why learning languages is important essay

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Knowing more than one language is fast becoming a requirement for anyone who wants to compete and thrive in a world where boundaries and barriers are becoming less relevant. In addition to the language itself, multilingual learners can take advantage of the full scope of accompanying cognitive and social skills—making them great employees, leaders in their communities, and true global citizens.

The U.S. Lags Behind in Language Education

Most students in the U.S. graduate high school knowing only one language—making it the only developed country in the world for which language learning is not a recognized priority.

In the United States, only one in five K-12 students 1 (and about one in 12 university students 2 ) is enrolled in a world language class. This is a woefully small number of students, especially when compared to other countries:

92% of students in Europe learn another language in school.

Nearly 1 in 4 Canadians can hold a conversation in both English and French.

Across Africa, more schools are teaching in both the student’s first language and English, French, Dutch, or Portuguese.

While precise measurements are difficult, many sources estimate that one out of every two people on the planet knows at least two languages.

There may have been a time in the U.S. when becoming multilingual was a luxury. But to thrive in an interconnected world—with its expanding population, evolving technologies, and growing emphasis on competing globally—it’s a requirement. And remember, three out of four humans don’t speak English.

Top 10 Benefits of Learning More Than One Language

1. improve your career & business.

When employers list the skills they most seek in a candidate, “knowing more than one language” is listed among the top eight—regardless of the job title, the economic sector, or the candidate’s experience. In other words, whether you’re an engineer, a restaurant server, a salesperson, or a small business owner—any role in any sector—multilingualism will serve your professional goals well.

And while knowing more than one language is a powerful way to distinguish yourself from your peers and colleagues, it’s becoming less of a nice-to-have and more of a job requirement. A full 90% of U.S. employers report relying on employees who speak more than one language—with one in three of these businesses reporting a significant “language skills gap.”

2. Build Deeper Connections With More People

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect. The entire experience of interacting with your fellow humans—getting to know them, working alongside them—is enriched by sharing their language. You will be shaped by communities. You will be humbled by the kindness of strangers. You will build lifelong friendships.

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect.

3. Sharpen Your Decision-Making

Decisions made in a second language are more reason-driven than decisions made in your first language. 3 When tackling a challenge in a second (or third or fourth) language, you gain the objectivity and emotional distance you need to properly assess the situation. The result? Clear-eyed choices made through sound, systematic thinking.

4. Feed Your Brain

Research indicates that people who speak more than one language develop a better memory, talent for problem-solving, ability to concentrate, and tendency to be creative than people who speak only one language. Knowing at least a second language also reduces the chances of cognitive decline as you age.

5. Treasure Other Cultures

Culture is the collection of a group’s traditions, arts, customs, social institutions, and achievements, passed from generation to generation. But the surest way to understand a culture—to know it, empathize with it, and come to adore it—is to know its language. In studies, children who have studied an additional language like and respect the culture associated with that language, as well as demonstrate higher levels of empathy and tolerance. Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

6. See the World (More Fully)

When you travel somewhere and know the language, the entire experience transforms. Traveling becomes more dynamic—more full of nuance and opportunities. Knowing the language lets you escape the “tourist bubble” and to interact with people and places nobody else could. You can read the street signs to find amazing locales, engage in more meaningful conversation, and immerse yourself in local culture, food, and art.

7. Boost Your Confidence

As you’re learning a language, you’ll make plenty of mistakes—often in front of the audience of your teacher and classmates. But these “mistakes” are actually steps toward becoming a more proficient speaker and more resilient learner. Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature. And when you eventually find yourself conversing with someone in their language, your sense of accomplishment will be unparalleled.

Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature.

8. Expand Your Perspective

Learning another language means learning another culture. And learning another culture means drawing comparisons between it and your own culture. You naturally discover places—places both positive and negative—where the cultures diverge. Your understanding of the awesomeness of humanity’s diversity and ingenuity grows in a thousand new directions.

9. Experience Art in Its Original Form

Most of the world’s history and art—its books, news, films, music, essays, stories, and online experiences—are in a language you don’t (yet) know. With more than 7,000 spoken languages on Earth, you could spend countless lifetimes exploring the many source materials if only you knew the language . Reading a love poem by Neruda in its original Spanish, reciting Homer’s epics in their original Greek, or watching “Rashomon” in Kurosawa’s original Japanese—these are all profound experiences that only language learning can offer.

10. Become a Polyglot

When you learn a second language, two amazing things happen. First, you come to know and speak your first language better. Second, learning a third language is much easier than the second (especially for children). 4 Take a bold step toward communicating in as many languages as you choose!

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How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language?

By Jeremy Engle

• March 29, 2019

Have you ever studied a foreign language ? Do you think it’s still necessary to do so?

Isn’t it easy to find people who speak English in other countries if you really need to communicate with someone? And aren’t there translation apps for your phone you can download anyway?

What is the value of knowing more than one language in the 21st century? Is it really worth the time, effort and investment?

In “ Do You Speak My Language? You Should ,” Bénédicte de Montlaur writes:

In January, the Modern Language Association made an astonishing announcement in The Chronicle of Higher Education: From 2013 to 2016, colleges across the United States cut 651 foreign language programs . French was the hardest hit, losing 129 programs, followed by Spanish with 118, German with 86 and Italian with 56. Once these programs close, they are very hard to reopen. According to a Pew study from last year , only 20 percent of K-12 students in America study a foreign language (compared with an average of 92 percent in Europe), and only 10 states and the District of Columbia make foreign-language learning a high school graduation requirement. The decline in language education could have devastating effects for generations to come. With fewer options for learning a foreign language in school, a sharp decrease in interest is likely to follow. According to the Modern Language Association, enrollment in college-level foreign-language courses dropped 9.2 percent from 2013 to 2016. The association says these changes are most likely a direct result of the 2008 recession, which hit foreign-language degree programs harder than many other humanities programs. As programs shrink so does the supply of qualified teachers . It’s a vicious cycle. And yet, knowing a foreign language is becoming ever more essential. The freshman congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is Spanish-English bilingual, recently tweeted , “Bilingualism is a huge advantage in the economy and the world.” Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, who at age 29 is already one of the best-known members of the Democratic Party, is a case in point. Her sentiment is shared by many. In response, some educators and parents are rethinking the way language is taught and calling for expanded access to language education. Nationwide, parents and teachers have been leading grass-roots initiatives to provide foreign-language learning in public schools, and some universities have instituted innovative language programs. From pre-K to graduate studies, there is a move toward holistic language education, based on the notion that learning a language should be grounded in the real, everyday use of that language.

The article concludes:

If Americans want the next generation to be active participants in a multilingual world, dual-language and multicultural education is crucial. Government spending on foreign-language education and the education of qualified foreign-language teachers needs to increase. More states need to enforce language-education requirements. Colleges need to recognize the importance of their foreign-language education programs. In turn, more parents, students and teachers need to lobby for language programs. The necessity of foreign-language education could not be clearer right now. The future in America, and everywhere, is multilingual. And so is the present.

Students, read the entire article, then tell us:

— How important is knowing a foreign language?

— What languages can you speak, read or understand? If you know more than one language, how did you learn these additional languages? Was it hard? Fun? How has knowing another language affected and benefited your life?

— If you speak only one language, have you ever wanted or tried to learn a new one? What challenges did you face in acquiring a new language?

— How persuasive is Ms. de Montlaur’s argument that Americans need to study a foreign language? Do you agree with her that the future is multilingual? Should schools require that students learn a second language?

— If you were to study a new language, what would it be and why?

— How much is foreign-language education emphasized at your school? What would you recommend to improve the foreign-language program at your school?

Students 13 and older are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Benefits of Knowing a Foreign Language

There are numerous advantages of learning a foreign language. Essay sample is focused on social, health, and other foreign language benefits, as well as reasons to learn another language.

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language Essay Introduction

Benefits of learning a second language essay body, benefits of learning foreign language essay conclusion, works cited.

Why are foreign languages in demand and popularity? Not everyone probably thinks about it until they face a particular situation. Let us consider several reasons for bilingualism, such as advantages in career, travel, unlimited communication, cultural content, and the fact that knowing at least one foreign language makes the person smarter.

The first cause of foreign language usefulness is professional opportunities. You need to know a foreign language to increase your employability, work in a prestigious fast-growing company, and get the appropriate payment. It also applies to study and internships in foreign countries because plenty of companies are trying to learn from the experience of their foreign colleagues. In the case you know the foreign language, you can help in the translation of texts, preparation of documents, or during negotiations with foreign partners. Besides, you can learn some interesting and helpful information by reading foreign professional literature.

The second reason concerns traveling. Knowing the foreign language, you will be happy to listen to guided tours in original, chat with people with great ease and pleasure, and, who knows, maybe the foreign language you can speak will save the life of someone. Traveling around the world, you can always find your way, talk to the locals, learn about their lives and culture, and perhaps, receive a useful lesson (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 8). In other words, knowing the foreign language allows penetrating the traditions of the other culture.

The third reason in favor of knowledge of a foreign language is communication. Usually, to learn a foreign language well enough, it is necessary to plunge into the environment of living in that particular culture. In turn, such a dive does not pass entirely but forms certain personal qualities. For example, some studies have shown that people, who know more than one language, expand their horizons and are more likely to empathize taking the first steps in communication. Communication in a foreign language with native speakers will significantly strengthen your communication skills and develop life-long friendships (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 14).

Moreover, a foreign language helps you to enrich yourself culturally by watching movies in their original, listening to the voice and intonations of actors, and avoiding translators. You can listen to your favorite songs of foreign singers and understand their meaning with great pleasure. Despite the considerable amount of translated literature, the knowledge of a foreign language opens the door to the world of original literature. It is also essential to point out that by learning a foreign language, you can improve your native language as well. When people start to talk in a foreign language, which has its grammar, logic, and exceptions, they choose words and phrases in the native language to translate, which helps to increase the speech culture and vocabulary of the native language.

