Have you ever thought about learning a foreign language? You may have tried a language learning program or considered enrolling in a class at your local university, but for whatever reason you decided against it. You don’t know what you’re missing. There are many different benefits to learning a foreign language. Here are some of the reasons why you might reconsider your decision and begin learning a second language.
Communicate with Ease
Many people choose to learn a foreign language that they can use to communicate with others. In some cases, they want to learn how to speak to local immigrants for whom English is a difficult language. On the other hand, you may be the one travelling or moving to another country. Knowing the local language, even if you only learn basic conversational skills, can be incredibly helpful. You may even be marrying someone from another country and want to interact with his or her family more easily. Learning a foreign language can help with all of this.
Build Up Your Brain
Studies such as the one done by Ellen Bialystok of York University have shown that those who learn a foreign language actually do better on tests and have improved vocabulary, math, and reading skills. Another study done by the University College London revealed that the brain actually transforms when learning a second language, becoming capable of processing information more quickly.
Finding the Best Language Courses
When I decided to learn a second language, I looked at local classes and some software, but none of it seemed right. Then I found that with eCoaches you can learn any language online with the help of a live tutor. I was able to learn from home on my schedule yet still have the opportunity to work one-on-one with someone who already spoke the language. It was the best of both worlds, and thanks to eCoaches, I’m now fluent in two languages.
Become More Employable
Knowing a second language, especially one that is prevalent in your area or industry, can make you more employable. If you can show your employer that you’re fluent in a second language, it can open doors for promotion or for moving into a specialist position. You may also receive a hiring bonus and be paid more than others who are in the same job position but do not know another language.
Learn About a New Culture
Learning a language often isn’t limited to only learning about nouns, verbs, and sentence structure. You will likely learn about the literature, art, food, and other things about the cultures that use the language you’re learning. That doesn’t mean you have to become so fluent that you can read literature in its native language, of course, but by reading about the country and learning about the language’s idioms and sayings, you’ll gain insight into how people who speak that language think.
For example, many phrases in Chinese, if literally translated, would be about food. To the Chinese, however, these are metaphors that mean different things. Learning about these metaphors teaches you how the Chinese value food and how tightly interwoven with their culture it is.