Here in the United States, people often only hear or read the news about what is going on in the world if and when they read or watch it from the internet or international TV stations on cable TV. Most people only watch their local evening news, or special news reports. Half the time they have no idea what is happening in other countries unless it is a bombing or a fire involving an iconic landmark. If you have never thought to read or watch news from another country, you should start now. Watching something like BBC World News or Nigerian celebrity news means you are doing something to learn about other global events. Here are some very valid reasons for you to begin reading the news (or watching it) from other countries:
You Learn a Lot About Another Culture
How much do you really know about another country's culture? Probably not much. The general news in the U.S. is rather limited and limiting, and what citizens learn about other cultures is only from what personal experience teaches them. To learn more about another culture, you need to find ways to immerse yourself in it a little every day. Reading or watching the news from those countries helps.
You Are Able to Recognize Similarities to Your Own Culture
Being able to recognize similarities to your own culture and upbringing establishes a "sameness" that makes you more comfortable with the world and in the world. People do not like things that are different, because differences make them uncomfortable or afraid. However, when you can see and recognize "sameness" in another culture that is different from your own, you are more comfortable with it and less fearful of that culture.
You Might Find News Stories from Other Countries Entertaining
The world is a much more interesting place when you see, hear, or read news stories from other countries. You may initially think that all news is boring, but that is not the case. Some of the more entertaining stories featured globally are not so cut-and-dry as your local news. They may also contain unedited language (i.e. swearing and colorful urban slang), brief nudity, etc. With less editing, you get the full effect of the story, regardless of what is said or what is happening, because you can understand body language and facial expressions, even if you cannot understand the language being spoken or printed.
Do you remember the last time you were truly impressed by a new language or culture? Exploring our world is essential if we want to continue to make progress, which is why I think it is so important to focus on language and culture. I began thinking about different ways to incorporate more travel, language, and culture into my own life, and before I knew it, I was able to completely overhaul my own experience. This website is all about learning a new language and getting things rolling as far as cultural influences go. Check it out for great ideas for the entire family!