Besides, if you are interested in the events taking place in the world, the knowledge of the foreign language would be your advantage. You can easily understand the news as many world newspapers and Internet posts are published in a foreign language. Consequently, you will be able to understand the meaning of the above, taking into account all the details. It is much more objective than hearing a translation, where a lot can be unsaid or translated inappropriately. Thus, knowledge of a foreign language provides access to information, while it is commonly considered that he who owns the information – owns the world.

Finally, the last but not the least reason is probably, the most important. Knowledge of a foreign language expands consciousness. According to Merritt, “speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognize, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems” (par. 3). Your mind will be reconstructed to understand completely new concepts. In this sense, learning foreign languages is highly efficient due to switching codes. Switching from one language to another is a challenging job for the brain that is undoubtedly useful. Several studies have shown that among patients with dementia, symptoms began four years later in people who know two languages than in people who know one language (Merritt par. 6). In other words, the brain of bilinguals was struck but continued to operate at a higher level for a longer time.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that people are blacksmiths of their happiness, and a lot in life depends on them. Knowledge of foreign languages gives people plenty of advantages. It is the opportunity to travel around the world without an interpreter, to read foreign literature, to watch foreign films in the original, and to have friends from different countries. If you are willing to change something in your life for the better, then learn a foreign language, and maybe somewhere, there is a pleasant surprise waiting for you, such as an exciting journey or attractive employment.

Merritt, Anne. “ Why Learn a Foreign Language? Benefits of Bilingualism. ” The Telegraph . Telegraph Media Group, 2013.

“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language.” Lingholic . n.p., 2014.

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Why You Should Learn a Second Language and Gain New Skills

May 12, 2020

In The News

One of the most practical ways to make use of your spare time nowadays is to start learning a new skill. 

People who always succeed are those who are keen to learn something new every day - be it learning about other cultures or learning a second language.

At Middlebury Language Schools, we are strong advocates for the importance of mastering a second language. Both personally and professionally, being bilingual can bring you several advantages.

In this article, we will break down some of the benefits of learning a second language and why this skill is one of the most overlooked skills in the world.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE !

Why is it important to know more than one language

We live in a multilingual world, where connections are now more important than ever. The world is becoming increasingly globalized and knowing a second language can always give you an unfair advantage.

There are tangible benefits to being bilingual:

• It can help you in your career;
• It can improve your memory and brain functions;
• It can help increase your understanding of the languages you already speak.

A second language can drastically change your career. Living in an interconnected world means that more and more jobs are advertising positions where knowing more than one language is essential. 

As more companies trade internationally and create relationships with other countries, employees are often asked to travel for work, enhance these relationships, or be relocated abroad. 

Besides having more chances of landing a good job or advancing in your career, learning a second language can also give you an insight into other cultures. You will be more prepared and confident to travel the world and explore other people’s ways of living.

Lack of integration is a real problem for most countries. More often than not, this is due to the language barrier. People outside of their home countries end up being isolated, hanging out only with people from similar communities where their language is spoken. 

Learning a second language opens up the opportunity for being part of a community with a different culture, and learning more about the world around us. 

Did you know that being bilingual can also help you master your own language? For example, learning a new language with similar roots can help you learn other languages as well. Take Spanish , Italian , and French from one summer to the next!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS !

What are the benefits of learning a second language

As mentioned before, learning a new language is a wonderful benefit in a globalized world. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of learning a second language.

1. It improves your memory

The more you use your brain to learn new skills, the more your brain’s functions work. Learning a new language pushes your brain to get familiar with new grammar and vocabulary rules. It allows you to train your memory to remember new words, make connections between them, and use them in contextual situations.

2. Enhances your ability to multitask

Time management and multitasking are two skills that will always help you. Multilingual people have the ability to switch between languages. Their ability to think in different languages and be able to communicate in more than one language helps with multitasking.

3. Improves your performance in other academic areas 

Fully immersing yourself in a language learning environment means not only learning the basics of that language. It means learning how to communicate in another language with your peers or participating in extracurricular activities in that specific language. 

What languages are the most useful to learn? Middlebury Language Schools recommends 3 of our 13 languages

Since 1915, Middlebury Language Schools has been one of the nation’s preeminent language learning programs. 

Whether you’re a beginning language learner or working toward an advanced degree, our time-tested programs offer a range of options and opportunities.

Taking the Language Pledge at Middlebury Language Schools means committing to communicate only in the language of your choice for the duration of the program. You will live, play, and learn in a 24/7 environment. 

We offer a wide range of languages you can choose from. Here are just a few of the languages we offer.

Due to many geopolitical reasons, the Russian language is not very closely related to English. It is a very challenging language to learn, with complex grammar and syntax rules. However, it is an extremely culturally and politically relevant language. 

At the School of Russian , you can experience the most effective method for rapid language acquisition. An immersion environment is a promise that you will read, write, speak, and listen only in Russian throughout the duration of the program. Some of the benefits of learning Russian at Middlebury Language Schools include interpreting poetry, learning about the culture, and mastering the Russian etiquette.

LEARN RUSSIAN !

Arabic has been one of our most popular languages. It is a high demand language because it can get you ahead in a government career, but also give you endless opportunities in business and international relations. 

Arabic is spoken by more than 300 million people and is one of the top 5 most spoken languages in the world. Learning Arabic as a second language can help you learn about the Arabic culture and religion. It not only gives you opportunities to expand your connections, but also offers great travel opportunities. 

A summer at the Arabic School will help you experience the immersive environment on campus. At Middlebury Language Schools, the focus is on Modern Standard Arabic, with optional Arabic language classes in dialects such as Egyptian, Syrian and Moroccan.

Check out our Arabic graduate programs and Arabic 8-week immersion program for more information.

LEARN ARABIC !

A lot of people agree that Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn, due to the fact that you read words as they are written. Spanish is the most spoken language in the world after English and is used by more than 400 million people. 

Spanish skills can be a strong asset for communicating and creating relationships not only in Spain, but also in Latin America. 

At the Middlebury School of Spanish , you can engage your mind with topics of interest, from Spanish history to arts and cooking. 

Ready to learn Spanish? Check out Middlebury Language Schools’ 7-week immersion program or the graduate programs .

LEARN SPANISH !

Reminders on why you should learn a second language now

We have broken down the benefits of learning a second language and becoming bilingual in a highly globalized world. 

The truth is, learning new skills every day enhances all aspects of your life. By learning new skills, you can increase your career opportunities, find out more about the world around you, and be a better person overall.

We highly encourage you to start learning a new language as early in your life as possible. However, you are never too old to learn! The world moves fast, and we must keep up with the changes - by developing new skills, learning more about ourselves, and also, learning a new language!

ENROLL NOW !

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Argumentative Essay: Why is it so Important to Know More than One Language

We live in a multilingual world that is becoming increasingly globalized and it is therefore very important to know more than one language. There are three main reasons for this: an additional language can help you progress in your career, you gain an awareness of other cultures, and it helps increase our understanding and knowledge of our own language.

More and more job advertisements are now specifying that they want second, third, and even fourth languages in some cases, and knowing more than one language opens up your prospects in a highly important way. Furthermore, as more and more companies begin to trade internationally, people are frequently beginning jobs for which they need no language skills, but then being asked to relocate abroad, or offered a promotion that requires language skills. Therefore, it helps with career enhancement. Some people refute this claim by saying that there are plenty of other jobs available, but this is simply not the case anymore with the global recession and more countries being international.

The second reason that it is important to know more than one language is that it increases cultural awareness and allows you to communicate with different people. All good methods of learning languages also entail learning about another culture, especially when your language skills get to a higher level. This awareness allows people from different nationalities and religions to get along with each other better, which is very important given the high levels of immigration. Many countries with high immigration levels have trouble with a lack of integration, and this is often because of the language barrier, so people end up being segregated, staying in communities where their own language is spoken. Even those that say they don’t care about meeting people of other cultures will have noticed these problems, and should accept the importance of learning other languages.

Finally, people should learn additional languages because it helps with their mastery of their own language and it is proven to be good for the brain. Some people believe that learning more languages leads to confusion, but besides the odd word being misused, this is simply not the case. If you learn a new language, you have to study the grammar from scratch, and therefore end up with a much more in-depth knowledge of grammar as a whole than people who only speak one language. Furthermore, if you learn languages with similar roots learning one can help you learn the others (take French, Spanish and Italian, for example).

Overall there can be no denying that learning languages is wholly positive for individuals and society and that it is highly important to know more than one language. If more people were multilingual, the world would ultimately be a happier and more prosperous place.

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Learning Foreign Languages: What Are the Benefits? Essay

Have you ever wondered why some people have certain flexibility of mind? They can see problems from various standpoints, understand many views on a matter, and can find a suitable solution to a problem relatively easily. Good command of a foreign language is the major contributor to the person’s flexibility of mind, memory capacity, and ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

While it is true that there are numerous study areas for a student to become proficient in, having a good command of a foreign language enhances the overall learning capacity and may even improve your health.

• Studying any foreign language improves your memory and can even prevent a possible onset of Alzheimer’s disease (Jha par. 2).
• Studying a foreign language improves your ability to understand complex concepts and ideas in other fields of study (Bialystok and Martin 1).
• Studies have shown that learning foreign languages modifies the gray matter, responsible for processing the information in the brain (“Learning Languages ‘Boosts Brain’” par. 3).
• People with a good command of a foreign language can manage their daily schedules more effectively and even make smarter financial decisions (Woodruff par. 1).

(Speaking a foreign language not only improves your overall learning capacity but is also an asset to your professional resume.)

Learning a foreign language enhances your career prospects, including potentially higher salary (“What Is a Foreign Language Worth?” par. 9).

