Benefits of Knowing a Foreign Language

There are numerous advantages of learning a foreign language. Essay sample is focused on social, health, and other foreign language benefits, as well as reasons to learn another language.

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language Essay Introduction

Benefits of learning a second language essay body, benefits of learning foreign language essay conclusion, works cited.

Why are foreign languages in demand and popularity? Not everyone probably thinks about it until they face a particular situation. Let us consider several reasons for bilingualism, such as advantages in career, travel, unlimited communication, cultural content, and the fact that knowing at least one foreign language makes the person smarter.

The first cause of foreign language usefulness is professional opportunities. You need to know a foreign language to increase your employability, work in a prestigious fast-growing company, and get the appropriate payment. It also applies to study and internships in foreign countries because plenty of companies are trying to learn from the experience of their foreign colleagues. In the case you know the foreign language, you can help in the translation of texts, preparation of documents, or during negotiations with foreign partners. Besides, you can learn some interesting and helpful information by reading foreign professional literature.

The second reason concerns traveling. Knowing the foreign language, you will be happy to listen to guided tours in original, chat with people with great ease and pleasure, and, who knows, maybe the foreign language you can speak will save the life of someone. Traveling around the world, you can always find your way, talk to the locals, learn about their lives and culture, and perhaps, receive a useful lesson (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 8). In other words, knowing the foreign language allows penetrating the traditions of the other culture.

The third reason in favor of knowledge of a foreign language is communication. Usually, to learn a foreign language well enough, it is necessary to plunge into the environment of living in that particular culture. In turn, such a dive does not pass entirely but forms certain personal qualities. For example, some studies have shown that people, who know more than one language, expand their horizons and are more likely to empathize taking the first steps in communication. Communication in a foreign language with native speakers will significantly strengthen your communication skills and develop life-long friendships (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 14).

Moreover, a foreign language helps you to enrich yourself culturally by watching movies in their original, listening to the voice and intonations of actors, and avoiding translators. You can listen to your favorite songs of foreign singers and understand their meaning with great pleasure. Despite the considerable amount of translated literature, the knowledge of a foreign language opens the door to the world of original literature. It is also essential to point out that by learning a foreign language, you can improve your native language as well. When people start to talk in a foreign language, which has its grammar, logic, and exceptions, they choose words and phrases in the native language to translate, which helps to increase the speech culture and vocabulary of the native language.

Besides, if you are interested in the events taking place in the world, the knowledge of the foreign language would be your advantage. You can easily understand the news as many world newspapers and Internet posts are published in a foreign language. Consequently, you will be able to understand the meaning of the above, taking into account all the details. It is much more objective than hearing a translation, where a lot can be unsaid or translated inappropriately. Thus, knowledge of a foreign language provides access to information, while it is commonly considered that he who owns the information – owns the world.

Finally, the last but not the least reason is probably, the most important. Knowledge of a foreign language expands consciousness. According to Merritt, “speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognize, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems” (par. 3). Your mind will be reconstructed to understand completely new concepts. In this sense, learning foreign languages is highly efficient due to switching codes. Switching from one language to another is a challenging job for the brain that is undoubtedly useful. Several studies have shown that among patients with dementia, symptoms began four years later in people who know two languages than in people who know one language (Merritt par. 6). In other words, the brain of bilinguals was struck but continued to operate at a higher level for a longer time.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that people are blacksmiths of their happiness, and a lot in life depends on them. Knowledge of foreign languages gives people plenty of advantages. It is the opportunity to travel around the world without an interpreter, to read foreign literature, to watch foreign films in the original, and to have friends from different countries. If you are willing to change something in your life for the better, then learn a foreign language, and maybe somewhere, there is a pleasant surprise waiting for you, such as an exciting journey or attractive employment.

Merritt, Anne. “ Why Learn a Foreign Language? Benefits of Bilingualism. ” The Telegraph . Telegraph Media Group, 2013.

“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language.” Lingholic . n.p., 2014.

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Why should you learn a new language?

Learning a new language is a complex task, but the benefits of language learning include social and cultural connections, as well as health and cognitive advantages. Research shows that it's never too early or too late to start learning a new language -- our brains are far more adaptive and flexible than previously thought, and our brains are built for language learning! Whether you are 8 or 80, learning French or Korean, studying a new language for the first time ever or for the first time in 50 years, there's never been more reason and more support for learning a new language.

Drawing of Duolingo characters Lucy and Lin, who are grandmother and granddaughter, sitting together at a table. They are looking at each other and both have chopsticks in their hands and are eating from a plate piled high with food.

Connect to people and cultures

Language is all about communication and connection, and studying a new language brings people and cultures closer to us. At the beginning, learning a language might feel like all vocabulary and grammar, but it doesn't take long to build up the skills to make meaningful connections in the new language. In fact, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or CEFR ) prioritizes personal, family, and descriptive language for beginners.

Learners today have more access to more languages -- Duolingo has courses in 40 languages -- and so the importance of personal and cultural reasons for language study is becoming clearer. A recent report shows that interest in culture drives learners to Korean, and this trend is likely linked to the rise of Korean entertainment and media, including K-pop and Korean dramas. The study also shows that family reasons are especially important for those choosing to study Chinese. Language is such a strong link to heritage that in some places we see the local language has become more popular on Duolingo than languages like Spanish and French: Hawaiian and Japanese are now the second and third most popular languages to study in Hawaii, and Irish has overtaken Spanish as the most popular language to study in Ireland.

Challenge your brain

Adults' brains may not be quite as flexible as children's, but they are still really adaptable and ready to learn! Most learners can reach their communication goals without striving for the vaguely-defined concept of "fluency," and your adult brain is definitely equipped for that kind of language learning. Even after just a few months of language study, adult learners' brains show changes and even some processing patterns like those of native speakers. And after a year of learning, adults show improvements in the kind of cognitive adaptations that make bilinguals successful in switching between their languages.

illustration of a brain with gears turning in the background

Being bilingual trains your brain to perform a cognitively complex task: turning one language "down" while turning the other "up," in every interaction, for every word! Bilinguals' brains treat languages like a seesaw, raising one up higher when it's needed, and pushing lower the one not being used. This push-and-pull in their brains gets bilinguals practicing a specific kind of attention and control .

Bilinguals who codeswitch , or use both their languages in the same conversation, are getting another kind of cognitive workout by keeping their language seesaw balanced: they might move from all one language, to all another language, and then to really sophisticated systems of mixing that use both languages at once!

Support healthy aging

For older adults, language learning can serve as an engaging activity that promotes problem solving and strategizing, which research shows can improve cognitive functioning .

