Expats: Learning a Foreign Language is essential.

Heather Markel a Culture Transition Specialist, http://www.culturetransition.com/ wrote a great article about a value of learning a foreign language. I struggle myself going through all stages of anxiety and found this article encouraging, Heather Markels says:

1. Learning the local language is essential.
The best way to learn a language is to speak it all day, every day for as long as possible. If you don’t have this opportunity, then make a commitment to try for at least one hour a day. It is only by speaking the local language that you will be able to develop meaningful friendships with locals.

2.Learning a new language is exhausting. Whether you end up speaking it for an hour, or a day, some part of the brain becomes engaged that will likely have you reeling with exhaustion much earlier in the day than you expect.

3.Language enables you to stand up for yourself. This may not be one of the things you think about when planning your move overseas. Like it or not, after you relocate, you will one day find yourself in a situation where you feel taken advantage of, or unjustly treated.

Once you can stand up for yourself in a foreign language, you not only earn respect, but you will also understand that your fluency is improving, which inspires great confidence.

4.Language allows you to communicate your core needs.

5.It’s better to speak a foreign language imperfectly, than not to speak it at all. I know many people feel embarrassed or afraid of making mistakes when trying to speak a new language. Sometimes, their fear has led them to isolate themselves at home, in an effort to avoid being laughed at. However, in my experience, laughter is often-times a very bonding experience

6. Learning a foreign language is a huge accomplishment. Language has the power to break down communications barriers, and foster greater cultural and human understanding. It is an amazing experience to be able to make yourself heard in a language that is not maternal to you, and the experience will open many doors.