• Speaking at least one foreign language gives you a competitive edge in comparison with other candidates for the job position you choose.
• Speaking a foreign language improves your decision-making process (Caldwell-Harris par. 2), thereby enhancing your ability to reach a compromise in difficult situations.
• It can boost your confidence regarding your professional performance.
• It can improve your teamwork skills, which is extremely useful in a work setting in your future career.
• Being proficient in a foreign language may result in getting an internship position abroad, which will improve your professional competence.

(However, the advantages of learning a foreign language are not at all limited to the areas of your life involving work and studies. A foreign language opens up a whole new world of experience, the most exciting of which is traveling.)

Speaking a foreign language gives you an opportunity to discover foreign cultures while traveling.

• Speaking the local language when traveling is a unique opportunity to learn about a particular foreign culture in a profound way.
• By communicating with locals in their language, you can gain insights into their thinking patterns and mentality.
• The local people will appreciate your efforts, whether you speak fluently, or not.
• By befriending the locals, you will gain an opportunity to witness their culture on the inside, as they might invite you to spend some time in their home.
• By learning about another nation’s mentality, you have an opportunity to find out new ways of looking at familiar things, shift your perspective, and broaden your horizon. (Speaking the local language has many practical advantages. It can come in handy when buying souvenirs and other products at the local market.)
• By haggling in the local language, you gain the vendor’s respect and save money you would normally spend by paying the “sticker” price. (Finally, being proficient in a foreign language is an advantage in almost every area of your professional activities, studies, and leisure. This skill will enrich your life from many perspectives.)

Having a good command of a foreign language can enrich your personality and lead to many exciting and pleasant experiences.

• Speaking a foreign language makes you a well-rounded person who can share interesting insights into the mentality and culture of another nation.
• Thanks to this skill, you will be seen as a far more interesting and extraordinary person, which will, in turn, boost your confidence and self-esteem.
• Learning about foreign traditions and customs allows you to make comparisons with your own cultural background.
• These comparisons help better understand your culture.
• Moreover, it helps you see the influence of other cultures on the one of your own and understand the underlying reasons for the particular beliefs and values.
• By learning more about a foreign culture and the culture of your own, you will feel like a citizen of the world and a part of the global fabric of cross-cultural experience.
• The ability to speak a foreign language will not only make you an attractive employee but also more appealing to the opposite sex.

As you can see, learning a foreign language has multiple advantages. It improves your learning capacity, preserves your health, enhances your career prospects, enriches your traveling experience, and makes you a well-rounded and interesting person to encounter. Overall, these innumerable benefits outweigh the difficulties that we might have while studying the language. Isn’t it truly worth the effort?

Works Cited

Bialystok, Ellen and Michelle M. Martin. “Attention and Inhibition in Bilingual Children: Evidence from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task.” Developmental science 7.3 (2004): 325-339. Print.

Caldwell-Harris, Catherine. How Knowing a Foreign Language Can Improve Your Decisions . 2012. Web.

Jha, Alok. Being Bilingual May Delay Alzheimer’s and Boost Brain Power . 2011. Web.

Learning Languages ‘Boosts Brain’ 2004. Web.

What Is a Foreign Language Worth? 2014. Web.

Woodruff, Mandi. Here’s Why Bilingual People Make Better Financial Choices . 2012. Web.

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Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.

Linguistics scholars seek to determine what is unique and universal about the language we use, how it is acquired and the ways it changes over time. They consider language as a cultural, social and psychological phenomenon.

“Understanding why and how languages differ tells about the range of what is human,” said Dan Jurafsky , the Jackson Eli Reynolds Professor in Humanities and chair of the Department of Linguistics in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford . “Discovering what’s universal about languages can help us understand the core of our humanity.”

The stories below represent some of the ways linguists have investigated many aspects of language, including its semantics and syntax, phonetics and phonology, and its social, psychological and computational aspects.

Understanding stereotypes

Stanford linguists and psychologists study how language is interpreted by people. Even the slightest differences in language use can correspond with biased beliefs of the speakers, according to research.

One study showed that a relatively harmless sentence, such as “girls are as good as boys at math,” can subtly perpetuate sexist stereotypes. Because of the statement’s grammatical structure, it implies that being good at math is more common or natural for boys than girls, the researchers said.

Language can play a big role in how we and others perceive the world, and linguists work to discover what words and phrases can influence us, unknowingly.

How well-meaning statements can spread stereotypes unintentionally

New Stanford research shows that sentences that frame one gender as the standard for the other can unintentionally perpetuate biases.

Algorithms reveal changes in stereotypes

New Stanford research shows that, over the past century, linguistic changes in gender and ethnic stereotypes correlated with major social movements and demographic changes in the U.S. Census data.

Exploring what an interruption is in conversation

Stanford doctoral candidate Katherine Hilton found that people perceive interruptions in conversation differently, and those perceptions differ depending on the listener’s own conversational style as well as gender.

Cops speak less respectfully to black community members

Professors Jennifer Eberhardt and Dan Jurafsky, along with other Stanford researchers, detected racial disparities in police officers’ speech after analyzing more than 100 hours of body camera footage from Oakland Police.

How other languages inform our own

People speak roughly 7,000 languages worldwide. Although there is a lot in common among languages, each one is unique, both in its structure and in the way it reflects the culture of the people who speak it.

Jurafsky said it’s important to study languages other than our own and how they develop over time because it can help scholars understand what lies at the foundation of humans’ unique way of communicating with one another.

“All this research can help us discover what it means to be human,” Jurafsky said.

Stanford PhD student documents indigenous language of Papua New Guinea

Fifth-year PhD student Kate Lindsey recently returned to the United States after a year of documenting an obscure language indigenous to the South Pacific nation.

Students explore Esperanto across Europe

In a research project spanning eight countries, two Stanford students search for Esperanto, a constructed language, against the backdrop of European populism.

Chris Manning: How computers are learning to understand language​

A computer scientist discusses the evolution of computational linguistics and where it’s headed next.

Stanford research explores novel perspectives on the evolution of Spanish

Using digital tools and literature to explore the evolution of the Spanish language, Stanford researcher Cuauhtémoc García-García reveals a new historical perspective on linguistic changes in Latin America and Spain.

Language as a lens into behavior

Linguists analyze how certain speech patterns correspond to particular behaviors, including how language can impact people’s buying decisions or influence their social media use.

For example, in one research paper, a group of Stanford researchers examined the differences in how Republicans and Democrats express themselves online to better understand how a polarization of beliefs can occur on social media.

“We live in a very polarized time,” Jurafsky said. “Understanding what different groups of people say and why is the first step in determining how we can help bring people together.”

Analyzing the tweets of Republicans and Democrats

New research by Dora Demszky and colleagues examined how Republicans and Democrats express themselves online in an attempt to understand how polarization of beliefs occurs on social media.

Examining bilingual behavior of children at Texas preschool

A Stanford senior studied a group of bilingual children at a Spanish immersion preschool in Texas to understand how they distinguished between their two languages.

Predicting sales of online products from advertising language

Stanford linguist Dan Jurafsky and colleagues have found that products in Japan sell better if their advertising includes polite language and words that invoke cultural traditions or authority.

Language can help the elderly cope with the challenges of aging, says Stanford professor

By examining conversations of elderly Japanese women, linguist Yoshiko Matsumoto uncovers language techniques that help people move past traumatic events and regain a sense of normalcy.

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The benefits of learning a second language

by Jennifer Smith

Learning a new language takes time and dedication. Once you do, being fluent in a second language offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Learning a second language is exciting and beneficial at all ages. It offers practical, intellectual and many aspirational benefits

In today's world, there are over 7,000 languages, and learning at least one will help you in life massively. Although it has been proven that it is easier for children to learn a second language, it is certainly never too late to learn, and the benefits definitely reward the effort and dedication.

Whatever your age, being bilingual certainly has its advantages, especially in today's global society. Here are the top benefits of learning a second language:

Better job prospects

In today's business dominated society, being bilingual can only be an advantage and gives you a competitive edge when searching for jobs, or maintaining your current employment.

Companies who plan to expand into overseas market are constantly looking for bilingual staff, who of which are well-paid and receive excellent benefits, as they will ultiamtely give the company a huge competitive advantage.

By learning a second language, you will be indispensable at your place of work as you can easily bridge the cultural gap between the two countries, and those with the ability to speak a second language are more likely to find a job.

Brain health

Medical studies has shown the positive effects learning a second language has on the brain.

Studies showed that learning a second language significantly delayed the onset of many brain related diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia, compared to those who can only speak their native tongue.

Travel and leisure

Learning a new language opens up a world of new opportunities. If you choose to learn a commonly spoken language, such as Spanish, French or German, you can travel practically anywhere in the world and not have trouble with translations.

You can confidently go about your business and in another country and speak freely to locals and other travellers. You will have a much better experience as you can effectively communicate with much more people, which will ultimately open up your mind and put things into different perspectives regarding the different cultures of the world.

Improved first language

As we go about our everyday lives, we rarely give a second thought to our own grammatical structure and vocabulary. However, when learning a new language, many people find they have a greater understanding of their first language.

Learning a second language focuses your attention on the grammatical rules constructions of that language. This experience gives people a new insight into their own language and ultimately leads to them improving their mother tongue, which will improve their everyday lives.

Improved understanding of the world

Learning a new language gives you a greater global understanding of the world we live in. Even by learning a few phrases, never mind a whole language, you will access many fascinating cultures around the world and understand the differences between the two countries.

You will have access to a whole new array of film, music and literature, and a greater understanding of the history and culture of the nation and ultimately a better understanding of the way the world works, including politics and security.

Experience new cultures

The world is a cauldron of rich and interesting cultures. Learning a new language allows you to access many different cultures across the world.

You will have the chance to see fascinating new things from a new perspective, which not many people can, and connect with the new people all over the world.

Different culture has its own music, style, history, literature and many more interesting things which you will be able to enjoy and understand. You will be able to connect through books, TV, the internet and converse with a whole countries worth of people, ultimately broadening your horizons, interests and views. A whole new world will be open to you.

