Why should you?

Many people think that knowing English is sufficient. I disagree and some reasons to learn a new language are:

• Capacity to understand and communicate with people from different backgrounds.
• Potential plus when being considered for promotions in a company.
• To use for work.
• To travel to or live in a foreign country.
• To use in negotiations.

If you work in the international scene every language becomes a major plus. I have worked in business and used German, English, Spanish and French over extended periods of time interchangeably, and can only recommend it.

Several of my positions I got them because of my languages. I believe that anyone can benefit from additional languages, especially if he is in:

• Import-export
• International companies
• Tourism
• Gastronomy
• Teaching

People always like to communicate in their own language. People are lazy by nature and it is always well received when somebody has made the effort to learn your language.

From my experience it is very often the case that you do not need to know them perfectly, but only have basic notions to use as an ice breaker when meeting people for the first time, traveling, etc.

My tips for learning languages

I have studied several and am highly proficient in three of them, one I speak fairly well, and the others I have basic notions of.

For instance when I was learning Japanese, I went to Japan and the first three month I did not understand anything, but I kept on insisting, until one day I started babbling and understanding. Once I had some basic vocabulary, got a the feel for the sounds, the rhythm and the pauses, I started understanding.

Therefore:

• Be patient.
• Spend some time every day learning it at least a little.
• Take written notes, write, write, etc.
• Expose yourself to the language’s sounds: radio, TV, etc.
• When learning a word, try to learn it together with others that you can use with, i.e. lamp + switch + turn on + off.
• Try to find a native who is willing to practice it with you.
• … and be patient again.

Patience, and perseverance will pay of you will see.

Is it difficult?

The first language is usually always difficult. Languages are time consuming at the beginning but with practice it takes less and less time to learn new ones especially similar ones. If for instance you know Spanish, learning Portuguese, French or Italian will make it much easier since they share a common origin.

For completely different languages it will take much longer, so you have to be patient and consistent in your efforts.

I have studied 6 languages before the last one that I am currently learning, Swedish, and for all, I can say the same: Be patient and applied on a daily base and you will be surprised about your results.