Why to learn a new language
If you read about me already, you should know that I speak 4 languages fluently and I understand a bit a few more (Polish, Italian, Portuguese, Catalan).
I can even read Russian and Ukrainian (no, they are NOT the same as Slovak!) Many people I met at TBU and TBEX conferences in September were surprised by my good English and Spanish which are not my native languages.
So many times I have been asked about the reason why to learn a new language, or why I learned them. Well, that is one of the advantages of growing up in a small country whose language is not spoken anywhere else in the world, so you are forced to learn foreign languages. And in my home country, Slovakia, foreign languages are obligatory at schools and Universities. Learning one language is a must, but most of the time it is two languages. I started with English years ago and then a few years after also with Spanish courses. But if I was born in an English-speaking country, I would probably ended up like many others … speaking only one language.
Yes, I had to learn those two languages at school but I loved it so much I decided to study English and Spanish philology at the University in Czech republic where I learned Czech, too. So for me, it all started with LOVE.
And let me tell you, since I was maybe 15-year-old, I knew already I was going to live abroad and just go on holidays to Slovakia. I knew I had to learn foreign languages to be able to do so and not just to live in a different country but also to TRAVEL. Yes, traveling is my biggest passion and I don’t think I have to tell you more about it because you see enough on this travel blog.
Learning English at the age of 8 or 9 (which means I have been speaking English for some 20 years already, wow!!!) helps me now with my career too. My previous cabin crew job was all in English and this amazing professional travel blogging job I can have now just because I learned English. Of course, learning a new language can earn you more MONEY (own experience :))
And trust me, if you tell someone you speak more languages, they will automatically say you are INTELLIGENT. And I agree with that. Languages do improve your brain and memory.
And to be honest, most of my boyfriends were not Slovak, but Latino guys speaking Spanish; or English speakers. It is just more sexy, I guess, and one of the proofs that you really ”use your brain” if you speak another language.
Learning new languages means a lot to me. There is not just one reason for learning a foreign language. With me, it all started with love to languages, went through travel to money, including intelligence on the way and back to love … this time love of life :) The best thing is that learning a new language helps you even when you would least expect it.
Speaking 4 languages fluently and understanding some more got me two MA degrees in languages, sexy boyfriends from around the world, and I managed to live in 6 different countries, get friends around the world, hike through the Andes, island hopping in the Philippines, make skydiving happen in the Canary islands, visit pyramids of Egypt, learn the history of 14 archaeological sites in Mexico, find out about life of the locals around Uyuni salt flats and many other unforgettable experiences … PRICELESS!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ VINOD JUYAL:
Sorry, I travel alone.
VINOD JUYAL
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I want join you, and your company if you agree I love travel , I will to gain new experience with you.
Thank
Vinod
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Natalie:
Great, Natalie! I really love Spanish so hope you will learn it quickly :)
Natalie
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I love this post and the picture! I’m traveling south america now and learning Spanish and am already wanting to learn more!
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ fotoeins | Henry:
Cantonese? uff, I have no desire to learn that … seems too difficult to me! But impressed by all the languages you speak, Henry!
fotoeins | Henry
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If you get around to speaking Cantonese or Taishan, I’m marrying you. :-P
English is not my first language, but it’s the language with which I’m most fluent. I was first exposed to Taishan and Cantonese before learning English at school. I’ve also got French, German, Spanish, and a bit of Czech in the back pocket.
At present, I like to joke that my German is better than my Cantonese, but it’s not far from the truth. :-P
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ lola:
I love you, Lola, for all this :)) Thanks!!
lola
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you know i LOVE that you can speak so many languages. i’m super impressed & it’s helped me out in my travels in Spain with you! ;) YOU ARE A STAR
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Stephen S.:
Good luck with your German, Stephen :) I am pretty much the same with my Italian too, lost all I knew last year :/ At least I can still understand it ;)
Stephen S.
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I love learning languages. Unfortunately I am not fluent in any of them. At one point I was pretty good at Italian, but I have lost 92.5% :) However I am teaching myself German now.
Crazy Sexy Fun Traveler
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Comment@ Judit:
Yes, Judit,I think the method of learning a new langauge is very important! If you are forced to speak, it helps a lot.
Judit
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I wish I was more talented and I could learn some more foreign languages but I’ve already had some difficulties with my english. I think I just need some more motivation to take the time for it.
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Sebastian @ Off-The-Path.com:
Thanks, sexy Sebastian :) see you soon!
Bill Dolezal via Facebook
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I like the graphic and you seem just a little intelligent… ha!!! :-P
Sebastian
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Learning a new language is sexy… I’m about to start to learn my 8th language which will be French. I learned Dutch fluently within 3 months. That is the fastest I ever learned a language! Great article Alex… hasta pronto!
crazy sexy fun traveler
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Comment@ Shamis @ Gawaya Travel Blog:
You are right :) And it does help to speak with locals, which I really enjoy ;)
Shamis
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Two languages is a lot for me and you know four languages :) It certainly help travels, especially when you want to communicate with locals. I try to learn at least few important words and phrases before going to a non-English speaking country.
The Guy
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Learning languages can certainly open doors and help you achieve things. I think you have done well to be so good in so many languages. I also find that someone who has learned a few languages suddenly become more interesting to know.
I grew up in the UK and admittedly have not been good at languages at all. I scrapped through my German exams and French and I just didn’t get on.
I now travel the world frequently and feel blessed to have English as my native tongue. I manage everywhere I go. I do find the French a bit stand offish though once they know I am English. I try some very basic French to show I am making an effort and that usually does help.