Why You Should Learn a Second Language

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1. 01Why You Should Learn a Second Language

   Good afternoon. How many languages do you speak? Today, I'd like to convince you that learning a second language is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

   大家午安。你會說幾種語言呢？今天，我想說服大家：學習第二種語言，是你能為自己做的最棒的事情之一。

2. 02More People to Talk To

   The first reason is simple: you can talk to more people. When you learn a new language, you can make friends from other countries and understand them in their own words.

   第一個理由很簡單：你可以跟更多人交流。學會一種新的語言，你就能交到其他國家的朋友，並用他們自己的語言去了解他們。

3. 03Better Job Chances

   Second, a second language can open doors in your career. Many companies work with people around the world, so language skills can help you stand out.

   第二，第二語言能為你的職涯開啟大門。很多公司都會跟世界各地的人合作，所以語言能力能幫助你脫穎而出。

4. 04Exercise for Your Brain

   Third, learning a language is great exercise for your brain. Switching between two languages makes you think in flexible ways. Some studies even suggest it may help keep the brain healthy as we get older.

   第三，學語言對大腦是很好的鍛鍊。在兩種語言之間切換，會讓你的思考變得更有彈性。有些研究甚至指出，這可能有助於我們在年紀增長時維持大腦健康。

   Source: Bialystok, Craik & Freedman, "Bilingualism as a protection against the onset of symptoms of dementia", Neuropsychologia (2007)

5. 05"But It's Too Hard!"

   Of course, many people say, "I don't have time," or "I'm too old." But even ten minutes a day can make a difference, and you can start at any age. Mistakes are not a problem; they are part of learning.

   當然，很多人會說：「我沒時間」或是「我年紀太大了」。但就算一天只花十分鐘，也能帶來改變，而且不管幾歲都可以開始。犯錯不是問題，那本來就是學習的一部分。

6. 06How to Start

   So how can you start? First, choose one language. Next, set a small goal for every day. Then, start speaking early, even if it's difficult. Finally, find a partner or a group to practice with.

   那麼，要怎麼開始呢？首先，選定一種語言。接著，替每一天訂一個小目標。然後，盡早開口說，就算很難也沒關係。最後，找一個夥伴或一個團體一起練習。

7. 07Conclusion

   To wrap up, a second language gives you new friends, new chances, and new ways of thinking. It's never too late to start. Why not begin today? Thank you.

   最後總結一下，第二語言能帶給你新朋友、新機會，還有新的思考方式。開始永遠不嫌晚。何不從今天就開始呢？謝謝。