachelor's degree in Spanish and speak it fluently. Even though I live on the US-Mex border (approx 70% of the population in my city speak Spanish) and sometimes get to use it for my job (I'm an accountant), I could live where I do just as easily and be just as successful at my job if I didn't speak of word of Spanish. I've been able to travel and make friends all over Spain and Latin America, and I've made lots of good friends in these countries whom I still stay in contact with today, but speaking another language is more of a hobby than a neccessary skill. I'm learning French now (it's very easy to learn another foreign language after your first), but it's because it's something I enjoy doing not because I have to.

I would encourage everyone to learn a foreign language, but if it really is something that is difficult for you and you don't like it, don't waste your time. Find something that you do like, and be the best you can be at that.

2006-07-05 08:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by NM505 3 · 0 0

Well it depends. If you will use this second language then yes, but other wise what is the point. I know some people just like learning them, but they never use them. If you want to learn another language then pick one you could use from time to time.

I am learning Arabic right now and English is my first language. I recently moved to Egypt and so I have to learn. Plus I would really enjoy talking to my mother in law and others in the family without having to have one of them that knows English to translate. Most important though I would like to be able to read the Quran in its original language. Having to read a translation is not always best.

Are you learning a second language?

2006-07-05 08:06:32 · answer #3 · answered by Umm Ali 6 · 0 0

Absolutely! If you are an English-only speaking American, you're really missing quite a few opportunities to learn about other cultures. I lived in Europe for 3-1/2 years and learned to speak read and write German. No I don't speak impeccably perfect German. I made, and still make, many grammatical errors, but I was able to travel, have meaningful conversations about many different subjects. The best part was understanding and being able to tell good jokes. When I run into German-speaking tourists, I'm able to offer them good tips on where to stay, eat, avoid, and in general, be a positive experience of America, even though they usually speak better English than most Americans.
Currently, I'm working on improving my Spanish. It's my feeling that there's a tremendous need to communicate clearly within and between cultures on this planet, and if I'm capable of reaching out and speaking another language other than my native tongue, and I don't, I'm wasting a wonderful opportunity to be a positive force on this planet.
The fact that I am bilingual doesn't make me a better or smarter person, it offers me the opportunity to become a more informed, compassionate being.

2006-07-05 08:19:15 · answer #4 · answered by rosiesbridge 3 · 0 0

Absolutely! The majority of people in the world know at least 2 languages, or at least different dialects of the same language. The question is which language to learn. If you want to do big things in the world of business, learn Spanish or Mandarin. Otherwise, just pick one that interests you and go for it!

2006-07-05 08:10:30 · answer #5 · answered by eslteacher 1 · 0 0

I think it isn't necessarily "important" per say. If you deal with people who speak other languages or live in an area where a language other than english is prominent then it might be important and a sign of respect to speak to them in their own language. I have only limited Spanish language skills, but wish i could be better at it.

2006-07-05 08:33:11 · answer #6 · answered by nym_psuedo 1 · 0 0

I think it's very beneficial... I'm lucky to grow up knowing 2 languages.. english and spanish... And would love to learn a new language.

2006-07-05 08:04:32 · answer #7 · answered by qbanita0113 4 · 0 0

in my opinion, I take Spanish. i imagine that is style of less difficult to study than French and lots less difficult to study than German. there are an excellent style of cognates (words that sound and/or are spelled further to English words) in Spanish and the prospect of having the flexibility to apply your Spanish skills is larger than ever. one in all my instructors who graduated from college in simple terms many years in the past spent a year in Denver serving in Americorps education English to Mexican immigrants and assisting them discover jobs, housing, etc. The subculture of a language might want to also be a ingredient on your decision, although. when you're truly attracted to French/eu subculture, then by using all skill, take French. some people do not comprehend that studying about the subculture is a tremendous area of studying a language. desire this enables!

2016-10-14 03:50:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

hell yah...hey im a 14 yr old guy..i'm fluent in Spanish, English and im learning French....idk y im learning a 3rd language tho, wait....i dont even know why i learned a 2nd language..lmao..anyways its cool.

2006-07-05 08:03:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Yes it will make ur mind sharper plus it comes in handy. Right now I am learning arabic so that it would make my quran memorization easier. And i also know bengali because its my mother tongue. And i also know english ( which is obvious).

2006-07-05 08:41:20 · answer #10 · answered by bushra r 3 · 0 0

It's the difference between seeing with one eye and seeing with two eyes. Your perspective on things is a bit broader, your understanding a bit deeper.

2006-07-05 08:30:45 · answer #11 · answered by kanajlo 5 · 0 0

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