We carry Google translators in our pockets! Why bother to learn a second language?
Because…
‘Language is power, life and the instrument of culture, the instrument of domination and liberation’ – Angela Carter
Besides…
Language learning has a big list of other benefits.
Humans are the only species that have a distinct language as compared to all other known animal forms of communication. With a world population of 7.9 billion, and 3800 cultures (roughly) our planet boasts of speaking 6500 languages (roughly), today. Luckily, with technology and the internet, the world is coming closer, culturally, regionally and economically. With people adopting new languages as a skill, they are aiding in the process.
Keep reading to explore what picking up a new language has got to offer.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Studies reveal that there are structural changes in brain regions when you pick up learning a new language. To put it in simple language, when the brain engages in picking up a new skill, like language learning, the brain cells multiply and the neural connections enhance. But how will you figure out that you have a better cognitive ability after picking up a new language? You won’t get your brain scanned right? Instead, you will notice these signs, a better attention span and retention power.
Increases Confidence
No matter at what age you add a second language to your skillset, it boosts confidence to significant levels. You get an opportunity to test your limits, potential, and patience. The initial stages of the language learning process might seem intimidating, but eventually, the journey becomes smooth. Set small goals to reach your interest intact. With every milestone, your enthusiasm to progress in the language would multiply exponentially. And the best part is that confidence would reflect in every sphere of your life. This feeling of accomplishment will allow you to be experimental and take up new challenges.
Decorates Portfolio
From a career perspective, bilingual or multilingual candidates always have the advantage over monolingual candidates. The skill adds value to the ever-expanding global marketplace. Organizations across the globe look out for multilingual experts to overcome language barriers and extend their market.
This means better opportunities for job applicants. A foreign language in your resume will increase your hiring chances. In fact, organizations offer higher salaries to multilingual candidates as compared to their monolingual counterparts.
Builds Social Circle
Learning a foreign language bridges cultural gaps.
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head
If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart”
Back when I was in college, we had a student exchange program. While learning French, I made friends from France and Germany. I used to take French lessons from them and teach them Hindi in exchange. The best way to practice a foreign language is to use it while communicating. And having a language learning circle makes language learning easier and more practical.
Increases Memory
According to a Swedish report, volunteers who took up a second language course for 10 months remembered acquaintance’s names 28 per cent better than before (starting the course). Language learning stimulates those regions of the brain which are directly related to memory.
Though there is insufficient scientific support for this, studies claim that language learning can combat the effect of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. The two are caused when the brain shrinks in size with age. A stimulated brain keeps the brain healthier and fitter. Besides learning a language you can also explore the Benefits of Dancing to understand how a high-intensity activity like dance can improve brain function besides keeping the body fit.
You can use it as Code Language
I have always found communicating in a foreign language both useful and fun. You can always keep things between your friend (who is also familiar with the language) and you, even if you are in a place full of people (not knowing the language). Believe me, you’ll feel so empowered, the time and money invested by you in learning the language will suddenly seem worth it!
In fact, you can create interesting passwords that will keep you safe on the internet.
Wrapping Up
Learning a new language can open the gates to this beautiful world. Taking it up as a hobby can be one of the wisest decisions anyone can make. With easy internet access, online classes for language learning have made the process easy and more convenient than ever before.
The internet is flooded with online language classes; you can choose the best online French classes, German, or any other language of your choice to strengthen your resume. Find yourself an instructor who can make your language-learning journey easy and fun!
