Picking back up from where I left off Tuesday, here are some reasons – a few noble and patriotic, a few personal and fun – to learn another language:

1. Get ready for the future. Expand your knowledge of other countries and cultures by learning a language. The rest of the world is expanding in influence and wealth. Help your country and community be a part of it.
2. Improve your mind. Studying another language can improve your skills in analysis and interpretation, not to mention improving your vocabulary.
3. Make yourself indispensable. Businesses are increasingly multinational.  Recognize the opportunity, learn another language, and be more “marketable” in any career.
4. Pack your bags and travel the world. See the world the way it’s meant to be seen, be as close to a “native” as possible. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that wherever you go, the people will speak English. Even if that’s true, show your respect for their culture by learning their language. Be an honorable ambassador for our country.
5. Learn about your family. Most American families came from somewhere else. Learn about your ancestors, their history, their religion, their customs, their cuisine, their music, their stories, in your family’s original language.

The best way to learn another language is to start early. The earlier the better. But don’t despair if you’re older. Learning another language is great brain exercise. Just don’t be discouraged if your kids or grandkids are much faster learners than you are!

For the first part of my Importance of Language post, click here.