Achievement

Learning a new language is a an achievement anyone can be proud of and is extremely satisfying. Once the hard work and effort has paid off, you will experience the many benefits associated with learning a new language and you will have a new found confidence.

Learning a new language will open up our world in ways a monoglot would never have the chance of experiencing. Your mind will be constantly be engaged and you will gain an insight into many different cultures. Learning a second language also makes it easier to learn a third, which will certainly broaden your horizons.

Written by Jennifer Smith on behalf of Kwintessential , the translation specialists.

More information about how to improve brain function https://www.themanlyzone.com/naturally-improve-brain-function/

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These are the benefits of learning a second language

In the US, just 20% of students learn another language. Image:  REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

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There are many advantages to learning a second language. Some are fairly obvious. If you find yourself lost in a foreign country, being able to express yourself clearly could help lead you to your destination. Similarly, if your job requires you to travel you may find it easier to vault language and cultural barriers.

But there are other benefits that are not so immediately apparent. For example, learning another language could improve your all-round cognitive ability. It could help hone your soft skills, and even increase your mastery of your mother tongue, too.

Some studies have apparently identified a link between being multilingual and fending off the onset of dementia . Others indicate that being able to speak more than one language can help you become better at multitasking in other aspects of your daily life, too.

Deciding on which additional language or languages to learn is often a matter of chance and personal preference. Maybe you have a parent or grandparent who is a native of another country, so you were brought up being able to speak their language. Perhaps your family regularly took vacations in a particular foreign country when you were a child and that sparked your interest. Or it could just be that you had a very engaging teacher who instilled in you a love for languages.

But deciding whether to learn one at all would appear to be determined more by your mother language than anything else. In short, native-born English speakers are far less likely to learn a second language than many other people.

In the US, just 20% of students learn a foreign language . Meanwhile, in parts of Europe that figure stands at 100%. Across the whole of Europe the median is 92%, and is at least 80% in 29 separate European countries investigated by Pew Research. In 15 of those 29, it’s 90% or more.

Down under, around 21% of people can use a second language , although only 73% of Australian households identified as English-speaking in the 2016 census. In Canada, only 6.2% of people speak something other than the country’s two official languages , English and French.

Have you read?

These are the world’s most spoken languages, our language needs to evolve alongside ai. here's how, here's why we like some words more than others.

In the UK, fewer school students are studying languages to exam levels at ages 16 or 18. Since 2013, the numbers of studying a language at GCSE level – the end of secondary schooling examination taken by most 16-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - have fallen between 30% and 50%. Scotland has its own exam system but the drop off in language study is comparable.

The UK has a long-standing tradition of teaching French and German at secondary school level, although not always with tremendous success: Brits are not famed for their multilingual skills. However, the popularity of both those languages has plummeted in UK schools. Less than 20 years ago, just 2,500 students were taking a language other than French, German, Spanish or Welsh – which is a mandatory curriculum requirement in Wales. But by 2017, according to numbers acquired by the BBC, that had shot up to 9,400.

Two languages that are growing in popularity in the UK are Spanish and Chinese, the BBC found. Chinese, of course, is the most widely spoken language in the world. However, in the online sphere it’s a close second to English. Online, English is used by 25.4% of people. For Chinese, it’s 19.3%. Both are way ahead of third-placed Spanish which is used by 8.1% of internet users.

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Home » Tips for Teachers » Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, understanding why students should learn a second language becomes crucial. This ability has transcended from being a simple asset to almost a necessity. For students at the crossroads of educational paths and future careers, mastering a second language unveils myriad opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Beyond the apparent benefit of enhanced communication abilities, bilingualism or multilingualism enriches learners’ cognitive capabilities, cultural understanding, and global awareness. It equips them with the tools not only to succeed in the global marketplace but also to navigate the complex tapestry of global cultures with empathy and insight.

The argument for incorporating second language learning into students’ curricula is compelling and multifaceted. Research consistently highlights the cognitive benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and increased attention span. Moreover, in the cultural dimension, it fosters a deeper understanding of and respect for diversity, preparing students to become global citizens. Professionally, bilingualism offers a competitive edge in the job market, where employers increasingly value the ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Really it depends from your needs and circumstances. In my professional experience, motivation is the only reason students will successfully learn a second language, either is business related, or a new boyfriend or an imminent trip. Some might say that the best language to… — ARTΞME (@StellaAmato4) January 17, 2024

As we delve into the benefits of acquiring a second language for students, we explore not only the practical advantages but also the profound impact it can have on their personal development and worldview. Learning a second language is more than an academic endeavor; it is a journey into understanding others and oneself, a bridge to the world, and a tool for shaping the future.

On this page, you will discover:

• Why Students Should Embrace Multilingualism →
• 7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language →
• Best Languages to Learn After English →
• 15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language →

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language — Embracing Multilingualism

Did you know that bilingual or multilingual individuals are often considered the brainiest bunch? Speaking more than one language opens up a world of cognitive advantages that go beyond just mastering new words. Imagine navigating through different cultural contexts with ease, your mind open to diverse perspectives and ideas. This adaptability not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness.

Explore the transformative power of multilingualism and its impact by watching this enlightening video.

But here’s the real kicker: being bilingual isn’t just about speaking two languages. It’s like giving your brain a daily workout session! Processing two languages simultaneously keeps the mind sharp and agile, like a well-oiled machine. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals exhibit superior mental flexibility, longer attention spans, and sharper problem-solving abilities compared to their monolingual counterparts.

Bilingualism has even been hailed as a superhero in the fight against cognitive decline. Research suggests that the mental gymnastics involved in learning and using multiple languages can help stave off age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. So not only are bilingual individuals smart now, but they’re also setting themselves up for a brighter, more vibrant future.

But perhaps the most magical aspect of bilingualism is its ability to shape the way we perceive the world. Languages aren’t just tools for communication; they’re windows into different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking. From unlocking ancient mysteries to connecting with people from all walks of life, bilingualism opens doors to endless possibilities.

7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language

For students, learning a foreign language holds immense benefits, contributing to their academic success, personal growth, and future career prospects.

1. Increase in Self-Confidence and Happiness

The journey of mastering a new language is a profound booster of self-confidence and overall happiness for students. This process not only involves acquiring new vocabulary and grammar but also overcoming challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. The sense of achievement that comes from being able to communicate in a foreign language is immense.

Research from the University of Cambridge highlights how language learning enhances self-efficacy, leading to a more positive life outlook. Similarly, findings by the Institute for Employment Studies demonstrate notable improvements in well-being, particularly in self-confidence and happiness. This uplift in self-esteem is crucial; it transcends linguistic accomplishments, empowering students to tackle broader academic and personal challenges with increased confidence and resilience.

In an insightful talk, Ellen highlights the unifying power of language and urges everyone to embrace learning a new language as a way to expand their horizons—watch her inspiring video.

Moreover, the positive feedback loop created by increased self-confidence and happiness encourages continued language learning and engagement with other cultures. It can spark a lifelong passion for exploration, both intellectually and geographically, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional lives. In this way, the benefits of language learning extend far beyond the classroom, impacting students’ well-being, social connections, and outlook on life in profound and lasting ways.

Explore the importance of mental health in education through “ 8 Reasons Why Students Should Have Mental Health Days: A Research-Based Analysis .” This detailed article provides research-backed insights into the necessity of mental health days for students’ well-being and academic achievement, advocating for their inclusion in educational policies.

2. Enhanced Decision-Making Skills

The transformative process of enhancing decision-making skills through second language learning reshapes how students evaluate information and make choices, illustrating why students should learn a second language. The University of Chicago’s research underscores the significant shift in cognitive processing when thinking in a foreign language, leading to more logical and less emotionally biased decisions.

This cognitive distance allows for clearer judgment and more rational evaluation of scenarios, which is particularly advantageous in complex and high-stakes academic settings. As students navigate their educational paths, they often face decisions that require weighing different options and outcomes. The ability to detach from immediate emotional responses and analyze situations with objectivity becomes a powerful tool in their arsenal.

Discover how the over 7,000 languages worldwide might shape our perception of the world through the lens of the Whorfian hypothesis, which suggests our language influences our thoughts, visions, and understanding of our surroundings—explore this fascinating concept by watching the video.

Moreover, this skill transcends academic environments and prepares students for real-world challenges. In personal and professional spheres, the clarity and rationality honed through bilingual decision-making processes contribute to sound financial planning, strategic career moves, and effective conflict resolution. The practice of thinking in a second language cultivates a mindset that values careful consideration and foresight, attributes that are invaluable in a rapidly changing world.

As students become more adept at making decisions in a second language, they also develop a greater awareness of cultural nuances and perspectives, further enriching their decision-making capabilities. This comprehensive enhancement of cognitive and cultural competence equips students with a robust framework for navigating life’s myriad choices with confidence and wisdom.

3. Strengthened Brain Power and Attention Span

Bilingualism acts as a rigorous workout for the brain, significantly enhancing cognitive abilities and attentional control. Engaging with multiple languages fosters neural plasticity, strengthening the brain’s networks and improving its agility. This cognitive reinforcement is manifest in enhanced memorization skills and a more robust working memory, foundational elements for academic excellence.

Students who are bilingual demonstrate an ability to retain and manipulate information more effectively than their monolingual peers, facilitating learning across all subjects. The mental discipline required to switch between languages also enhances students’ focus and attention span. This increased capacity for concentration is invaluable in an educational landscape filled with distractions and multitasking demands.

Discover the fascinating changes that occur in the brain during language learning through scans and neuroscience studies by watching this insightful video.

The benefits of strengthened brain power and attention span extend beyond academic achievements. They contribute to a student’s ability to engage in sustained intellectual efforts, pursue long-term goals, and navigate complex problem-solving tasks. Enhanced cognitive function supports deep learning, enabling students to absorb knowledge more thoroughly and apply it creatively.

Moreover, the discipline of managing attention across different languages translates into improved self-regulation skills, equipping students to better control their focus and direct it towards productive activities. In a world where attention is a scarce commodity, the ability to concentrate and maintain focus is a significant advantage, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives.

