I can speak in 4 languages and just about manage to converse in a fifth. There are definitely advantages to knowing more languages than one:
1. People love you if you can speak their language without forcing to search for a common language; you can build a rapport much more quickly. If you love to travel, this will definitely help!
2. Different languages force you to think in different ways. Different languages have different constructs and vocabularies/concepts not even present in English. For e.g. in Marathi/Hindi, the word "sit" can be translated in 2 different ways depending on the respect you show to the other person.
3. If you have any interest in cultural history, learning the local language will help a great deal.
Plus I think being able to think in different languages is just wonderful! I can't describe how boring it would be if I could think in only one language.
Do these translate to monetary gains? Hard to tell. Does it help me lead a more fulfilling life? Yes, I definitely think so!
Having said that, I definitely want to learn more languages. 4 is really less in India, there are plenty of people who can speak more.
1. People love you if you can speak their language without forcing to search for a common language; you can build a rapport much more quickly. If you love to travel, this will definitely help!
2. Different languages force you to think in different ways. Different languages have different constructs and vocabularies/concepts not even present in English. For e.g. in Marathi/Hindi, the word "sit" can be translated in 2 different ways depending on the respect you show to the other person.
3. If you have any interest in cultural history, learning the local language will help a great deal.
Plus I think being able to think in different languages is just wonderful! I can't describe how boring it would be if I could think in only one language.
Do these translate to monetary gains? Hard to tell. Does it help me lead a more fulfilling life? Yes, I definitely think so!
Having said that, I definitely want to learn more languages. 4 is really less in India, there are plenty of people who can speak more.