jcsolis said:Hello everyone, I am a mechanical engineering major and I have to decide which course in foreign language to take because is required at my school. I am between chinese and german, but I want to pick one that can help me in my future career.
Any suggestions?
walksofar said:You can't go wrong with learning mandarin, China is growing rapidly, and i imagine engineers will continue to be needed there at exponential rates. That would open your job possibilities quite i bit i imagine
Learning a foreign language can have many benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities, expanding career opportunities, and enhancing cultural understanding and communication skills.
The time it takes to become fluent in a foreign language varies for each individual and depends on factors such as the difficulty of the language, the amount of time spent practicing, and the learner's language learning abilities. On average, it can take anywhere from 600-2200 hours of study to become fluent.
Both classroom instruction and immersion can be effective ways to learn a foreign language. Classroom instruction provides structured lessons and guidance from a teacher, while immersion allows for real-world practice and immersion in the language and culture. It ultimately depends on the individual's learning style and goals.
Research has shown that adults and children learn languages differently, but both can become proficient in a foreign language with practice and dedication. While children may have a slight advantage in terms of language acquisition, adults have the advantage of using their existing knowledge and experience to aid in their learning.
Learning a foreign language can be challenging, but there are ways to stay motivated. Setting achievable goals, finding a study partner or joining a language learning community, and regularly practicing and using the language can help maintain motivation. Additionally, immersing oneself in the culture and regularly consuming media in the target language can also keep motivation high.