Dive into the world of intellectual expansion and lifelong learning by reading our article on the 30+ best higher education podcasts.

4. Cultural Understanding

Delving into a new language is tantamount to unlocking a door to a vast array of cultural experiences, perspectives, and understandings. This immersive journey into another culture enhances students’ empathy, broadens their worldview, and fosters a deep appreciation for diversity.

The nuanced insights gained through language study allow students to grasp the complexity of cultural identities and the ways in which language shapes thought and behavior. This cultural competence is critical in today’s globalized society, where cross-cultural interactions are commonplace. By gaining an intimate understanding of different cultures, students are equipped to navigate these interactions with sensitivity and respect.

Watch Grant Cho delve into whether language acts as a barrier or a bridge, exploring its challenges, importance, and role in communication, culture, and identity.

Moreover, the ability to communicate in another language opens up access to a wealth of cultural artifacts—literature, film, music, and more—that enrich students’ educational experiences and personal growth. This exposure to diverse cultural expressions not only enhances students’ understanding of the world but also inspires creativity and innovation.

Cultural understanding fosters an inclusive mindset, crucial for building cohesive societies and working effectively in multicultural teams. In cultivating global citizens, language education plays a pivotal role, in preparing students to contribute positively to a world that values diversity and mutual respect.

5. Improved Academic Performance

The cognitive enhancements brought about by bilingualism have a profound impact on students’ academic performance. The problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and multitasking abilities that are honed through language learning contribute to success across various academic disciplines.

Research has shown that bilingual students often outperform their monolingual counterparts on standardized tests, particularly in areas requiring analytical and abstract thinking. The ability to approach problems from different linguistic and cultural perspectives enriches students’ analytical capabilities, leading to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of academic material.

Discover the advantages of a bilingual brain by watching this video that explores the remarkable cognitive benefits of being bilingual.

The benefits of improved academic performance extend beyond test scores and grades; they include enhanced ability to synthesize information, argue effectively, and engage in critical thinking. Language learning encourages an interdisciplinary approach to education, where students apply linguistic skills to analyze texts, solve mathematical problems, and conduct scientific research.

This broad applicability of language skills fosters a versatile academic foundation, enabling students to excel in diverse fields of study. By investing in language education, students not only boost their immediate academic prospects but also lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

Delve into “ 7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives ” to gain an informed viewpoint on the homework debate, presenting alternative strategies to improve student learning.

6. Expanded Career Opportunities

In the context of globalization, the question of “should students learn a second language” becomes pertinent, as the ability to speak a second language provides students with a competitive edge in a wide range of industries, marking it as a significant asset in the job market. The Eton Institute’s survey underscores the high-value employers place on multilingual skills, with a clear preference for hiring bilingual candidates.

This preference is due to the versatility and cross-cultural communication skills bilingual individuals bring to the workplace, enabling companies to expand their global reach and connect with a diverse customer base. Bilingual employees often enjoy higher salaries, more job opportunities, and the potential for international travel and assignments, reflecting the premium placed on language skills in the global economy.

Watch this Creative Multilingualism video to see how languages shape identity and play a crucial role in crafting a career path that resonates with young individuals.

Furthermore, the soft skills developed through language learning—such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving—are increasingly sought after in today’s workforce. These skills enable individuals to navigate the complexities of international business, foster collaborative relationships, and innovate within multicultural teams.

For students, learning a second language is not merely an academic achievement; it is an investment in their future careers, opening doors to opportunities in diplomacy, international business, education, technology, and more. In an ever-more interconnected world, bilingualism is not just a skill but a gateway to a myriad of professional possibilities and a more fulfilling career path.

7. Better Cognitive Abilities

The process of acquiring proficiency in a new language involves complex cognitive activities: recognizing, interpreting, and generating meaning within an entirely different linguistic framework. Such mental gymnastics not only enhance your linguistic capabilities but also amplify your problem-solving skills across various domains. The challenge of navigating through a new language system stimulates cognitive flexibility, improving your ability to discern and manipulate abstract concepts in other contexts as well.

Research from the University of Edinburgh corroborates the cognitive advantages associated with bilingualism. Individuals fluent in more than one language consistently outperform their monolingual counterparts in standardized assessments covering a wide spectrum of areas including reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, vocabulary, and more. This cognitive edge translates into more effective learning and comprehension across a diverse array of academic subjects.

Discover if being bilingual can enhance your intelligence by watching this video on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages. Unlock the secrets to a sharper mind and broader perspectives through the power of linguistic diversity.

In conclusion, learning a foreign language offers numerous benefits beyond just linguistic proficiency. From personal growth to professional advancement, language acquisition enriches lives and opens doors to new, exciting opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global world.

Best Languages to Learn After English

Choosing the right language to learn after English hinges on identifying your personal motivations and objectives. Whether you’re driven by the challenge of mastering a linguistically diverse language, seeking practical benefits by learning one of the world’s most spoken languages, or aiming for specific academic or professional goals, understanding your “why” is crucial.

This foundation not only makes the selection process straightforward but also ensures sustained motivation and progress, even when faced with obstacles. Additionally, it’s essential to weigh the potential difficulties and time commitments associated with your chosen language, as these factors significantly influence your learning journey.

Explore the top languages to learn for enhancing your work, study, travel, and retirement abroad by watching this informative video.

With its origins tracing back to the 16th century, Spanish has evolved into a global powerhouse, spoken by 543 million people worldwide, ranking it fourth globally after English, Chinese, and Hindi, and second in terms of native speakers, trailing only Chinese. It enjoys official language status in 18 Latin American countries and Equatorial Guinea, boasting the largest number of speakers in Mexico (120 million) and surprisingly, the United States (59 million), surpassing even Spain itself in Spanish-speaking population.

Similar languages: Italian, Portuguese, French

Why learn Spanish?

• Travel: Dominating Latin America, Spanish allows for rich cultural experiences across an entire subcontinent where it’s often the sole language spoken.
• Education: Spanish-speaking countries offer affordable higher education options, with public university fees ranging from $809 to $2,697, and countries like Argentina even offering free education to foreigners.
• StudySpanish.com : Offers extensive materials covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.
• Language Transfer : A podcast-based Spanish course.
• Easy Spanish : A YouTube channel delving into Spanish language and life in Spanish-speaking countries.

German claims official status in six countries (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium), with 76 million native speakers. It’s the second most widespread language in Europe and globally counts almost 135 million speakers, with an additional 15 million learners worldwide.

Similar languages: Dutch, Afrikaans

Why learn German?

• Education: A compelling reason to learn German is the offer of free education at state universities (excluding Baden-Württemberg), requiring only a nominal semester fee. Although English-taught programs are available, they are not universally offered across all fields and levels.
• Career: Proficiency in German significantly enhances career prospects, especially in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, economics, architecture, and nursing. The unemployment rate for foreigners is notably low, and recent policy changes have made it easier for non-German residents to find employment.
• Deutsche Welle : Provides a variety of videos and podcasts for German learners.
• Deutsch Online : A resource-rich platform offering materials for different proficiency levels.
• vhs-Lernportal : Free courses available for levels A1 to B2, catering to a range of learners.

15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language

Mark Manson, renowned for his insightful blogging and authorship, delves into the intricacies of language learning with practical advice that resonates with learners across the globe. His approach, characterized by directness and efficacy, dismantles the conventional barriers often encountered in the journey to mastering a new language. Here’s a breakdown of his pivotal tips:

Unlock the secrets to mastering a new language with ease by watching the video featuring 7 essential tips for language learners.

Useful Resources

• Anyone Can Learn a New Language
• The benefits of being bilingual: Working memory in bilingual Turkish–Dutch children
• Top 10 Most Widely Used Languages in 2023

Final Thoughts

Understanding why students should learn a second language is crucial in today’s educational landscape. This journey not only opens up a world of opportunities but also fosters a broader perspective, enhanced cognitive abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that shapes our world. As such, the pursuit of bilingualism or multilingualism is not just beneficial but essential for students preparing to navigate and contribute to our increasingly globalized society.

• 25 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language
• Which language is more difficult?
• Does Learning A Second Language Help Prevent Dementia
• The Impact of Lifelong Learning on Happiness and Well-being
• The Foreign-Language Effect: Thinking in a Foreign Tongue Reduces Decision Biases
• Cultural Awareness on A Bilingual Education: A Mixed Method Study
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• April 8, 2024
• Education Advice

9 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

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With the English language being the world’s lingua franca, many English speakers may think it’s not necessary to learn a new one. They aren’t necessarily right. Learning a language never goes to waste. You can use it while in a new country to communicate with the locals so they can help you find your destination or to maybe feel at home after you moved there to teach English to non-English speakers . It can even help you in your job, and your business travels.

Knowing a second language means a whole new literature is in your hands. However, these aren’t the only benefits of learning a second language . There are many more. Here’s our list of nine of them.

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Why Is Learning a Second Language Important?

In today’s increasingly interdependent world, speaking a second language is an essential skill that gives you the ability to communicate and connect with people from all over the world in a quicker and more meaningful way. Connections are now more important than ever, considering the continual globalization of the world’s economy, and knowing a foreign language will always give you a significant advantage.

There are tangible benefits to being bilingual—it can improve your brain and memory functions, boost your creativity and self-esteem,  help in your career opportunities, as well as increase your understanding of the language you already speak. Read on to find out more about the benefits of learning a foreign language.

1. It Stimulates Your Brain

Learning a new language undoubtedly helps your gray matter grow . Acquiring a new language means that you’re going to learn a whole new set of rules of grammar and lexis (whether you find this part amusing or not). While your brain is trying to keep up with the new language’s complexities and take in the new patterns, new developments are happening in the brain. Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger and bigger the more you put it to use.

