As I’ve mentioned before (or hinted at before), I will be attending next semester’s Graduate Gateway Program at American University and will be focusing primarily on Global Business and Trade. Toward the end of my time in college, I took two classes on emerging nations — Latin America and Africa. These (and a few others) have driven me to desire to expand on the thought of global politics and economics; and, barring a job offer coming my way by the end of May 2011, I plan on (fingers crossed) attending American as a full time grad student focusing on Global Emerging Markets or something similar.
It comes as no surprise that, in this day and age, knowing another language (or even two) is not only beneficial but also highly desired. I posted a question on Twitter after basically all of my followers were sleeping but wanted to post it here as well:
If you could or had to learn any two languages besides English, which would you choose and why?
Personally, I would have to choose Spanish and Portuguese. Spanish is obvious and probably pretty common among those that would or will respond to this. Projections show that America as a whole is gaining in Hispanic population and many speak at least Spanish and English if not only Spanish. My choice of Portuguese is a bit off target though.
For a second (outside of English/Spanish) language I’m sure many would pick things like French or German….other world powers. I choose Portuguese though since it is the chief language of Brazil, one of the fastest rising countries in the world along with Russia, India and China. Out of the four though it is likely the easiest to learn.
The point of this post is kind of to put my plan out in the open. I feel bad about breaking plans when others know about them so I guess this is a way to hopefully keep myself in check. My original goal during my time of unemployment was to get consistent with my gym and workout routine, something I have kept up for two months now. Along with beginning to write (or update my blog) regularly, my new goal is more long term and goes along with what I wish to study and focus on during at least the next four months and possibly the next three years. My goal is to learn two more languages within the next three years.
I am not saying that I wish to master them….that comes with basic use after you grasp the concepts and basic foundation. My goal is to be able to get by without an extreme amount of trouble with them. Ultimately, at the end of three years, I would like to add Spanish and Portuguese to my current native tongue of English. Additionally, I would like to brush up on German (I took four years of it in high school) and possibly expand on what I already know.
The reason I am giving myself three years is because by then, I will be either in the working world dealing with international issues and agencies, or finishing up grad school and about to embark on a job in that general area. I feel it would be a great advantage to me as a person as well as my resume.
This site doesn’t get visited by very many people (at least not right now) but if you’ve happened to stumble upon it, comment below with what languages you’d like to learn as well as why.
This was too long for me to read, but I totally think you should learn French. Then you could talk to the Hoos when you move up to the north.