"We should learn languages because language is the only thing worth knowing ,even poorly." - Kato Lomb
Let's get this straight, languages are awesome and being a French Major, I take that very seriously. I've always been fascinated by the idea of learning new languages and I'm grateful to my school for letting me pursue French as my third language. I enjoyed learning it so much that I am pursuing my bachelors' in it. So, let me tell you why learning new languages is a great idea if you like travelling.
Go local, go native
I'll begin with an example. On my trip to Paris last summer, I ended up striking a conversation with a local server at a bistro I was dining at and he told me about 'Chemin de fer de Petite Ceinture.' I didn't have enough time to go there but after digging deep on the Internet, I saw how beautiful the hidden gem is and how hardly anyone knows about it. Considering how language is a mode of communication, it helps in creating a level of comfort between the traveler and the local. On top of that, it also helps you immerse in the culture and even understand the history of the place better.
Travel with ease
This has to be the biggest and most practical reason of them all. I cannot tell you how often I've heard stories of people ordering the wrong dishes at restaurants abroad just because of some linguistic confusion. So, it's a great idea to learn at least the basic words and phrases in the local language of the place you're planning to visit. Moreover, your commute becomes so much easier because you can easily understand the signs and signals on the transport and roads.
More to explore
Learning a new language opens new doors to places you can explore. For instance, by learning French you can visit France and other Francophone countries such as Switzerland, Belgium and some parts of Africa. In fact, there are several sponsored programs that give you the opportunity to explore different countries and work there if you know their native language and can teach yours to their locals. Imagine working in Spain or Japan for months and immersing yourself in the local culture while teaching their locals about your own!
Something fun and challenging
Above all, learning a new language is fun and yet challenging at the same time. Depending on the language you choose it can take anything between one month and several years to fully master it and get certified. But don't fret too much because, when you are travelling, you can mostly get by with just the basics. Learning a new language might feel overwhelming at first as you will feel as though you are relearning how to read, write and speak but that is what makes it all the more fun. You will fumble at first, misspell words or misinterpret translations but you will have a lot of fun along the way.
So, stop waiting for signs, and sign up for that French, German, Japanese or even Afrikaans lesson, if you'd like! There's so much to see and explore in this world, what's better than to do it like a local?
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