For anyone who as ever posed themselves or another the question of 'what for?' when it comes to learning a new language, I have compiled here a collections of reasons and motivations for language learning of a number of University students currently on a language related degree....
"The feeling you get going abroad and understanding what people are saying to you! Being able to order at restaurants or ask directions without anyone's help is amazing!"
"Language learning is fun"
"In the world of Politics, speaking several languages gives you the edge over the rest"
"Understanding the rules of communication like Grammar and conjugation makes us appreciate our Mother Tongue so much more"
"I love Spanish food and culture so knowing the language gave me a greater insight into all that"
"Lots of employers are looking for people with practical skills like languages. If you apply for a job and have extra language abilities, you're a step ahead of the other candidates who don't have those skills!"
"Teaching Language is very rewarding and through a language class the students can learn culture, politics, science, literature...anything really!"
"Language makes travel so much easier!"
"the learning and preservation of language is so important as it promotes intercultural understanding and cohesion"
"French is such a sexy language. I could listen to people speak it for hours!"
"Knowing the target language allows me to appreciate works of art such as books and plays in the original language rather than risk losing some of the value of the work through translation"
"Interpretation and Translation jobs are well paid and allow you to travel all across Europe and the world"
"Learning language is like learning to break a code. Its exciting, thrilling and very challenging"
"It's so rewarding to see one's own progress in the early stages of language learning. It makes one feel confident and ready to tackle the challenges ahead"
"Language is interesting because it is always changing, just like mankind"
"If I learn french I can go live in France one day, or have a second home there"
"Studying language is fun because its like picking up a habit more that studying. In stead of having to pore over books all day and night you can learn it by watching TV or listening to music or even having coffee with friends, as long as it's in the language! What better way is there to study?"
"When you graduate with a Language degree you actually have a real, practical skill that you can put on your CV"
"As English is being spoken more and more around the world, its important that we can also appreciate other languages and keep them alive"
"For a career in Fashion, languages are VERY important as I would need to travel and deal with models and designers from all over the world"
"Being able to speak the languages of people across the world can help you meet new people with confidence and make new friends, connections and acquaintances"
"Learning to speak languages like portuguese allow me to go to Brazil and work with the underpriveledged children and people who have no education. My studying the language now can help me educate others in the future"
These are just a few motivations of students already studying languages. What are your motivations? In my experience, the clearer the motivation, the clearer the process and the better the result. Why not jot down a few reasons for learning a language on a piece of paper and stick it on a wall or book that you can see, and when lacking in motivation, take a look at it and maybe even say it out loud to yourself. Whatever the case, and whatever the motivation, it is imperative to keep it high throughout the language learning process...