Languages provide new ways of interacting with people in our communities and around the world. While students may have the option of learning a new language in school, technology makes it easier than ever before for older adults to learn, too. Apps, virtual language meet-ups like Duolingo Events , and online forums give adults ways to engage directly with language practice partners and native speakers. Exploring new cultures, travel, and making new social connections with people around the world can also have a positive impact on older adults. For example, research shows that interacting more regularly with more people has benefits for older adults' health and quality of life .

Bilingual adults who use their languages regularly may even show a delayed onset of dementia symptoms compared to monolinguals -- bilingual brains are better able to resist the disease and function healthily for longer!

It's never too early or too late to start learning!

From your brain's perspective, people of any age can learn new languages -- but it's typically harder for adults to find the time and resources to get the learning to stick. Language learning takes time and patience, and it should also be enjoyable.

illustration of a variety of ways to learn and practice a new language. From the left: a pencil, an open book, a Duolingo exercise with avatars having a conversation, the kind of nametag you'd get at an event with a lot of new folks, an open laptop with a Duolingo exercise with a character from another language on the screen, a dropped pin like on Google Maps, headphones, a speaker icon with sound coming out, and Duolingo open on a cell phone.

The best way to learn a language is whatever method motivates you to keep at it! Here are some ways to start your learning journey today:

  • Use free tools and resources to try different things and discover what works for you.
  • Find ways to practice a little bit at a time, every day. It's better to study 5 minutes every day than an hour one day a week!
  • Link your study time with other parts of your schedule to help you remember and fit in language practice. You could do lessons with your morning coffee, read a bit on your afternoon commute, or listen to music in the language while working out.
  • Label household objects with stickers of the words in the new language. You can go room-by-room or focus on the objects that you interact with the most.
  • Watch shows on your favorite streaming service with audio in the new language and captions in your own language. This will help train your ear, and it won't even feel like studying!
  • Find or create a playlist with songs in the language you're studying. This is a great way to get used to common phrases, and the repetition in songs is great for learning. The language will really get into your head!
  • Follow social media accounts that post in the language you're learning, enabling you to see posts about your favorite topics in the language as you scroll.
  • For languages you have some experience with, change your phone's interface to the language. You'll learn tons of useful vocabulary really quickly.

For more tips and learning ideas, check out the rest of the Duolingo Blog ! You'll find posts with activities for kids and the young at heart , ideas for staying motivated , and ways to improve specific skills, like speaking and reading !

Español: ¿Por qué deberías aprender un nuevo idioma?

Aprender un nuevo idioma es una tarea difícil, pero hacerlo trae beneficios como aumentar tus conexiones sociales y culturales, además de numerosas ventajas para tu mente y tu salud. Según estudios, nunca es demasiado tarde o demasiado temprano para empezar a aprender un nuevo idioma: nuestros cerebros son mucho más flexibles y pueden adaptarse más de lo que solía creerse, ¡y además están hechos para aprender idiomas! Ya sea que tengas 8 u 80 años, que estés aprendiendo francés o coreano, o que estés aprendiendo un nuevo idioma por primera vez o desde hace 50 años, nunca ha habido más razones para aprender y más formas de respaldar tu aprendizaje de un nuevo idioma.

Dibujo de los personajes de Duolingo Lucy y Lin, quienes son abuela y nieta, sentadas juntas a la mesa. Están mirándose la una a la otra. Ambas tienen palillos en sus manos y están comiendo de un plato repleto de comida

Conéctate con personas y culturas

Lo esencial en los idiomas son la comunicación y el conectarnos, y aprender un nuevo idioma nos acerca más a otras personas y culturas. Al principio, aprender un idioma puede sentirse como solamente una repetición de vocabulario y gramática, pero no tardamos mucho en desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para formar una conexión importante con el nuevo idioma. De hecho, el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia ( MCER, o CEFR , en inglés) da prioridad a un lenguaje más personal, familiar y descriptivo para los principiantes.

Hoy, las personas que aprenden idiomas tienen un mayor acceso a más idiomas (Duolingo ofrece cursos en 40 idiomas), por lo que cada vez es más clara la importancia de los motivos personales y culturales para aprender idiomas. En un reporte reciente vimos que el interés en la cultura coreana conduce a las personas a aprender coreano, lo cual está seguramente ligado con el ascenso de los medios y entretenimiento coreanos, entre los que están el k-pop y los dramas coreanos. El estudio también demostró que los lazos familiares son uno de los factores más importantes a la hora de optar por aprender chino. El idioma tiene una conexión tan fuerte con la herencia que vemos que en algunos países es más común que las personas aprendan el idioma local en Duolingo que otro idioma como el español o el francés: el hawaiano y el japonés son ahora el segundo y el tercer idioma más popular para aprender en Hawái y el irlandés superó al español como el idioma más popular para aprender en Irlanda.

Desafía a tu mente

Quizás los cerebros de los adultos no sean tan flexibles como los de los niños y niñas, ¡pero aún así tienen una alta capacidad de adaptación y están listos para aprender! La mayoría de las personas que aprenden idiomas pueden alcanzar sus metas comunicativas * sin la necesidad de recurrir a un concepto tan vago como la “fluidez” y, además, el cerebro de los adultos tiene todo lo necesario * para ese tipo de aprendizaje de idiomas. Incluso después de unos pocos meses * de aprendizaje de idiomas, el cerebro de los adultos presenta cambios y hasta ciertos patrones de procesamiento comparables con los de un hablante nativo. Después de todo un año de aprendizaje, los adultos muestran el tipo de adaptación cognitiva que permite a los hablantes bilingües alternar entre sus idiomas.*

una ilustración de un cerebro con engranajes que gira en el fondo

Ser bilingüe entrena a tu cerebro para realizar una tarea cognitiva compleja: “bajar” un idioma mientras el otro “sube”... ¡en cada interacción, para cada palabra! Los cerebros de las personas bilingües tratan a los idiomas como un sube y baja, donde uno queda en alto cuando es necesario y el otro queda debajo cuando no es utilizado. Este movimiento en sus cerebros permite que las personas bilingües practiquen un tipo específico de atención y control .*

Aquellas personas que pueden poner en práctica la alternancia de código ; es decir, usar ambos idiomas en una misma conversación, están realizando un ejercicio cognitivo * diferente, al mantener equilibrado ese sube y baja de idiomas: quizás no pasan completamente de un idioma al otro del todo ¡o quizás emplean un sistema sofisticado * donde mezclan ambos idiomas para utilizarlos al mismo tiempo!

Un envejecimiento lleno de vitalidad

En el caso de los adultos mayores, el aprendizaje puede servir como una actividad entretenida que promueva la resolución de problemas y el pensamiento estratégico, los cuales pueden mejorar el desempeño cognitivo ,* según indican los estudios.