Nothing challenges the brain like learning a language does. Scientists have established that we use the left side of the brain when speaking our native language. Whereas, second language usage isn’t limited to a specific hemisphere. It uses both of them, increasing the size of the white and grey matter of the brain.

But that is not all; acquiring a new language also helps to stave off cognitive decline and mental aging. Recent research shows that multilingual adults experienced the first signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia at a later age compared to monolinguals. They also researched other variables like health, economic status, educational level, and gender, but none of them contributed as much as the number of languages that person spoke.

2. It Improves Your Attention Span

With the human attention span seemingly narrowing more and more every day, according to many studies, deciding to learn a new language may be the antidote to this situation.  Recent studies show that the average attention span of a person has reduced from twelve to eight seconds. Researchers suggest that learning a new language helps the brain maintain focus and block distractions . This is a result of regularly switching between languages.

When speaking, bilinguals or multilinguals are constantly switching between two or more languages in their head, and this juggling improves the brain’s ability to concentrate on one thing while ignoring other irrelevant information. As one study notes:

“The need to constantly control two languages confers advantages in the executive system, the system that directs cognitive processing. These effects have been demonstrated primarily using visual stimuli and are heightened in children and older adults. Specifically, bilinguals, relative to monolinguals, are better able to monitor conflicting sensory information and tune into a relevant stimulus or stimulus features amid irrelevant information, via a process known as inhibitory control.”

3. More Career Options to Choose From

We are living in a multicultural world; many companies are opening offices overseas to extend their market. So the need for bilingual candidates is greater than ever. By acquiring a foreign language, you will double the number of available jobs for you and climb the career ladder much faster.

In the highly competitive job market , employers are looking to hire someone who stands out from the rest of the candidates. Knowing a foreign language could help you be chosen among many other job applicants. Having a foreign language listed in your CV might be what a potential employer is looking for.

Also, nowadays, people who are proficient in more than one language are high in demand in the job market in all sectors and industries, as the employers consider them to be better communicators and problem solvers. Skills that one master by acquiring a second language.

4. It Boosts Your Creativity

Knowing a foreign language isn’t beneficial only to the brain; it also influences your level of creativity. As a person starts to learn a language, they get familiar with the culture of the place where that language is spoken. The more you learn about new cultures, the more you’ll look at the world around you from different perspectives. The change of views will make you more original, elaborate, and flexible—all qualities of being a creative person.

In addition, learning a new language forces your brain to put words together in creative ways, which stimulates your brain and boosts your creativity. This creativity will spill over into other aspects of your life too. Plus, experts say that being creative improves your well-being , And who are we to argue with experts?

5. It Improves Your First Language

One learns the mother tongue intuitively and without any formal education. Being raised in a society where a particular language is spoken, children start to pick up the language they hear.

However, learning another language is a whole different deal. From the beginning, you’ll get introduced to grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structure. As you learn more about the second language, you become more conscious of what you know in the first language. While before you couldn’t quite explain the abstract rules and language structure, learning a new language helps you put names to what you learned instinctively in the first language.

Furthermore, you become aware of the differences in structure, vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and sentence structure between the two languages. All of these factors improve comprehension and conversation and can make you better at your first language.

6. You Build Multitasking Skills

Not many people are good at multitasking. However, this often doesn’t apply to bilingual people. They are some of the most experienced when it comes to multitasking. Their brain has been practicing in switching from one language to the other daily. When the brain gets used to this demanding job of switching from one language to another, it isn’t difficult for them to use this skill in other tasks, too.

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A study done by the National Institutes of Health concluded that bilinguals switch tasks faster than monolinguals. They found that bilingual children in their research responded quite well to their multiple computer tasks in comparison to their monolingual fellows.

Other research also found that bilinguals demonstrate more efficient brain functioning than non-bilinguals, and a bilingual person’s brain maintains better task-switching even as they get older.

7. It Slows Down Cognitive Decline

If you still haven’t started and needed another incentive to start learning a new language, here’s one. Learning a language may reduce your chances of getting early onset of cognitive impairments. More than 16 million people in the United States live with cognitive impairment , be it Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or any other disorder. The latest study on the effect of bilingualism in cognitive aging found that people who spoke more than one language regardless of their gender, ethnicity, and occupation experience the onset of cognitive decline four years and a half later than the ones who spoke only one.

While knowing a second language is not exactly the fountain of youth, it definitely helps keep your brain younger.

8. It Improves Your Memory

The brain is compared to muscles for one reason. Seeing that the more physical exercises you do, the more the muscles strengthen and get larger. This aspect applies to the brain too. The more you challenge it, the more the brain expands, and the better it functions.

You can think of learning a language as an exercise for the brain. Having first to understand and then later recall multiple grammar rules and vocabulary, strengthens the memory muscle. That’s why people who know more than one language are more likely to retain information. They’re way better at remembering lists, names, cell phone numbers, and directions than monolinguals.

Don’t believe that? There is actual evidence that learning vocabulary boosts memory . So, delve into another language and give your brain a good workout to strengthen your memory.

9. It Boosts Your Self-Esteem

No one wants to be put in the spotlight, especially when talking in a foreign language when the chances of making mistakes are quite high. Yet, this is what characterizes language learning. It breaks you out of your shell again and again that eventually, you’ll feel comfortable in every situation regardless of whether you’re making mistakes or not.

Nothing beats the confidence you feel when talking to a native speaker in their language. That’s when your self-esteem will sky-rocket. Becoming proficient in a language is like mastering any other skill. Once you’re there, you’ll feel confident and nice about yourself.

The benefits of learning another language are innumerable. Those that we mentioned in our list are just a part of them. Yet, no matter how many lists are out there, no one can convince you of the benefits as much as your own language learning experience will. With that in mind, choose a language that you find exciting and appealing and open the door to the many benefits that come with language proficiency.

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The Bottom Line

Learning a second language is a valuable investment in yourself that can provide numerous benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities to broadening career opportunities and facilitating cultural exchange. By exploring the world through language, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and cultures. 

If you’re interested in pursuing language learning, the University of Potomac offers a range of courses and programs to help you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to explore your options and take the first step towards expanding your horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of learning a second language.

Learning a second language has numerous benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities, enhancing communication skills, broadening career opportunities, facilitating travel and cultural exchange, and even delaying the onset of age-related mental decline.

How can I learn a second language?

There are several ways to learn a second language, such as taking classes, using language learning software or apps, practicing with native speakers, watching movies or TV shows with subtitles, listening to music or podcasts, and reading books or news articles in the target language.

What is the most useful 2nd language to learn?

The most useful second language to learn depends on your personal goals and interests and the cultural and economic context you are in. However, some of the world’s most widely spoken and influential languages are English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.

What are the two hardest languages to learn?

Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are often considered the two hardest languages for English speakers to learn due to their complex writing systems, tonal pronunciation, and grammatical structures that differ significantly from English.

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Why should you learn a new language?

Learning a new language is a complex task, but the benefits of language learning include social and cultural connections, as well as health and cognitive advantages . Research shows that it's never too early or too late to start learning a new language -- our brains are far more adaptive and flexible than previously thought, and our brains are built for language learning! Whether you are 8 or 80, learning French or Korean, studying a new language for the first time ever or for the first time in 50 years, there's never been more reason and more support for learning a new language.

Connect to people and cultures

Language is all about communication and connection, and studying a new language brings people and cultures closer to us. At the beginning, learning a language might feel like all vocabulary and grammar, but it doesn't take long to build up the skills to make meaningful connections in the new language. In fact, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or CEFR ) prioritizes personal, family, and descriptive language for beginners.

Learners today have more access to more languages -- Duolingo has courses in 40 languages -- and so the importance of personal and cultural reasons for language study is becoming clearer. A recent report shows that interest in culture drives learners to Korean, and this trend is likely linked to the rise of Korean entertainment and media, including K-pop and Korean dramas. The study also shows that family reasons are especially important for those choosing to study Chinese. Language is such a strong link to heritage that in some places we see the local language has become more popular on Duolingo than languages like Spanish and French: Hawaiian and Japanese are now the second and third most popular languages to study in Hawaii, and Irish has overtaken Spanish as the most popular language to study in Ireland.

Challenge your brain

Adults' brains may not be quite as flexible as children's, but they are still really adaptable and ready to learn! Most learners can reach their communication goals without striving for the vaguely-defined concept of "fluency," and your adult brain is definitely equipped for that kind of language learning. Even after just a few months of language study, adult learners' brains show changes and even some processing patterns like those of native speakers. And after a year of learning, adults show improvements in the kind of cognitive adaptations that make bilinguals successful in switching between their languages.

Being bilingual trains your brain to perform a cognitively complex task: turning one language "down" while turning the other "up," in every interaction, for every word! Bilinguals' brains treat languages like a seesaw, raising one up higher when it's needed, and pushing lower the one not being used. This push-and-pull in their brains gets bilinguals practicing a specific kind of attention and control .

Bilinguals who codeswitch , or use both their languages in the same conversation , are getting another kind of cognitive workout by keeping their language seesaw balanced: they might move from all one language, to all another language, and then to really sophisticated systems of mixing that use both languages at once!

Support healthy aging

For older adults, language learning can serve as an engaging activity that promotes problem solving and strategizing, which research shows can improve cognitive functioning .

Languages provide new ways of interacting with people in our communities and around the world. While students may have the option of learning a new language in school, technology makes it easier than ever before for older adults to learn, too. Apps, virtual language meet-ups like Duolingo Events , and online forums give adults ways to engage directly with language practice partners and native speakers. Exploring new cultures, travel, and making new social connections with people around the world can also have a positive impact on older adults. For example, research shows that interacting more regularly with more people has benefits for older adults' health and quality of life .

Bilingual adults who use their languages regularly may even show a delayed onset of dementia symptoms compared to monolinguals -- bilingual brains are better able to resist the disease and function healthily for longer!

It's never too early or too late to start learning!

From your brain's perspective, people of any age can learn new languages -- but it's typically harder for adults to find the time and resources to get the learning to stick. Language learning takes time and patience, and it should also be enjoyable.

