What is the real benefit of studying a foreign language?

Question

I was thinking about studying french to go with my politics and history degree at uni. now, english has become the one and only truly global language and i can't see any benefit from studyng french as i don't see myself settling down in the country but perhaps it might impress future employers.

Answer 1

think of it this way... the world is a palatial mansion. Only ever speaking one language is like only ever using one room in the entire mansion. Silly, huh?!

Speaking even just one more language can open up so many doors that you may not even be able to predict now. It is something that can be learnt and taken with you to every situation you encounter, and every corner of the globe you go.

It will be impressive to potential employers, and not just because they might need you to use the language. Employers like to see evidence that you can stick to goals, that you don't give up half way through things, that you have determination, and that you DO have a life outside your employment! I would definitely recommend it.

Good Luck with whatever studies you choose to do!

Answer 2

Having the ability to speak another foreign language is a very powerful tool. Believe it or not, once you are proficient in a second language, learning another language (or more) is easier. Growing up, I knew how to speak English, Spanish, Japanese, Latin, and a little Mandarin.

When I was in high school, I picked up French with no problems at all (I finished an equivalent of 6 years of high school french in 3 years). In college, I studied Portugese, Italian and German with no problems at all. Now, I am a University professor, and I whenever I am invited to speak at international conferences or universities, I am able to speak in the native language (even though English is the official language for the conferences), and travel the local scene without looking (or sounding) like a tourist (ie. target). I can work basically anywhere in the world, and teach at any University.

And believe it or not, not ALL countries speak english. In Italy, for example, even the major cities (like Rome, Florence, or Venice) do not use english. Only the hotel concierge knew english. In France, lots of folks know english, but do not speak it. So, you can speak to them in english, and they'll talk to you in french (usually with insults of some kind). In Germany, english was only spoken in the Universities, and even there many spoke in german. Switzerland is another example. And these are just a few examples (you get the idea).

In the hotel business, it is a huge PLUS to be fluent in at least another language. Even in the US, knowing another language gives you an advantage and makes a difference with getting either a normal front desk position vs being the Special Groups liaison and taking care of VIPs coming into the hotels. My wife is a lawyer (corporate and immigration) is also fluent in the same languages (we took them together), and she is a major consultant for the biggest companies all over the world.

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Wait!!! Why is knowing another language suddenly a fault? Listen, if you think every corner in the world speaks English, think again. I live in NYC and I know that there are more languages, other than ENGLISH, spoken only in this one city. Knowing a language is a boon, learning one is a gift. Take it and learn a language. Ur studying to be a historian or a politician- don't be ignorant and know only one language. Study something that will enable you to communicate with a large mass of people. It will not only impress your employers, it will help you in your career if you want to go places.

Answer 4

Contrary to popular belief English isn't the only language spoken around the world. French is not just spoken in France, most of the world that does not speak English, speak French, so it does come in handy.

To speak to your future employers, it might be better to learn Chinese, Japanese, Russian or Arabic.

To speak to your future employees (or your workmates), learn any eastern European language.

Answer 5

It's certainly more "use" than politics and history :-) Ask yourself what are you studying FOR? If you are really serious about history, for example, you need Latin. If you love French culture, or want to be in business and export to French-speaking places, then you need to be fluent in French. One advantage of learning a foreign language is to learn how people of another culture really think. To give a simple example: When someone dies, English speaking people like to say "went" or "gone west" or "kicked the bucket" - it shows that we are squeamish about death. Greek speakers say "died" (pethane) straight. Greeks tend to be honest and direct and it shows in their language.

Answer 6

Don't. Study economy! I have a degree in Japanese and Chinese and now I have to study law ,at university again, because I cannot find a job. I can speak 5 languages and this doesn't help.

Answer 7

Not all countries speak English. If you speak English and French, then you will have no difficulty in 3/4 of the world.

Answer 8

If yu plan to enter into ciy finacial industries then a foreign language would be good but French probably wont help, try Mandarin, Japanese, German or Arabic, they will serve you better in the long run.

Answer 9

There are a lot of jobs where you don't get compensated for speaking another language, even if you use it.
You can always do it for leisure later on, if you really love a foreign country you have visited - you'd probably enjoy it more that way.

Answer 10

The purpose of learning a foreign language is to be able to communicate effectively with its speakers. As you still have some considerable work to do on your English, I should concentrate on that pro tem.