Los idiomas nos proveen de nuevas formas de interactuar con los miembros de nuestras comunidades y con comunidades en todo el mundo. Aunque se puede elegir aprender un nuevo idioma en una escuela, la tecnología hace que aprender hoy sea más fácil que nunca, incluso para los adultos mayores. Las apps, las reuniones virtuales de idiomas como Duolingo Events * y los foros en línea dan a los adultos nuevas maneras de interactuar directamente con otras personas que aprenden idiomas y con hablantes nativos. Explorar nuevas culturas, viajar y establecer nuevos lazos sociales con personas en todo el mundo también puede tener un impacto positivo en la vida de los adultos mayores. Por ejemplo, los estudios demuestran que interactuar con una mayor regularidad con personas ha beneficiado la salud y calidad de vida de los adultos mayores .*

Los adultos bilingües que utilizan sus idiomas de forma regular incluso podrían retrasar el inicio de los síntomas de demencia , en comparación con los adultos monolingües: los cerebros de las personas bilingües son mejores al momento de resistir la enfermedad y funcionan de forma sana por más tiempo.

¡Nunca es muy tarde o muy temprano para empezar a aprender!

Si pensamos desde tu cerebro, las personas de cualquier edad pueden aprender un nuevo idioma, pero en general es más difícil para los adultos hacerse del tiempo y los recursos para retener lo que aprendieron. Aprender idiomas lleva tiempo y paciencia, y también debería ser algo que disfrutar.

una ilustración de una variedad de formas de aprender y practicar un nuevo idioma. De izquierda a derecha: un lápiz, un libro abierto, un ejercicio de Duolingo donde los personajes están conversando, una etiqueta con nombre como las que encontrarías en un evento con muchos desconocidos, una marca como las de los mapas en Google Maps, un par de auriculares, un ícono de parlante con sonido que sale de él y un celular con la aplicación de Duolingo

¡La mejor forma de aprender un idioma es utilizar el método que más te motive a seguir aprendiendo! Aquí hay algunas formas de empezar hoy tu nueva aventura de aprendizaje:

  • Usa herramientas y recursos gratuitos para intentar diferentes cosas y descubrir qué funciona mejor para ti.
  • Encuentra formas de practicar un poco cada vez y cada día. ¡Es mejor aprender durante 5 minutos cada día * que una hora por semana!
  • Inserta tu tiempo de aprendizaje en otros momentos de tu día para recordar e incluir la práctica de idiomas en tu día a día. Podrías hacer lecciones mientras bebes tu café por la mañana, leer un poco mientras usas el transporte público por la tarde o escuchar música en el idioma que estás aprendiendo mientras estás ejercitándote.
  • Etiqueta los objetos de tu casa con calcomanías que incluyan cómo se dicen esas palabras en tu nuevo idioma. Puedes ir cuarto por cuarto y enfocarte en los objetos que más utilizas.
  • Ve programas en tu televisor o servicio de streaming favorito con el audio configurado en el idioma que estás aprendiendo y subtítulos en tu propio idioma. Esto te ayudará a entrenar tu oído... ¡y además no se sentirá como que estás estudiando!
  • Busca o crea una lista de reproducción con canciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo. Es una gran forma de acostumbrarte a las frases más comunes. Por otra parte, la repetición en las canciones es genial para aprender. ¡El idioma realmente entrará en tu cabeza!
  • Sigue cuentas en redes sociales que hagan publicaciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo, de forma tal que veas publicaciones sobre tus temas favoritos en ese idioma mientras lees las publicaciones de tus contactos.
  • Si ya tienes algunos conocimientos, cambia la interfaz de tu teléfono a ese idioma. Aprenderás una gran cantidad de vocabulario útil muy rápido.

Para más tips e ideas para aprender, ¡no dejes de leer el resto del blog de Duolingo ! Podrás encontrar publicaciones con actividades para niños y niñas y para todos aquellos que son jóvenes por dentro ,* ideas para que mantengas tu motivación y formas de mejorar habilidades específicas, como hablar y leer .

  • Enlace en inglés.

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learning languages advantages essay

Knowing more than one language is fast becoming a requirement for anyone who wants to compete and thrive in a world where boundaries and barriers are becoming less relevant. In addition to the language itself, multilingual learners can take advantage of the full scope of accompanying cognitive and social skills—making them great employees, leaders in their communities, and true global citizens.

The U.S. Lags Behind in Language Education

Most students in the U.S. graduate high school knowing only one language—making it the only developed country in the world for which language learning is not a recognized priority.

In the United States, only one in five K-12 students 1 (and about one in 12 university students 2 ) is enrolled in a world language class. This is a woefully small number of students, especially when compared to other countries:

92% of students in Europe learn another language in school.

Nearly 1 in 4 Canadians can hold a conversation in both English and French.

Across Africa, more schools are teaching in both the student’s first language and English, French, Dutch, or Portuguese.

While precise measurements are difficult, many sources estimate that one out of every two people on the planet knows at least two languages.

There may have been a time in the U.S. when becoming multilingual was a luxury. But to thrive in an interconnected world—with its expanding population, evolving technologies, and growing emphasis on competing globally—it’s a requirement. And remember, three out of four humans don’t speak English.

Top 10 Benefits of Learning More Than One Language

1. improve your career & business.

When employers list the skills they most seek in a candidate, “knowing more than one language” is listed among the top eight—regardless of the job title, the economic sector, or the candidate’s experience. In other words, whether you’re an engineer, a restaurant server, a salesperson, or a small business owner—any role in any sector—multilingualism will serve your professional goals well.

And while knowing more than one language is a powerful way to distinguish yourself from your peers and colleagues, it’s becoming less of a nice-to-have and more of a job requirement. A full 90% of U.S. employers report relying on employees who speak more than one language—with one in three of these businesses reporting a significant “language skills gap.”

2. Build Deeper Connections With More People

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect. The entire experience of interacting with your fellow humans—getting to know them, working alongside them—is enriched by sharing their language. You will be shaped by communities. You will be humbled by the kindness of strangers. You will build lifelong friendships.

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect.

3. Sharpen Your Decision-Making

Decisions made in a second language are more reason-driven than decisions made in your first language. 3 When tackling a challenge in a second (or third or fourth) language, you gain the objectivity and emotional distance you need to properly assess the situation. The result? Clear-eyed choices made through sound, systematic thinking.

4. Feed Your Brain

Research indicates that people who speak more than one language develop a better memory, talent for problem-solving, ability to concentrate, and tendency to be creative than people who speak only one language. Knowing at least a second language also reduces the chances of cognitive decline as you age.

5. Treasure Other Cultures

Culture is the collection of a group’s traditions, arts, customs, social institutions, and achievements, passed from generation to generation. But the surest way to understand a culture—to know it, empathize with it, and come to adore it—is to know its language. In studies, children who have studied an additional language like and respect the culture associated with that language, as well as demonstrate higher levels of empathy and tolerance. Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

6. See the World (More Fully)

When you travel somewhere and know the language, the entire experience transforms. Traveling becomes more dynamic—more full of nuance and opportunities. Knowing the language lets you escape the “tourist bubble” and to interact with people and places nobody else could. You can read the street signs to find amazing locales, engage in more meaningful conversation, and immerse yourself in local culture, food, and art.

