You’ve heard all the reasons why some people don’t learn languages, many of these founded on long-held myths and misconceptions. The truth is, in today’s increasingly interconnected and interdependent world, proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that gives you the opportunity to engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way—whether in your neighborhood or thousands of miles away—while better preparing you to compete and succeed in the global economy.
https://www.languageconnectsfoundation.org/connect-with-language/the-benefits-of-learning-languages
- Which of the ideas presented in the article do you agree the most? Why?
- What’s the reason you are learning English? Are any of your reasons mentioned in the article?
- What other language would you like to learn besides English? Why?
- Do you think some languages are easier to learn than others? Which ones, and why?
- How many languages do you think will exist 100 years from now? Which do you predict will be the most dominant, and why?
1.- Which of the ideas presented in the article do you agree with the most? Why?
The idea I agree with the most is that proficiency in other languages is a vital skill that helps individuals engage with the world in a more immediate and meaningful way. In today’s globalized world, language allows us to connect with different cultures, enhances our ability to understand diverse perspectives, and prepares us to navigate and succeed in an interconnected economy.
2.- What’s the reason you are learning English? Are any of your reasons mentioned in the article?
I’m learning English because it is a global language that offers access to vast opportunities in education, work, and communication. This aligns with the article’s mention of learning a language to succeed in the global economy, as English is widely used in international business, technology, and media.
3.- What other language would you like to learn besides English? Why?
Besides English, I would like to learn Spanish. It is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with over 20 countries using it as an official language. It would open up opportunities to travel, work, and engage with millions of people across various cultures.
4.- Do you think some languages are easier to learn than others? Which ones, and why?
Yes, some languages are easier to learn depending on your native language. For example, languages that share common roots or alphabets (such as Spanish, French, or Italian for native English speakers) can be easier to learn because of similarities in vocabulary, sentence structure, and grammar. In contrast, languages like Mandarin or Arabic, which have different writing systems and grammar rules, may be more challenging.
5.- How many languages do you think will exist 100 years from now? Which do you predict will be the most dominant, and why?
In 100 years, I think the number of languages will decrease as some lesser-spoken languages may become extinct due to globalization and the dominance of major languages. I predict that English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi will be the most dominant because they are already widely spoken, have significant cultural and economic influence, and are being promoted through media, education, and technology.
1. Which of the ideas presented in the article do you agree with the most? Why?
I agree most with the idea that learning a second language improves career prospects. In today’s job market, being multilingual can set candidates apart from others. Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can communicate with diverse clients and colleagues, which enhances collaboration in the workplace.
2. What’s the reason you are learning English? Are any of your reasons mentioned in the article?
I am learning English to enhance my career opportunities and connect with a broader range of people. Both of these reasons are mentioned in the article, particularly the benefits of improving career prospects and building deeper connections.
3. What other language would you like to learn besides English? Why?
I would like to learn Italian because it would allow me to explore Italy’s rich cultural heritage more fully and communicate with locals when traveling there.
4. Do you think some languages are easier to learn than others? Which ones, and why?
Yes, I believe some languages are easier to learn, particularly those that share linguistic roots or structures with a person’s native language. For instance, languages like French and Spanish are often considered easier for English speakers due to their shared vocabulary and similar grammatical rules. On the other hand, languages like Japanese or Finnish can be more challenging because of their unique writing systems and grammar, which are quite different from those of English.
5. How many languages do you think will exist 100 years from now? Which do you predict will be the most dominant, and why?
It’s difficult to predict exactly how many languages will exist in the future, but I believe many will continue to decline due to globalization. English is likely to remain one of the most dominant languages due to its widespread use in business, science, and technology. Mandarin Chinese might also grow in importance given China’s rising global influence.
Naomi Oshiro