The best way to learn a language is whatever method motivates you to keep at it! Here are some ways to start your learning journey today:

• Use free tools and resources to try different things and discover what works for you.
• Find ways to practice a little bit at a time, every day. It's better to study 5 minutes every day than an hour one day a week!
• Link your study time with other parts of your schedule to help you remember and fit in language practice. You could do lessons with your morning coffee, read a bit on your afternoon commute, or listen to music in the language while working out.
• Label household objects with stickers of the words in the new language. You can go room-by-room or focus on the objects that you interact with the most.
• Watch shows on your favorite streaming service with audio in the new language and captions in your own language. This will help train your ear, and it won't even feel like studying!
• Find or create a playlist with songs in the language you're studying . This is a great way to get used to common phrases, and the repetition in songs is great for learning. The language will really get into your head!
• Follow social media accounts that post in the language you're learning, enabling you to see posts about your favorite topics in the language as you scroll.
• For languages you have some experience with, change your phone's interface to the language. You'll learn tons of useful vocabulary really quickly.

For more tips and learning ideas, check out the rest of the Duolingo Blog ! You'll find posts with activities for kids and the young at heart , ideas for staying motivated , and ways to improve specific skills, like speaking and reading !

Español: ¿Por qué deberías aprender un nuevo idioma?

Aprender un nuevo idioma es una tarea difícil, pero hacerlo trae beneficios como aumentar tus conexiones sociales y culturales, además de numerosas ventajas para tu mente y tu salud. Según estudios, nunca es demasiado tarde o demasiado temprano para empezar a aprender un nuevo idioma: nuestros cerebros son mucho más flexibles y pueden adaptarse más de lo que solía creerse, ¡y además están hechos para aprender idiomas! Ya sea que tengas 8 u 80 años, que estés aprendiendo francés o coreano, o que estés aprendiendo un nuevo idioma por primera vez o desde hace 50 años, nunca ha habido más razones para aprender y más formas de respaldar tu aprendizaje de un nuevo idioma.

Conéctate con personas y culturas

Lo esencial en los idiomas son la comunicación y el conectarnos, y aprender un nuevo idioma nos acerca más a otras personas y culturas. Al principio, aprender un idioma puede sentirse como solamente una repetición de vocabulario y gramática, pero no tardamos mucho en desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para formar una conexión importante con el nuevo idioma. De hecho, el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia ( MCER, o CEFR , en inglés) da prioridad a un lenguaje más personal, familiar y descriptivo para los principiantes.

Hoy, las personas que aprenden idiomas tienen un mayor acceso a más idiomas (Duolingo ofrece cursos en 40 idiomas), por lo que cada vez es más clara la importancia de los motivos personales y culturales para aprender idiomas. En un reporte reciente vimos que el interés en la cultura coreana conduce a las personas a aprender coreano, lo cual está seguramente ligado con el ascenso de los medios y entretenimiento coreanos, entre los que están el k-pop y los dramas coreanos. El estudio también demostró que los lazos familiares son uno de los factores más importantes a la hora de optar por aprender chino. El idioma tiene una conexión tan fuerte con la herencia que vemos que en algunos países es más común que las personas aprendan el idioma local en Duolingo que otro idioma como el español o el francés: el hawaiano y el japonés son ahora el segundo y el tercer idioma más popular para aprender en Hawái y el irlandés superó al español como el idioma más popular para aprender en Irlanda.

Desafía a tu mente

Quizás los cerebros de los adultos no sean tan flexibles como los de los niños y niñas, ¡pero aún así tienen una alta capacidad de adaptación y están listos para aprender! La mayoría de las personas que aprenden idiomas pueden alcanzar sus metas comunicativas * sin la necesidad de recurrir a un concepto tan vago como la “fluidez” y, además, el cerebro de los adultos tiene todo lo necesario * para ese tipo de aprendizaje de idiomas. Incluso después de unos pocos meses * de aprendizaje de idiomas, el cerebro de los adultos presenta cambios y hasta ciertos patrones de procesamiento comparables con los de un hablante nativo. Después de todo un año de aprendizaje, los adultos muestran el tipo de adaptación cognitiva que permite a los hablantes bilingües alternar entre sus idiomas.*

Ser bilingüe entrena a tu cerebro para realizar una tarea cognitiva compleja: “bajar” un idioma mientras el otro “sube”... ¡en cada interacción, para cada palabra! Los cerebros de las personas bilingües tratan a los idiomas como un sube y baja, donde uno queda en alto cuando es necesario y el otro queda debajo cuando no es utilizado. Este movimiento en sus cerebros permite que las personas bilingües practiquen un tipo específico de atención y control .*

Aquellas personas que pueden poner en práctica la alternancia de código ; es decir, usar ambos idiomas en una misma conversación, están realizando un ejercicio cognitivo * diferente, al mantener equilibrado ese sube y baja de idiomas: quizás no pasan completamente de un idioma al otro del todo ¡o quizás emplean un sistema sofisticado * donde mezclan ambos idiomas para utilizarlos al mismo tiempo!

Un envejecimiento lleno de vitalidad

En el caso de los adultos mayores, el aprendizaje puede servir como una actividad entretenida que promueva la resolución de problemas y el pensamiento estratégico, los cuales pueden mejorar el desempeño cognitivo ,* según indican los estudios.

Los idiomas nos proveen de nuevas formas de interactuar con los miembros de nuestras comunidades y con comunidades en todo el mundo. Aunque se puede elegir aprender un nuevo idioma en una escuela, la tecnología hace que aprender hoy sea más fácil que nunca, incluso para los adultos mayores. Las apps, las reuniones virtuales de idiomas como Duolingo Events * y los foros en línea dan a los adultos nuevas maneras de interactuar directamente con otras personas que aprenden idiomas y con hablantes nativos. Explorar nuevas culturas, viajar y establecer nuevos lazos sociales con personas en todo el mundo también puede tener un impacto positivo en la vida de los adultos mayores. Por ejemplo, los estudios demuestran que interactuar con una mayor regularidad con personas ha beneficiado la salud y calidad de vida de los adultos mayores .*

Los adultos bilingües que utilizan sus idiomas de forma regular incluso podrían retrasar el inicio de los síntomas de demencia , en comparación con los adultos monolingües: los cerebros de las personas bilingües son mejores al momento de resistir la enfermedad y funcionan de forma sana por más tiempo.

¡Nunca es muy tarde o muy temprano para empezar a aprender!

Si pensamos desde tu cerebro, las personas de cualquier edad pueden aprender un nuevo idioma, pero en general es más difícil para los adultos hacerse del tiempo y los recursos para retener lo que aprendieron. Aprender idiomas lleva tiempo y paciencia, y también debería ser algo que disfrutar.

¡La mejor forma de aprender un idioma es utilizar el método que más te motive a seguir aprendiendo! Aquí hay algunas formas de empezar hoy tu nueva aventura de aprendizaje:

• Usa herramientas y recursos gratuitos para intentar diferentes cosas y descubrir qué funciona mejor para ti.
• Encuentra formas de practicar un poco cada vez y cada día. ¡Es mejor aprender durante 5 minutos cada día * que una hora por semana!
• Inserta tu tiempo de aprendizaje en otros momentos de tu día para recordar e incluir la práctica de idiomas en tu día a día. Podrías hacer lecciones mientras bebes tu café por la mañana, leer un poco mientras usas el transporte público por la tarde o escuchar música en el idioma que estás aprendiendo mientras estás ejercitándote.
• Etiqueta los objetos de tu casa con calcomanías que incluyan cómo se dicen esas palabras en tu nuevo idioma. Puedes ir cuarto por cuarto y enfocarte en los objetos que más utilizas.
• Ve programas en tu televisor o servicio de streaming favorito con el audio configurado en el idioma que estás aprendiendo y subtítulos en tu propio idioma. Esto te ayudará a entrenar tu oído... ¡y además no se sentirá como que estás estudiando!
• Busca o crea una lista de reproducción con canciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo. Es una gran forma de acostumbrarte a las frases más comunes. Por otra parte, la repetición en las canciones es genial para aprender. ¡El idioma realmente entrará en tu cabeza!
• Sigue cuentas en redes sociales que hagan publicaciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo, de forma tal que veas publicaciones sobre tus temas favoritos en ese idioma mientras lees las publicaciones de tus contactos.
• Si ya tienes algunos conocimientos, cambia la interfaz de tu teléfono a ese idioma. Aprenderás una gran cantidad de vocabulario útil muy rápido.

Para más tips e ideas para aprender, ¡no dejes de leer el resto del blog de Duolingo ! Podrás encontrar publicaciones con actividades para niños y niñas y para todos aquellos que son jóvenes por dentro ,* ideas para que mantengas tu motivación y formas de mejorar habilidades específicas, como hablar y leer .

• Enlace en inglés.

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Why is it Important to Learn a Foreign Language?

Kendall is a travel junkie, sustainability activist, nutrition guru, personal chef, writer, ...

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The advantages of learning foreign languages are mushrooming as the world becomes increasingly globalized and bilingualism is now perhaps the most useful real world skill to ever exist, rather than just being a nifty party trick. If you’re thinking about making the effort to learn a foreign language rather than expecting the world to accommodate your monolingualism, you are a rare breed indeed. Blossoming into the impressive polyglot you aspire to be is 100% feasible with the right approach and mindset.

Foreign language study is all about learning how to truly communicate and connect with others—an incredibly important life skill that can only be cultivated by interacting with people. When you master a foreign language, you can exercise your new superhuman power of being able to understand what someone is saying, recall the proper vocab and grammar, put that vocab and grammar into the proper context, and reply back—all on the spot and in a timely manner. You’ve connected. And that is what it’s all about.

How are you going to make friends if you don’t know how to talk about memes in Spanish?

Why learn a foreign language?