7. Boost Your Confidence

As you’re learning a language, you’ll make plenty of mistakes—often in front of the audience of your teacher and classmates. But these “mistakes” are actually steps toward becoming a more proficient speaker and more resilient learner. Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature. And when you eventually find yourself conversing with someone in their language, your sense of accomplishment will be unparalleled.

Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature.

8. Expand Your Perspective

Learning another language means learning another culture. And learning another culture means drawing comparisons between it and your own culture. You naturally discover places—places both positive and negative—where the cultures diverge. Your understanding of the awesomeness of humanity’s diversity and ingenuity grows in a thousand new directions.

9. Experience Art in Its Original Form

Most of the world’s history and art—its books, news, films, music, essays, stories, and online experiences—are in a language you don’t (yet) know. With more than 7,000 spoken languages on Earth, you could spend countless lifetimes exploring the many source materials if only you knew the language . Reading a love poem by Neruda in its original Spanish, reciting Homer’s epics in their original Greek, or watching “Rashomon” in Kurosawa’s original Japanese—these are all profound experiences that only language learning can offer.

10. Become a Polyglot

When you learn a second language, two amazing things happen. First, you come to know and speak your first language better. Second, learning a third language is much easier than the second (especially for children). 4 Take a bold step toward communicating in as many languages as you choose!

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Why Learning Multiple Languages Is Important

It has long been established that learning a second language is beneficial. So beneficial, in fact, that many schools are incorporating bilingual education. This is because multiple studies suggest that bilingual education has cognitive, social, and health benefits . However, learning multiple languages does not simply benefit students in the classroom. As you will see, studying a second (or third) language is an investment in your future, no matter your age.

Increases Creativity

While the two are not often paired, language learning can also increase one’s creativity. Learning how to string new words together to communicate effectively requires you to use your brain in an analogous way as when you form creative thoughts. For instance, language learning requires discovering new ways of expressing ideas and feelings.

One study  found that bilinguals were more creative than monolinguals according to the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT), which assesses fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Plus, language learning is fun. When you have fun while learning, it is natural to be more creative.

Improves Your Analytical Skills

Along these same lines, mastering a new language will also improve your analytical skills. Those who speak more than one language have the ability to process information in a more logical fashion. For instance, rather than making decisions based on emotion, those who had to consider decisions in a foreign language made wiser decisions based on analytical reasoning. This may also explain why bilingual students tend to score better than their peers on academic tests.

Strengthens Your Brain Muscles

When you work to learn another language, you are essentially exercising your brain muscles. For example, it is proven to improve one’s cognitive skills. Working hard to learn a new language will strengthen your ability to focus, memorize, and comprehend material.

As Dan Roitman  explains, “Learning a second language can beef up your brain’s executive control center — the hub that helps manage your cognitive processes. A second language offers a strong exercise regimen for the executive control center, ultimately making it more efficient.”

Additionally, senior citizens are encouraged to learn another language because studies have shown multilingualism directly correlates to a decrease in dementia. This is because of the way language learning works as a type of brain fitness.

Develops Your Native Vocabulary

In addition to learning a new foreign vocabulary , you will develop your native vocabulary. For instance, if you speak English and are studying French, your English skills will improve as you work to learn the rules of the French language. This applies to all languages. For instance, students attending language schools in DC are surrounded by native English speakers as well as those attempting to master a foreign language. In this setting, it is common for the student to develop both languages while studying.

Brings School Success

As we mentioned earlier, bilingual education has many benefits. Primarily, students who are bilingual or who study multiple languages, perform better in school than their peers. This even applies to standardized academic exams that students take for college entrance. In addition to these student’s large vocabulary skills, these same students have better literacy skills.

However, this does not stop at the high school level. Students serious about language learning should take foreign language classes at a dedicated language school in DC, such as inlingua. These schools are focused on language learning rather than making it secondary to their education. Students who take these types of English courses in Washington DC until they are fluent will have a return on their investment when it comes to academic success and employment opportunities .

Creates Job Security

In addition to academic success, learning multiple languages creates job security. As the workplace becomes global, it is imperative that employees do what it takes to hold on to their jobs. Those individuals who can speak other languages are already well ahead of their competitors in the workplace. Not only does being bilingual create job security, it potentially could lead to career advancement  and raises.

Plus, there are certain desirable career fields that depend on those who are multilingual, such as interpreters or translators. In fact, there are even required foreign language tests for individuals who are seeking career advancement opportunities in government fields. For example, the Washington language institute, inlingua, offers private tutoring for those taking the Foreign Service Officer Language Test .

Simplifies Foreign Communication

Whether you are traveling abroad or doing business with someone abroad over the phone, the ability to communicate is essential. When you learn to speak another language, communication becomes easier. As you travel, you will be able to find out information yourself rather than rely on translators. This will help you make wise decisions and lead you to places where you may not have gone before .

Fosters Cultural Awareness

Studies  have shown that learning another language fosters culture awareness and acceptance. Students who study another language are more understanding of other cultures. When you learn another language, you are not merely learning unfamiliar words. You learn about the people, the customs, traditions, and values where the language is spoken. It involves stepping out of your comfort zone and learning about the vastness of the world around you.

Students who attend language schools in Washington DC have the unique opportunity to study in a global city surrounded by diversity. For example, students at inlingua learn through immersion; therefore, they are immersed in the culture  while taking an English class in DC. They do not just learn English – they also learn American culture.

Develops Global Relationships

Finally, one of the most important reasons to learn multiple languages is to develop global relationships. Rather than living in a bubble where everyone lives in the same place and speaks the same language, those who are multilingual can form relationships with people across the globe. Language barriers are broken, and friendships are made. Plus, global relationships are imperative for global awareness and global thinking. When you learn another language, your worldview changes for the better.

Ready to learn a foreign language in Washington DC?

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Why You Should Learn a Second Language and Gain New Skills

May 12, 2020

In The News

Why You Should Learn a Second Language and Gain New Skills

One of the most practical ways to make use of your spare time nowadays is to start learning a new skill. 

People who always succeed are those who are keen to learn something new every day - be it learning about other cultures or learning a second language.

At Middlebury Language Schools, we are strong advocates for the importance of mastering a second language. Both personally and professionally, being bilingual can bring you several advantages.

In this article, we will break down some of the benefits of learning a second language and why this skill is one of the most overlooked skills in the world.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE !

Why is it important to know more than one language

We live in a multilingual world, where connections are now more important than ever. The world is becoming increasingly globalized and knowing a second language can always give you an unfair advantage.

