Significance

• When you learn a new language, you open up doors that did not exist before. If you choose the language for travel purposes, for work related experiences or just to challenge yourself, knowing a second language will enable you to communicate with a wider range of people.
  For example, Spanish now appears on food packages, product instructions and there are Spanish language TV programs on cable television.
  To learn Spanish, read Spanish newspapers, magazines or simple books. You could even read
  children's books in Spanish until your fluency improves and you can advance to books written for adults.
  
  

Types

• Languages are categorized by their similarities in sound, origin of their root word, as well as their geographical location. Languages from Thailand, Japan, Korea, and China are considered Asian languages. Asian languages are difficult to learn due to the fact that they use symbols for words, instead of letters.
  Scadanavian languages are spoken in northern Europe countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland.
  French and Italian are considered Romance languages and Spanish is increasingly becoming the most widely spoken language in the U.S. Italian and Spanish languages are very similar in form, making it easy to be a student of both.
  
  Learn to distinguish the sounds of the language that you intend to learn. Listen to native speakers read, sing and converse by purchasing audio recordings to listen to while driving in the car. Distinguishing authentic accents distinctive to a particular language is a crucial step in learning proper pronunciation.
  
  

Time Frame

• Realistically, it should take an average person at least three years to become fluent in a new language. If you plan to travel to a foreign country, taking a few weeks of intensive learning classes will teach you to confidently learn and speak important phrases and sayings of the country. To aid in the learning process, purchase movies, music, books, games and computer programs that will help you to learn the language rules and vocabulary.
  
  

Considerations

• When considering learning a new language, you should find people who are fluent in the language, so you will be able to engage in conversation with them. Conversing in the new language will allow you to become comfortable when speaking.
  Perhaps you can find newspapers or magazines written the language that will benefit you in your reading efficiently. Part of being fluent in a foreign language is the ability to read the language as well as speak it.
  
  

Benefits

• In addition to broadening your own personal level of knowledge, learning a new language will give you the ability to advance in a career where a multicultural atmosphere is prevalent. In your particular region, you may have the opportunity to work as an interpreter. In the public school districts as well as other government agencies nationwide, interpreters are always needed.