Languages are the key to communication between people of different nations. They are vital to get a proper understanding of other cultures. They facilitate trade, travel, exchanges of knowledge, and political or economical alliances between nations.
They are a good discipline to develop the mind and exercise it in a lateral way.
The study of ancient languages has allowed nations to understand their past, the history and way of life of their ancestors though the ability to decipher ancient documents and signs.
People who know foreign languages can command better salaries, more interesting jobs, and can settle in other countries without too many problems because they are flexible, adaptable and they can make themselves understood by the locals and understand them.
The knowledge of other languages is regarded an advantage when it comes to university entrance. Even scientific disciplines such as Engineering that were monolingual are now requiring a basic knowledge of at least one other language than English to enable professionals to assist under-developed countries build their infrastructure or to find work in a more global world.
Learning a language is an interesting challenge and gives great pleasure to those that are able to express themselves in another tongue than their original one.
Knowing other languages permits understanding other people's motives and way of life, and respecting their traditions and culture by not unwittingly causing them offence.
