There are many celebrations in December. Some seem to be a natural offshoot of the holiday season -- National Eggnog Month comes to mind -- but others, like National Learn a Foreign Language Month, may seem a little out of place.
The Slotocash no deposit bonus casino supports multiple languages but believes that learning a foreign language is still a good goal to pursue. Slotocash casino invites you to explore why December was named National Learn a Foreign Language Month and how you can celebrate.
December is Learn a Foreign Language Month
Before National Learn a Foreign Language Month was declared, National Foreign Language Week was introduced by a sorority in 1957. Foreign language study had been an accepted part of what was considered “a good education” for centuries -- Greeks and Romans were taught each other’s languages in the ancient world and throughout the millennium, it was considered obligatory to be well-versed in a foreign language in posh schools.
However, a formal push to encourage people to study a foreign language and for educational institutions to teach foreign languages began only after WWII.
Some people celebrate Learn a Foreign Language Month in March but it is generally acknowledged to be a December event. The first sorority to advocate for a formal Learn a Foreign Language movement, Alpha Mu Gamma, continued to lead the movement after President Dwight D. Eisenhower endorsed the initiative in 1956 and today, all universities and many colleges and high schools offer students the opportunity to learn a second language as part of their courses of study.
Importance
Why is it important to study a foreign language?
Even in this day of instantaneous translation apps, being able to communicate with people in their own language puts you at an advantage in your ability to communicate more easily with more people. You are able to learn more about different cultures and demonstrate your respect for diversity. Barriers that may otherwise bar you from more intimate connections are lowered and you become more open and tolerant to different ways of life and thinking.
By learning a foreign language your perspectives broaden. You are also able to provide others with an understanding of your own culture and way of life. You become an ambassador for your own culture while encouraging others to represent their own culture’s history and traditions.
Learning a foreign language will enhance your own language skills in your native language. By acquiring the basis of grammar and structure of a foreign language, you will expand your knowledge of your own native language and linguistic codes.
The study of foreign languages has been shown to increase listening skills, memory, listening skills, problem solving and the ability to work with abstract concepts, including math skills.
Once you have acquired the rudiments of a foreign language you have more options in the professional world. Many companies are fully prepared to train you in the basics of their work if you have foreign language skills.
People who speak a foreign language have a competitive advantage in the job market, especially for jobs that involve foreign trade or work in the military. Sectors that look for people who speak a foreign language include business, marketing, medicine, law, government, technology and the military.
Your travel opportunities open up when you speak a foreign language. People in foreign countries are often more open and inviting to those who, at least make an effort to speak their language.
Study of foreign language broadens your opportunities in many ways.
Ways to Study a Foreign Language
In ancient times, communicating with those who spoke a different language generally involved bringing along someone who was fluent in both languages. At other times, pointing and saying words was enough to begin the process of learning a new language.
Today, there are limitless opportunities for the study of almost any language. You need to be aware of how you learn so that you can acquire a new language in a manner that suits your individual learning style.
Some suggested methods include
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Immersion -- the immersion method for learning a new language involves immersing yourself in an environment where a foreign language is spoken. The theory is that, if you have no other options, you will be forced to learn to communicate in your chosen second language.
The problem is that this method works for younger people much better than for older people for the simple reason that a younger person’s brain is closer to the age of language acquisition than is that of an older person.
Therefore, the younger a person is, the more closely their brain is wired to acquire language. If you’re older, you might want to study the basics of a foreign language first (at least lay down some basic vocabulary) before immersing yourself in the new language. -
In-Person Classes -- In-person classes, including one-on-one tutorials, allow you to learn a foreign language in a more cognitive manner -- vocabulary, grammer, etc --- but still practice what you’re learning in real time with a real person/people.
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Online programs -- over the last decade a number of online programs have emerged that teach foreign languages. These programs are often free but have extra for-cost features. Each program has its own method of instruction but if you’re thinking of studying online it’s a good idea to review the different options to see which method works best for you.Some of the programs that are available online include Dulingo, Babbel, Livemocha, Open Culture, Busuu, Learn a Language, Mango Languages and Transparent Language.
So celebrate Learn a Language Month by embarking on your own journey to learn a new language today!
