Let’s face it, us Brits have got it pretty easy. Everywhere you go, people usually speak English, whether it’s just across the channel or on the other side of the world.
Because of that, we are very lazy when it comes to learning other languages. These days, many of us think it a bit of a stretch to even learn the most basic words before going abroad, such is the expectation that our hosts will understand us. After all, with everyone speaking our language, what’s the point in learning?
Well, there are actually plenty of reasons to think about mastering another tongue.
Boost your brain
It’s true that learning a new language gets tougher as you get older, but doing it will help unlock your brain’s full potential.
Bilingual people benefit from better focus, multitasking, cognitive skills, memory and decision making. They also enjoy denser grey matter which improves language processing, memory-storing capability and attention span.
On the health front, a new language has also been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, with symptoms taking significantly longer to develop in bilingual people.
A land of opportunity
You’re already feeling smarter, but where learning a new language really comes into its own is through the opportunities it unlocks. Just a few of the main perks are:
- Moving abroad: When most people decide to move abroad, their main concern is how to manage their finances or whereabouts they can go. A new language potentially unlocks a whole new range of places to live, so you don’t have to follow the traditional ex-pat trail.
- Better holidays: Just like moving abroad, knowing the native tongue of the place you are visiting opens the door to a new level of enjoyment and understanding on your trip.
- Job opportunities: Whether abroad or here at home, a new language creates job opportunities you could’ve previously never dreamed of. Especially in the UK, dual-language roles tend to be well paid, and there’s usually a very small talent pool for the positions.
- Make new friends: Finally, language allows you to properly meet new people and better communicate. If you can speak in more than just basic terms, you can really get to know someone who you might not have had the chance to get to know otherwise. Suddenly you can find yourself with connections from all around the world.
A better you
Overall, learning a new language leads to developing a better version of yourself. You’ll have become a bit smarter, become a better learner and set yourself up with new avenues of opportunity.
Not only that, but your confidence levels will rise from the success of learning a difficult skill. Also, you’ll become more cultured and have a better appreciation for the world you’re getting into.
There’s a whole host of reasons to find yourself a new language to learn. Want some good news? Whilst it’s hard to learn a second language, once you’ve done that it gets significantly easier to learn another. You never know, you could go from speaking one language to three and unlock a completely new side of life.