There are tangible benefits to being bilingual:

  • It can help you in your career;
  • It can improve your memory and brain functions;
  • It can help increase your understanding of the languages you already speak.

A second language can drastically change your career. Living in an interconnected world means that more and more jobs are advertising positions where knowing more than one language is essential. 

As more companies trade internationally and create relationships with other countries, employees are often asked to travel for work, enhance these relationships, or be relocated abroad. 

Besides having more chances of landing a good job or advancing in your career, learning a second language can also give you an insight into other cultures. You will be more prepared and confident to travel the world and explore other people’s ways of living.

Lack of integration is a real problem for most countries. More often than not, this is due to the language barrier. People outside of their home countries end up being isolated, hanging out only with people from similar communities where their language is spoken. 

Learning a second language opens up the opportunity for being part of a community with a different culture, and learning more about the world around us. 

Did you know that being bilingual can also help you master your own language? For example, learning a new language with similar roots can help you learn other languages as well. Take Spanish , Italian , and French from one summer to the next!

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LANGUAGE PROGRAMS !

What are the benefits of learning a second language

As mentioned before, learning a new language is a wonderful benefit in a globalized world. Let’s have a look at some of the benefits of learning a second language.

1. It improves your memory

The more you use your brain to learn new skills, the more your brain’s functions work. Learning a new language pushes your brain to get familiar with new grammar and vocabulary rules. It allows you to train your memory to remember new words, make connections between them, and use them in contextual situations.

2. Enhances your ability to multitask

Time management and multitasking are two skills that will always help you. Multilingual people have the ability to switch between languages. Their ability to think in different languages and be able to communicate in more than one language helps with multitasking.

3. Improves your performance in other academic areas 

Fully immersing yourself in a language learning environment means not only learning the basics of that language. It means learning how to communicate in another language with your peers or participating in extracurricular activities in that specific language. 

Take2

What languages are the most useful to learn? Middlebury Language Schools recommends 3 of our 13 languages

Since 1915, Middlebury Language Schools has been one of the nation’s preeminent language learning programs. 

Whether you’re a beginning language learner or working toward an advanced degree, our time-tested programs offer a range of options and opportunities.

Taking the Language Pledge at Middlebury Language Schools means committing to communicate only in the language of your choice for the duration of the program. You will live, play, and learn in a 24/7 environment. 

We offer a wide range of languages you can choose from. Here are just a few of the languages we offer.

Due to many geopolitical reasons, the Russian language is not very closely related to English. It is a very challenging language to learn, with complex grammar and syntax rules. However, it is an extremely culturally and politically relevant language. 

At the School of Russian , you can experience the most effective method for rapid language acquisition. An immersion environment is a promise that you will read, write, speak, and listen only in Russian throughout the duration of the program. Some of the benefits of learning Russian at Middlebury Language Schools include interpreting poetry, learning about the culture, and mastering the Russian etiquette.

LEARN RUSSIAN !

Arabic has been one of our most popular languages. It is a high demand language because it can get you ahead in a government career, but also give you endless opportunities in business and international relations. 

Arabic is spoken by more than 300 million people and is one of the top 5 most spoken languages in the world. Learning Arabic as a second language can help you learn about the Arabic culture and religion. It not only gives you opportunities to expand your connections, but also offers great travel opportunities. 

A summer at the Arabic School will help you experience the immersive environment on campus. At Middlebury Language Schools, the focus is on Modern Standard Arabic, with optional Arabic language classes in dialects such as Egyptian, Syrian and Moroccan.

Check out our Arabic graduate programs and Arabic 8-week immersion program for more information.

LEARN ARABIC !

A lot of people agree that Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn, due to the fact that you read words as they are written. Spanish is the most spoken language in the world after English and is used by more than 400 million people. 

Spanish skills can be a strong asset for communicating and creating relationships not only in Spain, but also in Latin America. 

At the Middlebury School of Spanish , you can engage your mind with topics of interest, from Spanish history to arts and cooking. 

Ready to learn Spanish? Check out Middlebury Language Schools’ 7-week immersion program or the graduate programs .

LEARN SPANISH !

Reminders on why you should learn a second language now

We have broken down the benefits of learning a second language and becoming bilingual in a highly globalized world. 

The truth is, learning new skills every day enhances all aspects of your life. By learning new skills, you can increase your career opportunities, find out more about the world around you, and be a better person overall.

We highly encourage you to start learning a new language as early in your life as possible. However, you are never too old to learn! The world moves fast, and we must keep up with the changes - by developing new skills, learning more about ourselves, and also, learning a new language!

ENROLL NOW !

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12 Amazing Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

In today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world, there are  many reasons to learn another language.

Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who grew up speaking two languages as a native bilingual. If so, you have some unique advantages compared to the rest of us.

However, if you’re looking to become bilingual, you’ve got good things going for you too.

Below are 12 awesome side effects of becoming bilingual — or multilingual !

Why Learn a Second Language?

1. you can talk with more people., 2. it’s a major advantage in the workforce., 3. traveling is easier and more fulfilling., 4. you gain cultural knowledge and perspective., 5. you have access to more information and entertainment., 6. it improves your communication skills., 7. it makes other languages easier too., 8. you can help more people., 9. it improves a ton of cognitive functions., 10. it delays the effects of aging., 11. it boosts your creativity., 12. your self-confidence will soar., which language should i learn, how do i get started.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

people using a second language to talk

What’s the fastest way to make 1.2 billion friends?

Learn Chinese !

But seriously—learning another language gives you uncountable opportunities to meet and connect with others due to the simple fact that you can talk to more people.

Of course, learning another language allows you to meet people who already speak that language, too.  For one, you can connect with fellow language learners .  Another way is to find a language exchange partner .

Or chat with your taxi driver. Make small talk with the store clerk. Get to know the man who sits next to you on a long bus ride.

These people might have the potential to become your new business partner, best friend or soul mate. That’s pretty thrilling!

You don’t even need to be fluent to get started.

When I traveled around Myanmar, I spent a couple weeks in a city called Yangon. I only knew the basics of the Burmese language, but I was determined to practice those few phrases at every opportunity.

One street vendor was so taken with my efforts that he spent 30 minutes trying to communicate with me about his family, work and life philosophy. Not only did I leave that conversation with new language skills, but also with a free bag of food and a hug!

But the conversations are just the beginning.

Communicating in someone’s native language  also shows respect, and it allows you to connect on a deeper level. You might be surprised how open people are when you speak their mother tongue.

diverse employees giving a presentation

Adding a second (or third, or fourth) language to your CV gives you an unparalleled advantage in today’s global economy.

More and more employers are looking for people who speak multiple languages . This is especially true for fields like customer service, hospitality, health care, information technology and administrative work.

