Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Do you want to learn a new language? Why? What are the top reasons to learn? Explore the benefits of learning a foreign language.

In today’s increasingly interdependent and hyper-connected world, it has become essential for everyone to learn a foreign language.

It can deliver a variety of advantages to us in the long run.

Before you proceed with the learning process, look at the perks of studying a language you can receive in the long run is worth it.

Top 12 Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language

There are countless reasons to learn a foreign language.

While people decide to learn for multiple reasons, Here is a list of some of the most prominent benefits we will experience in learning a foreign language.

It will convince you to go ahead and learn new tongues as much as possible. Any person who starts learning a new language can experience these gains.

1. Meet new people & quickly get connected to the world

Language is a means of communication. That is why most people learn a second language. Communicating with someone in their native language is a fantastic gift. It is one of the best benefits of learning a foreign language.

People in different countries speak different languages.

When you learn a new language, you can connect to the world. You will be able to meet and communicate with people from another part of the world.

“A recent survey by the online language school Lingoda found out that more than half of Americans struggle with confidence when speaking another language unless alcohol is involved. So having a drink with new friends can actually help boost confidence in a foreign language!”

Knowing the language makes traveling, living, and studying much more fulfilling and enjoyable.

Visit any of those countries or call them by staying in your country. The ability to speak in their language can provide excellent assistance to you.

In other words, this can increase your chances of getting connected with people who live worldwide.

Then you can think about visiting those countries to explore their unique culture. The Language barrier would never be an issue for you while exploring the new nation.

You will find it an easy task to make new friends as well.

Having friends all around the world can provide you with a large number of benefits in the long run, as well.

Speaking to local native speakers will open doors to experiences you may not otherwise have.

2. It can help you to boost your brainpower

No matter how old, the brains of a multilingual person operate differently compared to those who speak only one language, and these differences come with some proven incentives.

Several studies have shown that speaking at least one foreign language improves your cognitive process.

It slows mental aging, tends to have a bigger brain, increases focus and self-control, and improves memorization.

Plus, it also protects you against diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It doesn’t completely disappear but is controlled and buys you some precious time.

According to psychologists and other healthcare professionals, acquiring a second language can help you boost your brainpower.

That’s because the new tongue has unique structures and rules.

When you’re in second-language acquisition, you can train your brain to go through those patterns accordingly.

As a result, it is easy for you to boost your brainpower conveniently.

It can also provide you with valuable skills, such as critical thinking capabilities, which can significantly impact your life in the future.

3. You will become better at multitasking

Multitasking is one of the most vital skills that we can have. When we have this skill, we can get more work done within a short time. On the other hand, it can also significantly boost our productivity levels.

Several effective methods are available for you to increase your multitasking capabilities.

Out of those methods, command over a language holds a prominent place. You will also be able to end up with effective results in your work.

According to the researcher, Dr. Viorica Marian, “ability to use another language provides built-in brain exercise. You don’t need to find a way to do a puzzle because the brain is already constantly juggling two languages.”

Another study done by the Pennsylvania State University found, Juggling between two or more languages can build better brains since one can easily switch between different structures.

According to a study by NIH, bilinguals switch tasks faster than monolinguals. Multilingual people are used to switching between different grammar, speech, structure, accent, and writing systems.

It means those who speak two languages are better at switching between tasks than those who know only one.

As a result, they become more practiced at multitasking, doing two or more things at once, and allowing better attention shifting.

4. You can expose yourself to new career opportunities

The world is changing fast. It’s no secret that studying a foreign language can widen your job and career prospects in today’s crowded global job market.

If you’re looking for long-term benefits with your career, learning a foreign language can undoubtedly assist.

A career in foreign languages is probably the main reason one would learn a new language.

As the world becomes more globalized and interconnected, more companies than ever are looking to extend their businesses overseas and deal with international clients.

Employers are seeking professionals who can communicate seamlessly with customers in overseas markets.

It is impossible without hiring globally-minded people who can speak, read, and write in at least one foreign tongue.

Many jobs in finance, international trade, publishing, journalism, education, healthcare, designing, social work, national security, tourism, translation, hospitality, export-import, outsourcing, and international business favor bilingual candidates. This results in more job options for language learners.

There is a shortage of global talent in the entire world. A job opportunity awaits you in another country if you are good at something.

Unfortunately, you will not grab this opportunity because it is available only for people who speak a specific language.

If you learn that language, you don’t need to worry about that at all.

You can accept the job offer and fulfill your responsibilities without hassle.

Proficiency in a foreign language will set you apart from other applicants. You will also be able to leave a lasting impression on your employer, which can help you climb up the career ladder quickly.

The career prospects involving languages are infinite.

The ability to speak multiple lingoes is unquestionably a competitive edge on your resume in today’s world.

So why not give yourself every possible corner?

5. Become more innovative, self-confident & Boost your creativity

Learning a new language is one of the most convenient methods for becoming more intelligent.

The learning process can enhance your attention period and memory.

Besides, it can provide an excellent workout to your brain. You will also improve your problem-solving skills thanks to the challenges you will face along with time.

It can heavily contribute to your productivity levels, as well.

Therefore, you will get more work done efficiently.

Learning a new language would assist you in developing your self-confidence as well.

That’s because gaining new skills can increase your confidence levels.

Confident people are better than individuals who are unsure of their capabilities. It can create a significant impact on your overall life, as well.

It is crucial to remember that learning a new language can boost your creativity.

This fact has been proven by scientific research, as well. You can think logically, and your problem-solving skills will improve.

Also, you will tend to experiment with new phrases and words.

6. You can travel the world

Traveling the world is something that we all love to do.

You can travel to all corners of the world without speaking another language.

