If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.
‒Nelson Mandela
One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.
‒Frank Smith
These are 2 perfect examples as to why you should be learning languages rather than Maths. (Yes, Maths - I'm British, give me a break).
I, for one, speak 5 different languages. English (native), French (fluently), Spanish (fluently), Italian (can hold conversation) and Portuguese (learning).
As the Frank Smith quote indicates, you open a hell lot more doors learning 2 or more languages than you do by taking a Maths degree, or a Law degree, or a Geography degree. If I wanted to get a job as a waiter/chef/barman in Spain, I could; if I wanted to get a job as a teacher/academic/lecturer in France, I could; if I wanted to become a tourist guide in Italy, I could. These are obviously quite basic jobs I'm listing, but you should get the point.
Also, for me at least, learning languages is enjoyable. I remember sitting in my A Level Maths class wondering 'When is this shit going to be over', because I just couldn't/wouldn't understand it. It was a mess to me, it went in one ear and straight out the other.
However when I was in my Spanish class, I was participating to my fullest extent ... I was enjoying the lessons, I wanted to stay and learn more, I wanted to interact with people in the street, etc ...
As a matter of fact, only last week I was walking towards Victoria Station in London, and this nice chap asked me for directions. I heard his thick Spanish accent and gave it all in Spanish. I walked off chuffed (really happy) as he said "I never thought a Brit would speak Spanish so well".
See guys! I hope you enjoyed this take ... I hope it makes you think about learning languages! GO LEARN AS MANY AS YOU CAN!
--- JohnBhoy
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