Being able to speak, read and write in another language is a brilliant skill to have - the opportunities are endless. Imagine visiting that place you've always wanted to go, or perhaps even living there one day. This is the gift language gives.
Don't worry if you're daunted by the prospect of jumping into a whole new world of spellings, tenses and pronunciations - there's a lot to learn. But with incredible language schools like LevelUp English, the challenge is rewarding, productive and, most importantly, fun. Here's our list of five big reasons (although there are plenty more) why successfully adding another language to your repertoire is so important.
1. THE WORLD OF WORK
Ask any employer if they are more likely to hire someone because they speak multiple languages and the answer will be 'YES'.
Multilingualism (the use of more than one language) is seen as a massively employable characteristic in the big, wide world of work. It shows you have the skill and dedication to improve yourself - something employers absolutely love. Multilinguists are especially wanted by multinational companies because they can be used to communicate with foreign partners. You'll be excited to hear that multilinguists also generally earn more money than their less well-read colleagues.
With competition for jobs increasing, the opportunity to gain an advantage over others by learning another language is definitely one you should jump at.
2. TRAVEL
Imagine walking into a shop and trying to buy something but not being able to get the words out of your mouth. It would be embarrassing, wouldn't it? That's the position millions of people find themselves in every day due to language barriers. You can break those barriers down going for it and learning another language.
Travelling through a foreign country where you can speak the native tongue is beneficial for a whole host of reasons. Most importantly, it makes life so much easier. Having language on your side means you won't have to ask if the other person speaks your language, or wave your arms in the air like a mad person to try and get your point across. In countries like the UK and the US it's especially useful to speak English because, for most people there, that's the only language they know. Another brilliant benefit of travelling in a country where you speak the language is that it enables you to fully immerse yourself in the people and the culture. It's one step away from being a tourist and one step closer to being a native.
If you love to travel and might even like to work overseas one day then multilingualism is a great place to start.
3. BRAIN POWER
This might sound like an obvious one but it has to be said - learning another language makes you way smarter.
There are many cognitive benefits brought about by learning another language. These include improved memory and concentration as well as enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Around 90% of studies looking at the effect learning a language has on academic achievement have shown positive results.
This means that not only will you be able to speak another language after putting in all that effort in the classroom, you'll also have a bigger brain as a result.
4. SELF CONFIDENCE
We all need a little confidence boost from time to time. Some people do exercise and others put their nicest clothes on. But what many don't know is that learning another language is a guaranteed way to make you feel good.
The main reason multilingualism boosts confidence is that it makes you a more
intelligent and interesting individual. How could it not feel good to go to a foreign country and be able to operate as if you were born there?
Believe it or not some studies have even shown that multilinguists are considered to be more attractive. If that won't convince you I don't know what will!
5. NATIVE TONGUE
This one comes as a bit of a surprise but numerous studies have proven it to be true. Learning another language actually makes you better at speaking your native tongue.
The process of learning a different language will help you understand language in general in a whole new way. Your appreciation of grammar, conjugations and sentence structure will improve and make you much more aware of how words work together. These new skills will make you a better communicator, both verbally and in writing. They'll also make you a better listener as you have become accustomed to interpreting meaning and nuance.
So although you may think you mastered your native tongue years ago, I'm afraid to say that you have not. At least not until you go ahead and learn another one!
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