Language study at an advanced level
offers all the advantages we have already mentioned, but in more
powerful forms: it promises a more complete contact with other cultures
and other peoples, more sophisticated perspectives, and more
accomplished skills. Researchers suggest that learning a second
language helps people think about language and texts in new ways,
and develops skills for critical thinking which can be applied in
many different situations. Learning another language certainly
improves skills in a first language, which is why those who have studied
another language tend to score better on scholastic aptitude
tests. But advanced studies also offer important career advantages
because companies and public sector employers have always needed
people who can communicate effectively in more than one language.
In this global "information age" such needs can only
increase–especially in a bilingual and multicultural country like
Canada. Students who choose to pursue a degree in a second
language sometimes do so with a teaching career in mind; but
language study is also valuable preparation for civil service positions
with federal, provincial, and municipal governments; for law; for
journalism, publishing, and advertising; for financial industries
and import-export companies; for travel and tourism; and for many
other careers. See also:Languages @ Western
Advanced Language Study
Western Linguistics
Also of interest:
