In today’s hyper-connected world, being able to speak a second language can have so many advantages. From helping people to engage with and connect to others on a more meaningful level to improving memory and critical thinking skills, everyone can benefit from learning a new language. And, fortunately, learning a language is now easier than ever. With online language and culture courses available in almost every language spoken around the world, you have the opportunity to start learning a new language right at your fingertips. However, encouraging students and children to start learning a second language can be tricky. If your students need a boost, here are five benefits of learning a new language that should inspire them.
1. Learn More About Other Cultures
Language is one of the most direct ways to connect with and understand other cultures. Being able to speak and communicate in another language opens up the door for us to learn and appreciate the traditions, arts, history and people of the countries associated with the language. Gaining a better understanding of these things helps us build greater tolerance, acceptance and empathy towards others. In fact, studies have shown that children who have studied another language are more empathetic and understanding of other people, and so their cultures[1].
In addition, taking the path of online language study presents an enticing opportunity to further explore the realms of other cultures. By engaging in interactive virtual courses, we can delve deeper into the intricacies of languages and unlock valuable insights into the customs, traditions, and values held dear by native speakers. This immersive experience not only nurtures cross-cultural understanding but also fosters a genuine appreciation and deep respect for the diverse societies we encounter along the way.
2. Improve Your Confidence
Although learning a new language is bound to come with mistakes that may occur, often in front of an audience or native speakers, mistakes are a necessary part of the process. Learning a new language involves pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and leaving yourself open to making mistakes. However, you will learn from these mistakes, resulting in a sense of accomplishment when you get some tricky verbs right or are able to converse in the new language without mistakes. Getting languages right is a great confidence booster, since you are proving to yourself that you can do this, even if it does get hard at times.
3. Gain Perspective On Your Own Life and Culture
Exploring a new language and the culture that surrounds it naturally makes us draw comparisons to our own lives and cultures. Seeing how other people live helps us gain perspective on what is familiar to us, including both positive and negative aspects of our own lives. Often, this can inspire a greater appreciation for what you already have, or encourage you to give your own life a bit of a shake up based on what you have learnt from another culture.
4. Gives You An Advantage In The Workforce
Language skills are a great competitive benefit when you are searching for a new job or to advance your career. The demand for bilingual professionals is constantly on the rise, since this allows the companies to reach and communicate with new customers and expand their market. In fact, nine out of ten employers say that they rely on their workforce have other language skills besides English[2]. For an added incentive, in most instances, having bilingual skills also leads to increased salaries and bonuses on hiring. So, even if you don’t think another language is useful to your career aspirations, bilingual skills will certainly set you ahead from the rest.
5. Makes Understanding New Languages Easier
Being able to push through and learn a second language opens the door to learning more languages. Learning a second language introduces you to the explicit rules of that language, which are often comparable to those of your native tongue. This helps you better understand the functionality and structure of that second language. Plus, all the acquisition techniques you applied while learning your second language will be fresh and ready to use. This improved cognitive working will make subsequent languages easier for you to learn.
Encourage New Language Skills Today
There’s no doubt that learning a new language can be tricky. However, once you have managed to push through the barriers, the sense of accomplishment that comes with putting your new language skills to the test is unparalleled. So, take stock of these five benefits of learning a new language and encourage yourself or others to get started sooner rather than later!
[1] https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2015/05/30/do-you-see-what-i-see
[2] https://blog.linguistica-recruitment.com/2021/06/09/demand-soars-for-multilingual-candidates-in-the-uk/