As the world continues to become smarter and more advanced every day, many people are realising the benefits and importance of learning a second language. Learning languages can be tedious and difficult but the benefits you yield will be worth it in the long run. This article will explore the 9 benefits of learning a second language and why learning languages is important.
Read also: 4 Tips On Staying In Touch With Your Mother Tongue Language
Why learning languages is important and the 9 Benefits
1 – Advancement in your career
Being bilingual or multilingual is essential for the 21st century as socialising is the key to international markets. Learning languages such as Mandarin and Spanish could positively impact your career advancement. Mandarin for entering the China market and Spanish for entering the United States and Europe market.
These 2 languages are the top few most spoken languages in the world now along with English. Learning a second language sure opens the door to greater opportunities in your future career.
Employers would definitely prefer professionals who are able to communicate fluently in the overseas market. Language skills may also lead to higher salaries and increased bonuses.
2 – Gives you an upper hand in life
The ability to speak and write fluently in more than one language makes your resume and applications for anything look far more attractive. Learning languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or Arabic will benefit you significantly, considering these are the leading languages the world is speaking now.
Whatever your future aspiration may be —with language skills added to the mix, you’re ahead of the crowd!
3 – Greater knowledge
Learning languages helps individuals to gain greater knowledge and expand their skill sets. When an individual learns a new language, they are likely to learn about the history and origin of the language. This gives additional knowledge to the individual about a new culture and tradition.
Knowledge like this is uncommon yet useful to know. Hence, learning a new language is more than just knowing how to speak and write fluently. It is about understanding the history, culture and origin of the language.
4 – Improve cognitive skills
People who know more than one language are better at observing their surroundings. They are able to spot anything that is out of place, irrelevant and deceptive. They are also significantly better than monolingual at spotting misleading information.
Learning an additional language also helps to keep the brain healthy. This added skill set also offers benefits like improved memory, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Studies also show that bilingual and multilingual people are better at multitasking, where they are able to switch between competing tasks and monitor changes in their environment.
5 – More opportunities and options to explore
Learning a second language opens additional doors to opportunities for studying or working abroad.
College and job applications will be so much easier when you have an additional skill, winning over your peers and schoolmates. Learning a second language could also be vital for admission to your dream college depending on their admission requirements.
6 – Boosts your confidence
Whether you are learning the language leisurely or because of school, learning languages generally helps with boosting self-confidence. This is because we often have to speak the language to master the language. Learning the language would mean putting ourselves out there and out of our comfort zone. Conversing with people in their native language gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Learning a new language also means making mistakes, but when corrected and worked on, it helps you to improve the language. Which ultimately helps with the mastery of the language.
7- Gain new perspectives and insights
As we explore a new language, we naturally dive into their history and culture. We are drawn to find out more about the origin of the language, the country and the traditions. It sure helps learners to have a greater appreciation for the new language they are learning.
All these may have a positive ripple effect allowing us to appreciate the world around us and remind ourselves of the beauty of living in the moment.
8 – Strengthen connections with other cultures
While monolingual travellers are capable of visiting the same places, travellers who know the native language of the country may find themselves having the upper hand. They can easily navigate outside the tourist bubble to connect and interact with the people there. This is not usually common for travellers and tourists.
9 – Enhance memory skills
Studies have shown that learning languages have a positive effect on our memory span.
“Because the language centres in the brain are so flexible, learning a second language can develop new areas of your mind and strengthen your brain’s natural ability to focus.”
In a nutshell, learning languages can be intimidating and frightening alone, but fear not when you have your own tutor. Tutopiya offers online live tuition for students and learners who are looking to learn a specific language. Tutopiya offers Mandarin, Spanish, French, Japanese, Malay and many other languages. Contact our specialists today to find out more about the languages we offer.