Multilingual people can communicate and interact with diverse communities. This is a valuable asset in an employee’s skill set.

You definitely up your professional value if you can negotiate with manufacturers in another country or communicate with customers who don’t speak your native language.

Plus, fluency in a foreign language opens up opportunities abroad which simply are not available to monolingual job hunters.

Your ability to speak another language also conveys that you’re motivated and driven to learn new skills.

It’s possible that you could be compensated for maintaining your language skills through foreign proficiency bonus pay, too—take the US military for example.

Which language is best? Try learning Spanish, Arabic or Mandarin Chinese to give yourself an edge !

lady ordering food in japan

Traveling—whether for business, vacation or visiting family or friends—is much easier if you speak the language of your destination:

  • Restaurants. Most non-speaking travelers resort to the “point and hope” method of ordering food. But when you know the local language, you can order specific foods you know you like or want to try. 
  • Transportation. If you’re in a big city, you might hear some English translations. But the farther away you get from the capital, the less likely you are to hear any familiar words. Where you are, where you’re going and how you get there is all going to be communicated in the country’s native language.
  • Signs.  If every sign you see is just random squiggles, there are bound to be problems. Where’s the bathroom? Which way is the subway? What’s the name of this road? Which side of the road should I be driving on? Signs are everywhere, and they’re often important.
  • Avoid miscommunication.  Most visitors who don’t speak the language struggle to communicate even the simplest things to locals. Suddenly, trying to buy a shirt or deposit money at the bank becomes lost in translation.

Language helps you understand the world.

Learning another language isn’t just about words and grammar. Knowledge of the society and culture behind that language is necessary to achieve any degree of fluency.  The history and  culture  of a people are reflected in the language,  and vice versa.

It’s important to remember that languages aren’t simply different sets of words to express the same ideas—they’re entirely different outlooks on the world.

Linguistic relativity  is the concept that  language dramatically shapes the way we think about, perceive and interact with the world around us.  Most people who speak multiple languages will tell you there’s a profound spiritual and emotional element to it.

Allow this to open you up to the world, broaden your horizons and bring you closer to people of all races and nationalities.

You may develop a deep appreciation for another culture, fall in love with a native speaker or become unlikely friends with someone totally different from you.

boy reading book with flashlight

Perhaps the most fun perk to learning another language is consuming native media .

You’ll have access to a whole new selection of music, movies, TV shows, books, news programs, podcasts, websites and more.

Of course, it takes time and effort to reach a level where this is comfortable. But there’s plenty of multilingual content to get you started!

For example, people who speak Spanish and English can understand every word of the songs of Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Pitbull and other internationally-successful Latin pop stars.

Japanese and English speakers hold claim to some mind-blowing “Kill Bill” scenes and the cultural miscommunication in “Lost in Translation.”

It may take a while, but try not to get frustrated on your path to understanding— consistency is key.

One day you’ll be reading or listening to something in your target language and suddenly realize that you understood it with no extra effort at all.

Of course, learning a second language improves your listening and speaking skills.

You’ll learn to listen more effectively and to be as clear as possible when you’re talking. The ability to clarify intended meanings will benefit you in any situation and any tongue.

You’ll likely gain reading and writing skills as well. You’ll think more carefully about the words you use and the meaning you’re expressing in your non-native language.

In fact, your acquired language literally helps you think more logically, process information and speak more evenly .

Learning another language will also make you more adept at piecing together information and interpreting context, whether it’s an unclear situation or cross-cultural communication.

The ability to look at things from various angles and understand someone else’s perspective means you’ll be able to communicate more respectfully and more effectively in any language.

world flags

Learning your first language happens naturally through observation, so many people don’t explicitly know the underlying rules or logic of it.

To learn a second language, though, you pretty much have to learn the rules .

Many people who learn another language discover that they also gain unanticipated benefits in their first language, like becoming more conscious of and knowledgeable about their native grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

If you learn another Indo-European language (such as French ) as a native English speaker, you’ll likely discover significant amounts of borrowed vocabulary, which will help you better understand how English became English .

What’s more, the acquisition techniques you use to learn your second language can be applied to subsequent languages too.

Learning a language trains your brain to analyze and process various linguistic structures. Your brain learns to identify language-learning techniques and break them into steps—and will do the same with other foreign languages!

So, studying your second language increases your ability to replicate this “metalinguistic awareness” process later. Your brain’s increased knowledge of syntax, grammar and sentence structure will give you a head start on learning your third language.

Studying a foreign language doesn’t have to be all about you!

Perhaps it’s obvious, but speaking another language allows you to help more people.

For example, if you’re a certified teacher with multilingual abilities, consider using your unique language skills to teach others. You could help out refugees in your home country, tutor students while living abroad or simply teach your friends and family the language(s) you speak.

If you can’t or don’t want to teach, there’s volunteer programs around the world where multilingual speakers are a particularly valuable asset to the team. Medical assistance programs, educational consultancies and cultural events are good places to find volunteer opportunities.

Being the bridge of communication between cultures is a great feeling, and the joy you’ll get from helping someone in need will make all the hard work of learning the language worth it.

Learning another language makes you smarter—and not just because you’ll know more words and grammar structures.

Acquiring a second language improves memory, increases attention span and strengthens problem-solving abilities.

Check out this video by the British Broadcasting Corporation that breaks down the advantages of learning new languages.

In fact, studies have shown that multilingual people:

  • are more logical
  • use more of their brains
  • have better working memories
  • can switch between tasks more quickly
  • have greater self-control
  • are more focused
  • make better financial decisions

All of these executive function benefits are likely the result of the bilingual brain’s constant need to choose the correct language and words to speak at any given moment, as well as its ability to detect which language it’s hearing.

Of course, the younger you are when you begin learning a second language, the easier it will be and the quicker you’ll see the effects. And for children especially, learning another language can help build social, cognitive and emotional intelligence,  as well as lead to higher standardized test scores .

Learning a foreign language may also teach children to be more culturally accepting—just as it helps adults broaden their perspective and cultural knowledge.

Further, not only do these advantages make it easier to learn more languages, as mentioned above, they make it easier to learn anything .

It’s thought that all this is because learning languages helps your brain exercise, sort of like how bodybuilders grow and tone their muscles . And who wouldn’t love to be strong?

If picking up a language as an adult looks good, doing it as a senior is even more impressive!

Having multiple languages under your belt as you age can also have major advantages.

In particular, research has shown that knowing more than one language can potentially reduce the risk of dementia and delay Alzheimer’s Disease.

Regardless of education level, gender or occupation, multilingual subjects in this study experienced the onset of Alzheimer’s about four and a half years later than monolingual subjects.

Study results also show that speaking more than one language increases the amount of neural pathways in the brain.

This allows information to be processed through a greater variety of channels and can keep your brain sharp as you age.

woman holding a pencil and a notebook

Anyone learning a language has experienced moments of serious linguistic problem solving.

