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Is all the effort expended in learning another language – even a dead one, like Latin – worth it? The answer is yes. Just check out these incentives.
It stretches your mind. Whether you’re learning Latin or Lithuanian, such a project is a boon to the intellect.
Life-enrichment. Within another language is the key to another culture’s art, literature, culture, and history.
You gain a new perspective. You are able to view and think about the world from a different point of view. You can also better understand how your native language works.
Intercultural communication. You are able to speak with much more people than otherwise would have been possible. Suddenly it is possible to have a rewarding friendship someone of another culture and language.
Employment perks. You are qualified for a wider variety of jobs, as well as more valuable in whatever field you pursue, international or no.
Travel is more rewarding. If you know Latin, you will be able to decipher inscriptions in Roman museums and Gothic cathedrals. If you speak Hungarian, your visit to Hungary will be a great deal more fulfilling than if you only spoke two phrases in the language. And if you know Spanish or French, you will be able to communicate with people from quite a few countries indeed.
You can study abroad. Your study abroad experience will be exceedingly more gratifying if you are fluent in the native tongue.
You are helping to preserve diversity of language. According to UNESCO, there are thousands of indigenous languages in danger of extinction; many more have already died out. Becoming a bilingual is one way to stem the tide.
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