A couple of reasons for my need to learn a foreign language:

-keep my independency (no need to constantly asking for assistance)

-dealing with the locals and not with expats as most expats do (if I want to meet Americans only I'd better go to the US)

-passport to becoming culturally literate

-to eat where locals and not expats or tourists eat, in other words, eat genuine local cuisine

-my wife's family respects me for learning their language and liking the food (they would respect me if I didn't but we wouldn't be able to talk with each other)

-to become more aware of local customs, beliefs, arts, etc.

-to adapt to their life style and not them to mine

-to show my wife and her family respect that I am willing to learn their language - my wife and I had to communicate in English which isn't our first language - but in many cases people refuse to study the language of their spouse - very common in Taiwan where the husband will only speak Chinese or Taiwanese to his Vietnamese wife but refuses to learn hers - she has to cook Taiwanese food and not Vietnamese - again, by learning to speak Lao I am showing my wife and Lao people respect

-to communicate with locals when I am in the countryside where it's not as common to find English-speaking people

-to watch the local news or listen to local radio broadcasts

-to read local literature/newspapers/magazines

-to do crossword puzzles or other wordgames

-to take non-language classes such as martial arts, art, cooking, etc.

-to go shopping and being able to ask what I need in case I don't find it

-to ask the way in case I get lost

-to ask which bus/train to take to my destination

-listen to what locals talk about

-to better understand my belief

-and many, many more

I studied English because it was on the curriculum but I didn't study it just because it's the international language. In fact, I was more interested in other languages (taken and still taking care of that now). Neither did I just study it to pass exams. There's absolutely no sense in that. But I did study it to communicate with English speaking people, such as Americans, Britons, Irish, Australians, etc. In fact, I always learn basic conversation in the language of the country of my destinationt. So if I were to visit Russia I'd take a language course in Russian.

So do those "Learn a Language in 30 Days" courses work? Yes, they do. In fact, you can finish such course in about a week if you're serious about it. These courses teach you the basics which is how diplomats learn a foreign language. You learn the basics and then build it up when you're in-country. You're given the foundation and you build it up at your own pace or leisure.

Some languages are harder to master but the only obstacle in learning a language is yourself. If you're interested you pick it up real fast, if you're not, forget about it.

But, I'd be very interested in knowing the benefits of NOT having to learn/or speaking a foreign language. And, please, don't refer to neighboring countries again. That's about the lamest excuse ever. Most Americans and Canadians would be speaking Spanish if it did matter.

(Now back into my hibernation cave.)



[This message has been edited by Taike (edited 08-19-2010).]