You know what you want to say, but not in the language you’re currently speaking. You can’t move forward without the word, so you have to get creative.

Using your second language requires you to learn how to give clues, context, explanations and/or gestures to get your point across. It improves your skills in divergent thinking—the ability to identify multiple solutions to a single problem.

Because, on top of your limited language and mental roadblocks, you usually need to consider different linguistic and cultural nuances too.

All of this helps you think outside the box.

As a matter of fact, researchers are also concluding that multilingual speakers are more creative than monolingual speakers. This is likely because learning a foreign language gives you leeway to experiment with new words and phrases.

So, every time you stumble over those words and phrases, remember that you’re actually training your brain and developing skills that benefit every aspect of your life.

Confidence increases as you learn a new skill—like speaking a foreign language!

Some of this may come from learning something you enjoy, but language instruction also relies heavily on social interaction. Conversations with native speakers are essential to mastering your target language.

At first, speaking can definitely cause some anxiety . But don’t be afraid to let your conversation partners know that you want to practice. It’s a great way to break the ice and start making new friends.

Because English is such a global language, native English speakers who make the effort to learn a foreign tongue are often received with gratitude and curiosity. You might be surprised how many people will want to help you practice!

And remember that practice itself can be a confidence builder.

As you learn and get better at the language, you’ll find that you have increased self-awareness and more confidence wielding your second language… which can also make you more attractive to others!

Truly, people will respect the fact that you’re learning another language. Native speakers will be impressed with your dedication, friends and family will be proud of your motivation and strangers will be interested in your story.

So get learning and build up that confidence!

While there’s advantages for learning any language, some are inevitably more useful than others .

You can check out this post for a more detailed guide to answering this question, but if you’re really not sure where to start, check out the benefits of the languages below to see if any strike your fancy:

  • Spanish : As one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, Spanish comes with plenty of benefits.
  • French : Learning French has many pros—like becoming fluent in the language of romance.
  • German : If you’re interested in central Europe at all, German is a great way to get familiar with the area and culture.
  • Japanese : Learning Japanese is likely an opportunity to discover a completely different culture and way of thinking.

Gone are the days when the only way to learn a second language was becoming stranded in a foreign country or going back to high school language classes.

These days, there are many ways to learn online to become proficient in the language of your choice.

For example, maybe you plan to study on your own . Set yourself up for success by setting goals, being consistent and making sure you get lots of language input.

Depending on the language you choose, you may need to learn a new alphabet system . You’ll definitely need to learn a lot of vocab .

Just because you have to learn grammar doesn’t mean you can’t have fun though! You can absolutely make your studying as enjoyable as possible — try watching movies , for example!

If you don’t feel ready to watch full-length movies in your target language, don’t worry. Try shorter ones first, like Disney movies dubbed in your preferred language.

You can also prepare with FluentU.

Obviously, there’s many benefits of learning a second language. So no matter which tools you use to learn it, you won’t regret doing it!

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learning languages advantages essay

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The benefits of learning a second language

by Jennifer Smith

Learning a new language takes time and dedication. Once you do, being fluent in a second language offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Learning a second language is exciting and beneficial at all ages. It offers practical, intellectual and many aspirational benefits

In today's world, there are over 7,000 languages, and learning at least one will help you in life massively. Although it has been proven that it is easier for children to learn a second language, it is certainly never too late to learn, and the benefits definitely reward the effort and dedication.

Whatever your age, being bilingual certainly has its advantages, especially in today's global society. Here are the top benefits of learning a second language:

Blackboard with various languages writing on it, courtesy of Shutterstock

Better job prospects

In today's business dominated society, being bilingual can only be an advantage and gives you a competitive edge when searching for jobs, or maintaining your current employment.

Companies who plan to expand into overseas market are constantly looking for bilingual staff, who of which are well-paid and receive excellent benefits, as they will ultiamtely give the company a huge competitive advantage.

By learning a second language, you will be indispensable at your place of work as you can easily bridge the cultural gap between the two countries, and those with the ability to speak a second language are more likely to find a job.

Brain health

Medical studies has shown the positive effects learning a second language has on the brain.

Studies showed that learning a second language significantly delayed the onset of many brain related diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia, compared to those who can only speak their native tongue.

Travel and leisure

Learning a new language opens up a world of new opportunities. If you choose to learn a commonly spoken language, such as Spanish, French or German, you can travel practically anywhere in the world and not have trouble with translations.

You can confidently go about your business and in another country and speak freely to locals and other travellers. You will have a much better experience as you can effectively communicate with much more people, which will ultimately open up your mind and put things into different perspectives regarding the different cultures of the world.

Improved first language

As we go about our everyday lives, we rarely give a second thought to our own grammatical structure and vocabulary. However, when learning a new language, many people find they have a greater understanding of their first language.

Learning a second language focuses your attention on the grammatical rules constructions of that language. This experience gives people a new insight into their own language and ultimately leads to them improving their mother tongue, which will improve their everyday lives.

Improved understanding of the world

Learning a new language gives you a greater global understanding of the world we live in. Even by learning a few phrases, never mind a whole language, you will access many fascinating cultures around the world and understand the differences between the two countries.

You will have access to a whole new array of film, music and literature, and a greater understanding of the history and culture of the nation and ultimately a better understanding of the way the world works, including politics and security.

Experience new cultures

The world is a cauldron of rich and interesting cultures. Learning a new language allows you to access many different cultures across the world.

You will have the chance to see fascinating new things from a new perspective, which not many people can, and connect with the new people all over the world.

Different culture has its own music, style, history, literature and many more interesting things which you will be able to enjoy and understand. You will be able to connect through books, TV, the internet and converse with a whole countries worth of people, ultimately broadening your horizons, interests and views. A whole new world will be open to you.

Achievement

Learning a new language is a an achievement anyone can be proud of and is extremely satisfying. Once the hard work and effort has paid off, you will experience the many benefits associated with learning a new language and you will have a new found confidence.

Learning a new language will open up our world in ways a monoglot would never have the chance of experiencing. Your mind will be constantly be engaged and you will gain an insight into many different cultures. Learning a second language also makes it easier to learn a third, which will certainly broaden your horizons.

Written by Jennifer Smith on behalf of Kwintessential , the translation specialists.

More information about how to improve brain function https://www.themanlyzone.com/naturally-improve-brain-function/

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Learning a Second Language Essay

Language is one of the most important tools in our interaction with others. Without language, it is highly unlikely that the human civilization would have developed as it has over the millenniums. For most people, being able to communicate in one language is sufficient. This is especially so if the language is English, French or Germany, all of which are internationally recognized languages.

