Growing up in the United Kingdom I was always told that learning a second language was important, not for any other reason than it opened up more doors for better employment. When I was 14, I was not interested in French class and my potential employability, but now as an English Language Teacher all I can see are the benefits that go far beyond being able to get a good job.
So, exactly how is learning and developing a second language beneficial to us? Here are my top 5 reasons why we should all take that step to develop our foreign language skills.
1. Boosts your Brainpower and Sharpens your Mind
If you have ever tried to get your head around the grammar of a foreign language then you know that the brain has some work to do. All those different structures, vocabulary and working out how to say something properly, improves your cognitive thinking and problem solving abilities and develops your capacity to think critically.
It has also been proven by the University of Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings and can spot misleading information far quicker than a monolingual individual.
2. Your L1 (First Language) is Improved
Seems like a win-win! When you study a foreign language your mother tongue is developed.
I was never taught how my native language works, the nuts and bolts of it, we never did English grammar at school. But when you study a foreign language you start to look at your own language in a whole new way, you start to understand it deeper and recognise structures, idioms and increase your vocabulary. And, because you’re looking at language at a deeper level you start to become a better listener. Better listeners tend to have better self-esteem and self-image because they work hard to establish positive relationships with others.
3. Increases Networking Skills
There is no doubt that having a foreign language opens up a whole word of people and opportunities that would not have been there without it. You can engage with people from different cultures, learn more about them and yourself and develop relationships across borders that can be personally and professionally advantageous. Being able to see the world from a different viewpoint gives you an advantage over those who can only see a situation from their own limited perspective.
4. Enhanced Decision Making
Ever had that feeling that you can’t push through the block in your head. Faced with having to make a decision but don’t know which way to jump. I know it may sound unlikely, but having a second language improves your ability to make decisions. A study by the University of Chicago has shown that multilingual people find decision making easier because of the amount of practice they have done learning a foreign language.
and finally……..
5. It’s Becoming Essential
As was the case when I was 14 (and that was some time ago) the need for a second language has never been more essential in a world where we are more connected than we have ever been. There is no escaping the fact that individuals with second languages have more opportunities and potential for a more colourful professional life.