So, why is it important to learn a foreign language? Basically, the advantages of learning foreign languages have the ability to set you up for success in nearly every aspect of your life (NBD). Check out these seven reasons to study a foreign language:

1. Learning a foreign language is sexy

With its warmth and voluptuous sounds, hearing someone speaking a foreign language is like the sound of gold coming to embrace you. Speaking a foreign language is incredibly sexy and it can make you more attractive, interesting, and gives you an air of intelligence. A lot of people find a certain language or accent to be really sexy—think Penélope Cruz’s Spanish or Monica Bellucci’s Italian—you get the picture. 

Learn a foreign language and you might just have that certain someone hypnotized and drawn to your exotic prowess. Some of the more romantic languages like, Spanish, the language of undying love containing rhythm that can make any person swoon , or suave French that is soft as silk and feels as warm as a lover’s stroke, and Italian that massages your ears into ecstasy. But really, the rich textures of almost any foreign language can be incredibly sexy.

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You’ll gain a new appreciation for the hidden (or not-so-hidden) words around you.

2. Travel becomes cheaper and easier when you learn a foreign language

It’s 10 p.m. You just got off a 14-hour flight and all you want to do is fall face-first into your pillow. If you are solely armed with a smattering of navigational terms in the local language, finding your place to crash could turn into a painfully slow process. Without the right lingo, you are limited to expensive or slower options. So you save yourself some time, money, and grief when you learn a foreign language. Just as a few key phrases will make transportation that much faster and cheaper, and the same is true for choosing a place to stay. This means lower rates and a better (even more authentic) experience. 

Oh, and the food. When you learn a foreign language, you don’t need to be Anthony Bourdain to find the best local grub. You can ask around for yourself. This valuable intel will usually lead you to far tastier and cheaper fare than any tourism board or guidebook ever could.

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3. learning a foreign language opens up a world of job opportunities.

It’s no secret that learning a foreign language can improve your employment prospects. More companies than ever are doing business in several—often dozens of—countries around the world, but they can’t do it without hiring people who have a grasp on at least one foreign language. Even in small, local companies, chances are that the ability to speak a second language will set you apart from other applicants. And in an increasingly competitive job market, why not give yourself every possible edge? 

But, it’s not just about padding your resume. With globalization in full swing, there’s a good chance you’ll be working with people whose first language isn’t English. Maybe it’s a development team in India, or a manufacturing plant in China, or an alternative energy supplier in Germany. Being able to communicate in other languages makes you much more valuable to an employer and having that competitive edge on your resume is without a doubt an eye-catcher. 

[Save and compare foreign language programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad ]

Now you can sake it to all those mono-lingual losers.

4. Foreign language study grows your brain

Studies have demonstrated the cognitive benefits of learning another language, no matter how old you are. These studies have shown that bilinguals tend to have bigger brains, better memories, are more creative, better problem solvers, etc. Not only do these advantages make it easier to learn yet more languages, they also make it easier to learn, well, anything. The ability to quickly switch between tasks is especially important in today’s busy multitasking world. Bilinguals can switch between tasks much faster than their monolingual counterparts and can handle many more tasks at once.  

5. Form meaningful friendships when you study a foreign language

Meeting new and interesting people and developing lifelong friendships are certainly objectives well worth aspiring for, and learning another language is a sure way to expedite that process. Language helps express our feelings, desires, and connect with other humans around us and forms meaningful relationships. Speaking a foreign language not only opens up a massive pool of potential friends, but it also acts as an instant common denominator when you meet native speakers. Plus, speaking in a foreign tongue can be like speaking in secret code with your new besties. This approach is not exactly a foolproof Enigma machine, but it can make discussing the sordid details of Friday night’s debauchery a little less embarrassing.

[ How to Prepare for Intensive Language Programs Abroad ]

6. studying a foreign language makes you more open-minded.

Foreign language study is simply part of a very basic liberal education. To educate is to lead out—to lead out of confinement and narrowness and darkness. Learning a foreign language and getting soaked into an entirely new culture and worldview is the surest way to become an open-minded, understanding, tolerant individual, and that is absolutely priceless. Once you are aware of the fact that we are all cultural beings, products of our own environments, and that you recognize the cultural base for your own attitudes and behavior, you are ready to consider others in a more favorable light. Seeing the world from a different perspective, and understanding where you and others come from, is a fantastic, eye-opening experience.

Pare. Foreign language study time.

7. Foreign language study helps you better understand your own language and culture

Learning a foreign language can actually pull a sort of reverse psychology on you and provide you with a better understanding of your own native tongue and culture. This is one of the most unexpected advantages of learning a foreign language. You will become much more conscious of not only cultural customs, but of the grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation patterns of your first language. This likely explains the improvements in listening, reading, and writing skills that foreign language impart to former monolinguals.

Next steps to foreign language study

Ready to take the next step to foreign language study? If Duolingo isn’t cutting it, check out these additional resources to help you get the ball rolling: 

• Get matched with language study programs at MyGoAbroad
• Compare and contrast language study programs with OnlineAdvisor
• 10 Best Ways to Learn a New Language
• Check out available Language Schools Abroad
• Study Foreign Languages Abroad
• Some Tips for Language Learning Abroad  

For even more insider info, remember to always read foreign language study program reviews and reach out to a program advisor with any and all questions you may have.

How are you going to order your baked goods if you don’t know what they are?!

Now you’ll parlez with the best of ‘em! 

Learning a foreign language is of the utmost importance and the reasons to study a foreign language are innumerable. Studying (and ultimately fluently speaking) a foreign language helps break barriers and connects human beings on a deeper level of mutual understanding. Plus, reaching this mutual understanding will inevitably open a series of doors leading to a more interesting and satisfying personal and professional life!

Find foreign language study abroad programs

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10 Reasons Why Languages Are Important

What is a “language” exactly? Experts define it as a system of spoken, written, and signed symbols that humans use to communicate. There are around 6,500 languages in the world. Some are more similar than others, but each one is a reflection of cultural evolution. Why are languages important? Here are ten reasons:

#1. Language is the primary method for human communication

While other species have ways of communicating with each other, humans are unique in how well we’ve mastered language. Like other species, we have body language, but language – whether it’s spoken, written, or signed – is the most effective method of communication between people. It allows us to express our feelings, thoughts, desires, and more. Without the ability to communicate, we wouldn’t have the world we have today.

#2. Language encompasses the range of humanity

The sheer number of languages proves that while language itself is universal among humans, there’s a lot of diversity, too. Everything from the structure to the grammar to the inflection of different languages shows how language evolves and shifts within certain contexts. Linguists go into their field to not only learn about language, but about humanity.

#3. Language and culture are closely linked

It can be tricky to nail down what “culture” is exactly. Anthropologists define it as an often shifting collection of beliefs, values, behaviors, and rules that a group of people shares. Language is a vital part of culture because it’s what people use to communicate aspects of culture (like rules and values). People are introduced to their culture through language, which they learn at a young age.

#4. Language can be weaponized

Because of language’s close connection to culture, there’s a long history of certain groups controlling the language of other groups. The control of language becomes a way to destroy a culture. Take Canada for example. In the 19-century, the Canadian government began to force Indigenous youth to assimilate. Through residential schools, young people learned English. They were brutally punished if they spoke their own languages. This was significant because many Indigenous groups depended on oral histories. Losing language also severed the bond between the younger and older generations. This destruction of culture through language occurred in many other countries.

#5. Language can reveal significant differences in people

If you’ve ever gotten into a political disagreement with someone, you’ll know that it can sometimes feel like you’re speaking different languages. At the University of Kent, researchers conducted some cross-cultural studies to look at grammar in English, Arabic, and Polish. After analyzing language patterns, they found that conservative presidents tended to use more nouns than non-conservative politicians. Why does this matter? It’s the difference between saying that “Mary writes” vs. “Mary is a writer.” With the latter statement, we’re making a statement about Mary’s entire identity. It’s who she is rather than what she does. The researchers said the use of nouns indicated a need for stability and tradition, which are more valued by conservatives.

#6. Learning another language can make you smarter

We’ve talked a bit about language’s general importance, but learning more languages impacts your life, too. Research shows that students who know more than one language have better problem-solving skills, creativity, and better critical thinking. In studies on bilingual kids, researchers found that kids who spoke a second language at home did better on cognitive tests than households with only one language.

#7. Knowing more than one language opens up job opportunities

Knowing more than one language is a significant advantage in many careers. This is especially true if you work in certain fields like human rights, business, or finances, but you can also earn a living as a translator or tutor . Knowing multiple languages also opens up opportunities to work internationally. If you’re hoping to advance in your career and are looking for an edge, learning another language could do the trick.

#8. Learning another language is good for brain health

There’s a common belief that kids are naturally better at learning a second language, but that’s not actually true. Kids do have certain advantages, but it isn’t necessarily “easier” for them. Some studies even show that adults are better at learning a second language. This is good news because of bilingualism’s effect on the brain. As you get older, research suggests that knowing a second language promotes brain health. This could help offset some of the damage that occurs with age!

#9. Learning multiple languages connects you to other cultures

Because language is so closely linked to culture, it makes sense that learning a language would connect you to that culture. You learn much more than just words and phrases. A new language invites you into a culture’s rituals, history, values, and more. Being able to communicate with someone in their language fosters a unique bond and encourages empathy.

#10. Language isn’t neutral

The last reason why languages matter is because of their influence. We talked about how language reflects people’s beliefs (like their politics) , but language can also draw you into a belief or behavior. In her book Cultish, linguist Amanda Montell examines various groups and cults – some more sinister than others – to reveal how powerful words can be. All the best cult leaders are masters of language. Their words build community, support group values, and shut down important questions. When people become radicalized into dangerous groups, their entry point is language. It’s important to recognize manipulative language, whether it’s your first language or a language you’re learning.

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Home / Essay Samples / Science / Language / The Power of Language: the Importance of Language Learning

The Power of Language: the Importance of Language Learning

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• Topic: Learning Styles , Personal Experience

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