8 Reasons to learn a foreign language

1. It's a rewarding challenge

One of the main reasons the majority of children give up learning a foreign language at the age of 14 is because it is 'too hard.' I can't deny that learning a language is hard, because it is. But when you have your first near fluent conversation, it is worth every second of work you put into learning it. 


2. It's an interesting point of conversation

In my experience of learning German for seven years, and studying it at degree level for two and a half years, if you mention that you study a language, people are instantly impressed and interested. Learning a language to a high level is such a rarity in Britain that people are always interested in why you study it and, annoyingly, always ask you to speak some of the language. When they can't understand it. Pointless, but amusing nonetheless.

3. It looks good on your CV

Graduates take hint: being able to speak another language (French, German, Spanish etc) apparently impresses employers. Probably because it sets you apart from the hundreds of other applicants who are relying on their BA in <insert generic humanities subject> alone to get them a job. Considering that we are in the EU, whatever opinion you have of this, there are countless job opportunities where having a good grasp of a major European language will benefit you immensely. 

4. Travel opportunities

An obvious one, but, if you speak a foreign language it naturally allows you to live more easily in another country. As I've mentioned before, because of our EU membership (how long this will last is another question) you can live and work without any questions asked in tens of other countries. So get learning.

5. Not looking like your stereotypical ignorant Brit

As you're probably aware, us Brits have a bit of a worldwide reputation as being pretty lazy when it comes to learning languages. So, don't be a stereotype and try and learn at least a little of the language of the country you're visiting. In Germany for example, it's practically a given that you can speak basic English. We should return the favour for once. 

6. Feeling intellectually superior

I'm not saying that speaking a language can compete with "I'm a doctor," but being able to speak another language is a hell of a lot more interesting than saying that you did a BA in English and now work in an office.

7. Doing a year abroad

Studying a language is hard, so it's only fair that you get a year to 'improve your language skills' in a country where your chosen language is chosen. Essentially it's a year to travel, make amazing new friends and experience you just wouldn't sat in lectures and seminars. Now how does that not sound appealing?

8. Erasmus Grant
Need I say more? Money to study or work abroad that you don't have to pay back. Cheers EU. 

How to be German- Part 2: Language and Body Language

As promised, here is part zwei of my guide on how to appear German as a foreigner. Now that I've hit my fourteenth week in Germany, I feel like I've observed more than enough 'real life' Germans now to know how they act. 

Language

 If in doubt, always reply with 'ach so,' 'genau' or 'krass.'
When agreeing with something, you can't go wrong with genau. When expressing surprise or shock, use ach so or krass. All the Deutsch vocabulary you will ever need.

 Speak really quickly or mumble, depending on your gender
German women speak really, really quickly. Sometimes so quickly that I cannot understand a word. And men, just mumble and say 'junge' and 'alter' a lot. Sure fire way to convince Germans you are one of them. 

 Insert random English swear words into your sentences
Fuck is definitely the swear word of choice in Germany. I've heard a woman use it when she got caught without a ticket on the train, heard my housemates use 'what the fuck' in the middle of sentences, and I've even heard ten year olds at school using the f word. Clearly it's another case of using an English word because it sounds cool, without knowing what it really means. 

Body Language

Stare and shake hands
The only advice you need. Stare at anyone and everyone, even for no reason. Oh and when you meet or are introduced anybody, even if it's only for a few seconds. Don't even think about going in for a cheeky kiss on the cheek. At least not until you've met the person a few times. And even then, it's not particularly normal. 

Next time it's part 3: FOOD