Why learning a language is hard but totally worth it

Learning a language is hard. There are verbs to remember and pronunciation to get right  and darn it, what was the word for "slowly" again? (Also, Dear the French language, you and I have some issues to work through. I've booked a couple's counselling session for this weekend. Don't be late. Sincerely, Victoria.) (Also, by the way, I'm in no way fluent in French. Just so you know.)

But let's just hop right into the list, shall we?

Loire Valley, France

1) It stretches your brain. Learning a language uses different parts of your brain, and it helps you learn how to memorise stuff. After all, you're learning vocabulary for a whole new language. That's quite a bit of stuff to remember, and the more you work at it the more your brain stretches and the better you get. You know, like Spider-Man. The more you beat up bad guys the better you get at it. 

2) It's amazing for travelling. Road signs, directions, ordering meals, asking for something in a store. The locals are always a lot more helpful if you speak their language (which, you know, makes sense because I don't know a word of German and if someone came up to me speaking only German expecting me to speak German as well, I'd probably be less than helpful. (Then again, if a German was in Australia they'd be speaking English better than I would be)).

3) It opens your mind to other cultures. I've learned so much about Japan just from my sister taking Japanese. I know so much more about France because you pick up cultural stuff when you learn the language. For example, most kids don't have part-time jobs because school goes until five o'clock, but everyone goes home for an extra long lunch. 

4) It's a great feeling when you can understand someone. Because dude, you're speaking French and I understand what you're saying. And I shouldn't, because I speak English. So this is weird. But cool. Anyways. 

Tokyo, Japan

5) It's better for your career. You're more likely to get hired if you speak another language, especially in bilingual countries. It's so much easier to become a teacher or work in the government in Canada if you speak French.  

6) It gives you an excuse to travel. (As if you needed an excuse :) )

7) You find all sorts of new music/movies. My favourite French songs are Papaoutai by Stomae, Petite Soeur by Ben l'oncle Soul, Le Festin from Ratatouille and Je Vol from La Famille Bélier. I haven't seen many French movies, but I really like The Intouchables, La Famille Bélier and Belle et Sébastien. (And if you're watching a movie in another language, just throw on some subtitles and enjoy.)

And do you know what the best part is? It's easy to start! There's so much stuff online, and 98% of the time there's classes near you. 

Are you learning another language? Is it worth all the work? Have you ever been able to use it in your travels? If you could learn one language, what would it be?