<p>In the globalised economy, the need for employees speaking multiple languages is only growing. As we grow more connected, bilingualism is now perhaps the most worthwhile skill to acquire.</p>.<p>Beyond the linguistic aspects, learning a foreign language is also about studying how to truly communicate and connect with people of other cultures. </p>.<p>Some reasons for learning a foreign language are listed below.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Provides a fresh worldview </strong></p>.<p>Learning a foreign language lets you soak into an entirely new culture and to become open minded. Being open to and understanding a new point of view also helps you become a tolerant individual. In turn, this is valuable when you are working with or managing a cross-cultural team.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Networking across borders</strong></p>.<p>Learning a foreign language is a sure way to form meaningful connections with the people that you meet. Having a language in common helps better express our feelings and communicate ideas. It also could act as a window to new professional opportunities and collaborations, no matter which job role you are in.</p>.<p>Speaking a foreign language also helps break the ice and instantly connect with the locals (including your immediate manager) which is a valuable asset.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>New job opportunities </strong></p>.<p>No one can deny the fact that a foreign language can improve employability. This is because many companies are now doing business abroad and are looking to hire bilinguals who can act as a bridge between the company and workers.</p>.<p>Even while applying for positions in small organisations abroad, the ability to speak a foreign language could set you apart from other applicants. </p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Aids acculturation</strong></p>.<p>Some methods of teaching foreign languages involve learning about different cultures, specifically when the language skills go to an advanced level. </p>.<p>This cultural awareness lets people from different backgrounds and nationalities better get along with each other. Several countries with a high immigration rate face trouble with cultural integration due to the language barrier, which ends up with segregation of cultures. If you immigrate to a new country with the intention of settling down there, then learning the language is non-negotiable.</p>.<p>Learning a new language helps remove barriers and allows for a mutual understanding that could open new doors, leading to a more interesting professional and personal life. </p>.<p><span class="italic"><em>(The author is the co-founder and CEO of an online education company) </em></span></p>
<p>In the globalised economy, the need for employees speaking multiple languages is only growing. As we grow more connected, bilingualism is now perhaps the most worthwhile skill to acquire.</p>.<p>Beyond the linguistic aspects, learning a foreign language is also about studying how to truly communicate and connect with people of other cultures. </p>.<p>Some reasons for learning a foreign language are listed below.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Provides a fresh worldview </strong></p>.<p>Learning a foreign language lets you soak into an entirely new culture and to become open minded. Being open to and understanding a new point of view also helps you become a tolerant individual. In turn, this is valuable when you are working with or managing a cross-cultural team.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Networking across borders</strong></p>.<p>Learning a foreign language is a sure way to form meaningful connections with the people that you meet. Having a language in common helps better express our feelings and communicate ideas. It also could act as a window to new professional opportunities and collaborations, no matter which job role you are in.</p>.<p>Speaking a foreign language also helps break the ice and instantly connect with the locals (including your immediate manager) which is a valuable asset.</p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>New job opportunities </strong></p>.<p>No one can deny the fact that a foreign language can improve employability. This is because many companies are now doing business abroad and are looking to hire bilinguals who can act as a bridge between the company and workers.</p>.<p>Even while applying for positions in small organisations abroad, the ability to speak a foreign language could set you apart from other applicants. </p>.<p class="CrossHead Rag"><strong>Aids acculturation</strong></p>.<p>Some methods of teaching foreign languages involve learning about different cultures, specifically when the language skills go to an advanced level. </p>.<p>This cultural awareness lets people from different backgrounds and nationalities better get along with each other. Several countries with a high immigration rate face trouble with cultural integration due to the language barrier, which ends up with segregation of cultures. If you immigrate to a new country with the intention of settling down there, then learning the language is non-negotiable.</p>.<p>Learning a new language helps remove barriers and allows for a mutual understanding that could open new doors, leading to a more interesting professional and personal life. </p>.<p><span class="italic"><em>(The author is the co-founder and CEO of an online education company) </em></span></p>