Description: In this article, EFL Tutor Sarah, shares her thoughts on why learning a foreign language can be so beneficial to your future.
As we grow as a united community more connected than ever, it’s clear there are many advantages to having a second, or even third, foreign language.
Maybe you are one of the lucky ones that have grown up in a multilingual setting, or you have the desire to become bilingual, there are many benefits to having this skill.
Here are just a few of the many reasons becoming bilingual (or multilingual!) can benefit both your social life and career.
Major Advantage in the Working World
When you reach the beginning of your professional career, being able to add a second or third language to your CV gives you an unmatched advantage in today’s global economy.
Multilingualism will give you the ability to interact and communicate and interact with many diverse communities.
Employers often seek this asset because of the need to communicate and negotiate with a wide range of audiences.
Plus, your capability to speak more than one language lets employers know that you are motivated and capable of learning new skills!
Increased Cultural Knowledge and Perspective
With a new language comes a better understanding of the world around you.
Languages are more than just word structure and grammar.
Behind every foreign language, there is a society and culture waiting to be explored.
Taking on a new language will broaden your horizons.
It allows you to become more connected to people of all nationalities and cultures.
Travelling Easier and More Fulfilling
Whether it be for business or pleasure, the chance to travel should always be taken advantage of.
Not only can you experience different cultures and landscapes from an outsider’s perspective.
Learning the language will give you the ability to be able to speak to locals and gain more insider knowledge on real life in whichever place piques your curiosity.
What’s more, local people will always certainly appreciate the effort and will be happier and more willing to recommend local spots and restaurants to make your trip more authentic.
Bonus, being prepared in the case of an emergency is always a benefit.
Access to Entertainment and Information
Understanding a new language gives you unlimited access to a whole new selection of materials.
Such as music, movies, TV shows, books, podcasts, websites, educational material, and more.
Reading and watching movies etc. in a different language can be a difficult journey.
However, it is an incredible way to learn and shouldn’t allow you to be put off.
Hiding away with a good book or spending a Sunday watching a foreign film is a more intimate way of learning.
It allows you to go at your own pace and immerse yourself in real-life situations and practice with the genuine language.
Improves Communication Skills
Of course, a new language is going to improve your listening and speaking skills.
You’ll learn to listen more effectively and communicate with more clarity, not only in the new language but also in your native tongue.
You’ll also gain the ability to look at situations from a different angle and understand the perspective of others.
This means you’ll be able to communicate more respectively and more effectively in any language.
Boosts Creativity
People with second languages have most undoubtedly experienced moments of serious linguistic problem-solving.
There will be moments when you know what you want to say but can’t quite find the word you need.
Faced with this situation there is only one option – get creative! This will give you more opportunities to think outside of the box to be understood.
Every time you stumble over words or phrasing, remember that you’re training your brain and developing skills that benefit every aspect of your life.
Self-Confidence Will Increase
Learning any new language requires much time interacting with others. At first, this may cause some anxiety, but when you realise that the whole process is about discovering and learning from mistakes your confidence will increase drastically.
Practising a new language is a great way to break the ice and make new friends. After all, making mistakes will give you common ground and something to laugh about.
What’s more, people are likely to respect the fact that you’re taking the time to learn a new language. Native speakers will be impressed with your dedication, friends and family will be proud of your motivation, and strangers will be interested in your story.
So with all of this in mind, what are you waiting for?
¡Buena Suerte!
By tutor Sarah. Contact Us