Mango Languages

10 Reasons People Learn a Foreign Language

Many people dream of learning a foreign language and often have it on their bucket list of things to do before they die. Learning a foreign language ranks up there with losing weight and knowing how to play the piano when it comes to New Years Resolutions.

The reasons people want to the learn the language are:

1. Travel – taking a trip to a foreign land
2. Business – communication across borders
3. Heritage – family is international
4. Love – in a relationship with someone from another country
5. Moving – emigrating or moving abroad
6. School – studying abroad
7. Religion – holy books are in a different language
8. Culture – art, poetry, film, food etc come from around the world
9. Challenge – doing something you have never done before
10. Interest – learn the mechanics of a language other than yours

What about you? Why are you learning a foreign language?

Learn Italian

Italy is officially called the Republic of Italy, and is located in southern Europe. The current population is estimated at 58.2 million. Italy has much to offer its citizens and its many visitors. Surrounded by the four seas of the Mediterranean, Italy is famous for its coastline activities. Italy also has a mountain range with elevations over 13,500 feet for the skiing and hiking enthusiast. Interestingly, Italy has no official religion, though the majority of Italy’s citizens are Roman Catholic.

The Italian language is one of the romance languages (Spanish, French and Portuguese) and is derived from Latin. Many consider Italian to be one of the oldest, most romantic languages in the world. More than 60 million people around the world speak Italian. which is the third most spoken language in the United States due to a large immigration after World War II.

The Italian language is one of ancient and historic roots and was standardized for the most part in 1860, when Italy became unified as a Kingdom. The language is comprised of several dialects spoken throughout the country. Today, Italian is the official language of several nations, including Italy, Slovenia, and Vatican City. It is actually spoken by about 60 million people in Italy and Southern Switzerland, and by the little Italian community around the world (Argentina and the US being the largest).

Italy’s culture is very rich and the Italian language is only one small part. Italy is a top vacation spot and offers many cultural activities including wonderful food, art, wine, opera, fashion and people. The Italian language has a reputation for wonderful poetry. Culturally speaking, Italians much prefer keen observation to voluntary self disclosure and would never say the phrase “time is money.”

Many people today, want to learn Italian for traveling or to better understand their ethnic heritage. Are you interested in learning Italian? Why?

Please share your comments on Italian language learning, the culture and travel tips!