It has long been a controversy issue why we learn a foreign language. On pragmatists, learning a second language is only out of the purpose to travel and work abroad. Among others, there is more than a fair amount of concern that linguistic learning should benefit people in a more comprehensive way, from both social and cultural aspects.
It is easy to understand why many give priority to travel and work when talking about the issue. Let’s imagine a hypothetical situation in which we visit a strange land with no idea of the local language. Under such circumstance, whenever we try to interact with local inhabitants, the only response will be smirking or swooning expressions in their faces, if not outrage. It makes the same sense to work, especially when someone apply for overseas positions in transnational companies, which usually require the candidates to justify their proficiency in English as a working language.
However, though regarded as the most frequently mentioned reasons, the two points are not justified enough to be crowned as the only motives for learning a second language, when others claim to have more incentives to do so. One of most persuasive reasons nowadays is to study abroad. For those who plan to further study in other countries, to master the local languages of the destinations they are leaving for is undoubtedly the prerequisite before departing. Another blessing worthwhile to emphasize is that acquiring more languages allows for a greater possibility for international communications. With an extra language skill, people are provided more opportunities to interact with others from various cultural backgrounds, which in turn, will enrich individuals’ vision and promote mutual understanding between different nationalities, not to mention the cultural exchange at a national level.
From what has been discussed above, my opinion is that learning a foreign language should not be exclusive to the need of travel or work, as it was traditionally believed. Contemporary world opens more possibilities for the young generations, those who master foreign languages will have more opportunities to embrace better future careers.
