Gone are the days when an occasional touch of French or a twist of German earned a nod of appreciation in elite gatherings. Nowadays, as more and more multinational companies set base in India, learning a foreign language is more of a necessity than a leisure pursuit. Not surprisingly therefore, the city has been witnessing a proliferation of foreign language centres, that offer courses in most sought-after languages like Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Arabic.

All these institutes offer short- and long-term courses and arm you with minimal proficiency to maximum fluency, based on your requirement. Expertise in a foreign language increases job opportunities and helps you interact with global partners and clinch business deals. Foreign-language specialists can also operate as teachers, translators, interpreters and tour executives.

Here are a few centres that offer courses in foreign languages.

Max Mueller Bhavan
For the German language enthusiast there is the good old Max Mueller Bhavan. Founded in 1951, and named after the famous Indologist, Friedrich Max Mueller, it aims at propagating the German language, and encourages and supports German language teachers abroad.

Broadly comprising a language department (offering German language courses), a programme department (organising cultural programmes like concerts, seminars and film shows) and a library, Max Mueller Bhavan offers full-time courses in German language, special courses for corporates and small groups, and promotes online courses. It also encourages cultural exchange programmes to foster mutual relations.

Alliance Française
If French is what you want to dabble in, seek out Alliance Française, the institute that promises a host of educational and cultural experiences through its French language courses, seminars, exhibitions and film shows. Other than the full-time course, Alliance also has courses for corporates and children as well.

Instituto Hispania
As the Latino wave sweeps Bangalore, and the city shakes to the beats of salsa, learning the Spanish language becomes the next "in thing". Instituto Hispania, a self-financed centre has set up shop in Bangalore and conducts courses in Spanish at various levels and also promotes Spanish culture.

So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and choose your tongue.