describe how would you benefit directly and indirectly from another language and culture?

Answer 1

Our use of language affects our understanding of concepts, because most people think in terms of language and words. Not all concepts are avilable in any given language. So, by knowing a different language, you expand your available concepts.

Knowing and learing about other cultures also provides new perspectives and ways of looking at the world.

Answer 2

You would understand more the other culture's tradition etc. and be able to learn things from them about their culture. Or, especially in the US, knowing another language could make the difference in conflicts in jobs, the government, or just daily life.

Answer 3

I think that you cannot totally understand a culture without speaking the language. For myself, I know that I think differently depending on the language that I am speaking. If we learn to understand cultures, we can understand more about diversity and the world around us.

In addition to the above, being fluent in a second, third, fourth languages opens up many opportunities for a person. You would be able to work for foreign governments, or in your country's embassy in other countries. International corporations my look for people who can speak foreign languages. In my country, Canada, you must be able to speak French and English in order to work for the federal government.

I also think that speaking more than one language allows you to meet more people. If you don't speak someone's language, it can be difficult for you to befriend them.

Finally, you can read many of the great works of literature in their original language.