But before you travel the world, you need to make sure that you can speak at least the elementary level of the language of your destination country.

With almost 200 countries and over 50 valuable languages, it’s next to impossible to know each one’s native tongue.

❝No man should travel until he has learned the language of the country he visits. Otherwise, he voluntarily makes himself a great baby – so helpless and so ridiculous.❞

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

Are you considering visiting a country where people speak a different language?

Then, in that case, it would be a good idea to spend your time and effort learning that language.

You don’t need to be fluent in a foreign tongue when traveling. Still, learning key phrases can make your travel experience better and more rewarding!

On the other hand, being capable of speaking another language can widen the traveling opportunities that are available to you.

You cannot find English-speaking locals in some of the world’s most outstanding destinations.

As a result, you will be prevented from getting the best possible experience at the end of the day. But if you can speak the native language, you will easily blend perfectly with the tourists.

Thus, you can explore new destinations without facing any hassle.

7. Language Learning to Study Abroad

Do you want to study abroad or look for a job after completing your studies in any non-English speaking country?

I don’t think I have to convince you about the benefits of learning it. It will be the door that will open to an entirely new world waiting to be discovered.

In most non-English-speaking nations, several Diplomas, UG, and PG courses are taught in English. It means you wouldn’t typically be required to learn the official one.

The language will equip you well, both personally and professionally. After completing the course, it will enhance your resume for a wide range of employers.

Moreover, students usually advance more quickly if they surround themselves with people who speak the local language.

You could study for an MBA in France, Engineering in Germany, Hotel Management in Italy, or maybe a research doctorate in South Korea or Japan.

If you feel like changing your life, figure out what country you want, learn its language, and go for it.

In most cases, you might need to appear for one of the Foreign language proficiency tests.

8. Language can help you with Immigration & Work permit

❝When in Rome, do as the Romans do.❞

— Saint Ambrose

Do you know you can get extra points for Canada or Quebec PR by learning French?

Your application will receive priority, among other things, ahead of others who don’t have French skills.

You must appear for a French proficiency test, i.e., TCF or TEF, to enhance your points.

More and more people are deciding to spend the rest of their life abroad.

Imagine you are fluent in the Spanish language. The company where you are working is out looking for personnel to fill some new openings.

It can be in any Spanish-speaking country like the USA, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and Spain.

Finding a job, making friends, or getting things done if you don’t speak the local language fluently will be challenging. A primary tool in that endeavor is language obstacles.

The ability to speak a foreign language will make life much more comfortable. It is one of the main reasons why many governments provide incentives for language learning for immigrants.

9. Cultural Appreciation

❝Absolutely nothing is so important for a nation’s culture as its language.❞

— Wilhelm von Humboldt

Knowledge of a foreign language gives you a greater understanding of the world. It opens up a whole new world of opportunities.

According to numerous research, the relationship between language and culture is deeply rooted. That is why cultural awareness is the key to learning a language.

It provides deep insights into how other people see the world and how their language shapes them.

You will instantly have access to many foreign language books, literary works, films, music, TV programs, and more. It will give you a real insight into the history and culture of a nation.

This, in turn, will help you appreciate things that you wouldn’t have noticed before and, at the end of the day, gives you an indication of how the world works.

10. Learning Languages For Fun or as a Hobby

Learning any foreign language can be one of the most enjoyable for all of the reasons mentioned above and a lot that hasn’t been said. It will also be rewarding, satisfying, and exciting things you will ever do.

Choosing to learn a new language as a hobby can be a daunting and complex task, but it can also be fun.

If you have interest and motivation, it can become one of your incredible hobbies.

If you’re unsure which language to learn, picking the one you love is probably the best choice.

I won’t lie, it takes a lot of persistence, hard work, determination, practice, and consistency with your studies, but you’ll get there if you work hard.

While some people have a flair and knack for foreign languages, most of us can succeed with enough effort and dedication.

11. It can help increase your salary

If you don’t want to seek new career choices but thinking of a promotion or salary hike within your current company, learning a foreign language is a great strategy.

Nowadays, almost all jobs require you to interact with others and employees who are multilinguists. It almost always has a valuable role in the workplace and is often compensated for its unique skill and expertise.

Many companies hire language specialists with a high salary for various work.

If you can speak multiple languages, you can accomplish two employees’ functions for less than twice the price.

Having more skills lets you advance your life on your terms, which pays off earnings and happiness.

Plus, it offers advancement opportunities and additional job security during uncertain economic times or recessions.

According to various reports, people who speak foreign languages usually earn more than those who speak only English and their official language.

You can consistently demonstrate the many ways in which your language skills can help the company.

For example, effective communication with foreign clients and branches or expanding footprints in other countries.

With such vital skills added to the mix, your capabilities can command a higher salary and be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and perks. In short, You’ll get paid more.

You will be an asset to the company. It is a win-win for everyone.

12. It is becoming essential

Last but not least, Learning more than one language is becoming necessary today.

People capable of handling more than one language will find it easy to survive in the changing global economy.

In other words, you can open the doors to the world around you. You can also transform yourself into a better person who is in demand.

For example, you can secure a job in a company located in another part of the world.

Final Words

As we can see, there are many advantages to learning a foreign language.

Now you clearly understand all the benefits you can experience by learning a foreign language.

Hence, it is up to you to make an effort to learn. You have the freedom to go ahead and learn any language under the sun, as per your preferences.

Any tongue under the sun can help you experience the above benefits.

Ready to embark on the enthralling journey of a foreign language?

Maybe If you’re still unconvinced about the benefits of learning a foreign language?

Or perhaps, If your existing skills aren’t cutting it, check out this blog for additional resources to help you get the ball rolling.

If you’ve any questions, Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.