While it is true that one can be able to comfortably go through life with the knowledge of one language, the person greatly limits his/her potential. This is because there are many advantages to be gained from being proficient in more than one language. This paper shall argue that every person should learn at least one second language so as to reap the benefits that such an undertaking brings to the individual.

We live in a world that is slowly being turned into a global village as a result of advances in transport and communication. Through the process known as globalization, major integration of economies and cultures is becoming rife. In such a world, people are constantly being forced to interact with others who come from different cultural backgrounds.

While in some cases these people from different cultures share a language, there are many instances where there is a language difference. If one has learnt at least one additional language, there is a higher possibility that communication between the people from varying cultures will be possible. As such, acquisition of an additional language will assist in bringing about harmony in a multicultural society.

Scientific studies have proved that learning of a second language may result in the enhancement of the intellectual capabilities of an individual. As a result of learning a second language, a person’s performance in arithmetic as well as his reading skills is greatly increased. This improvement is attributed to the fact that learning a new language results in divergent thinking in the person.

The divergent thinking develops since learning a new language involves not only obtaining a new vocabulary but also learning a different manner of constructing thoughts. Considering the fact that a higher intellectual capability is desirable since it increases the chances of a person succeeding in life, everyone should learn an additional language.

Being proficient in more than one language can give a person an advantage when they are applying for a job. This is because an additional language increases the versatility of an individual therefore making him a greater asset to an organization. Some organizations specifically deal with clients who do not converse in English.

It will therefore be a huge benefit for the organization if it can have a person who can converse in the native language of the clients. Having the knowledge of an additional language can therefore result in the career development of the individual.

This paper set out to argue that everyone should learn an addition language. To reinforce this assertion, this paper has discussed the various merits that acquisition of an additional language can have to not only the individual but the society at large. This paper has demonstrates that learning an additional language can result in the creation of a more harmonious global society.

In addition to this, this paper has shown that learning a different language develops one’s mental ability making them better thinkers and also increasing the individual’s chances to develop their career. For this reasons, everyone should learn at least one second language.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 17). Learning a Second Language. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/

"Learning a Second Language." IvyPanda , 17 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Learning a Second Language'. 17 May.

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1. IvyPanda . "Learning a Second Language." May 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

Bibliography

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learning languages advantages essay

  • December 5, 2021
  • Education Advice

9 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

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With the English language being the world’s lingua franca, many English speakers may think it’s not necessary to learn a new one. They aren’t necessarily right. Knowing a foreign language never goes to waste. You may use it while in a new country to communicate with the locals so they can help you find your destination or to maybe feel at home after you moved there to teach English to non-English speakers . It may even help you in your job, and your business travels. Knowing a second language means a whole new literature is in your hands. However, these aren’t the only benefits of learning a second language. There are many more. Here’s our list of nine of them.

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Why Is It Important to Know More Than One Language?

In today’s increasingly interdependent world, speaking a second language is an essential skill that gives you the ability to communicate and connect with people from all over the world in a quicker and more meaningful way. Connections are now more important than ever, considering the continual globalization of the world’s economy, and knowing a foreign language will always give you a significant advantage.

There are tangible benefits to being bilingual—it can improve your brain and memory functions, boost your creativity and self-esteem,  help in your career opportunities, as well as increase your understanding of the language you already speak. Read on to find out more about the benefits of learning a foreign language.

1. It Stimulates Your Brain

Learning a new language undoubtedly helps your gray matter grow . Acquiring a new language means that you’re going to learn a whole new set of rules of grammar and lexis (whether you find this part amusing or not). While your brain is trying to keep up with the new language’s complexities and take in the new patterns, new developments are happening in the brain. Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger and bigger the more you put it to use.

Nothing challenges the brain like learning a language does. Scientists have established that we use the left side of the brain when speaking our native language. Whereas, second language usage isn’t limited to a specific hemisphere. It uses both of them, increasing the size of the white and grey matter of the brain.

But that is not all; acquiring a new language also helps to stave off cognitive decline and mental aging. Recent research shows that multilingual adults experienced the first signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia at a later age compared to monolinguals. They also researched other variables like health, economic status, educational level, and gender, but none of them contributed as much as the number of languages that person spoke.

2. It Improves Your Attention Span

benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language

With the human attention span seemingly narrowing more and more every day, according to many studies, deciding to learn a new language may be the antidote to this situation.  Recent studies show that the average attention span of a person has reduced from twelve to eight seconds. Researchers suggest that learning a new language helps the brain maintain focus and block distractions . This is a result of regularly switching between languages.

When speaking, bilinguals or multilinguals are constantly switching between two or more languages in their head, and this juggling improves the brain’s ability to concentrate on one thing while ignoring other irrelevant information. As one study notes:

“The need to constantly control two languages confers advantages in the executive system, the system that directs cognitive processing. These effects have been demonstrated primarily using visual stimuli and are heightened in children and older adults. Specifically, bilinguals, relative to monolinguals, are better able to monitor conflicting sensory information and tune into a relevant stimulus or stimulus features amid irrelevant information, via a process known as inhibitory control.”

3. More Career Options to Choose From

We are living in a multicultural world; many companies are opening offices overseas to extend their market. So the need for bilingual candidates is greater than ever. By acquiring a foreign language, you will double the number of available jobs for you and climb the career ladder much faster.

In the highly competitive job market, employers are looking to hire someone that stands out from the rest of the candidates. Knowing a foreign language could help you be chosen among many other job applicants. Having a foreign language listed in your CV might be what a potential employer is looking for.

Also, nowadays, people who are proficient in more than one language are high in demand in the job market in all sectors and industries, as the employers consider them to be better communicators and problem solvers. Skills that one master by acquiring a second language.

4. It Boosts Your Creativity

Knowing a foreign language isn’t beneficial only to the brain; it also influences your level of creativity. As a person starts to learn a language, they get familiar with the culture of the place where that language is spoken. The more you learn about new cultures, the more you’ll look at the world around you from different perspectives. The change of views will make you more original, elaborate, and flexible—all qualities of being a creative person.

In addition, learning a new language forces your brain to put words together in creative ways, which stimulates your brain and boosts your creativity. This creativity will spill over into other aspects of your life too. Plus, experts say that being creative improves your well-being , And who are we to argue with experts?

5. It Improves Your First Language

benefits-of-learning-a-new-language

One learns the mother tongue intuitively and without any formal education. Being raised in a society where a particular language is spoken, children start to pick up the language they hear.

However, learning another language is a whole different deal. From the beginning, you’ll get introduced to grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structure. As you learn more about the second language, you become more conscious of what you know in the first language. While before you couldn’t quite explain the abstract rules and language structure, learning a new language helps you put names to what you learned instinctively in the first language.

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Furthermore, you become aware of the differences in structure, vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and sentence structure between the two languages. All of these factors improve comprehension and conversation and can make you better at your first language.

6. You Build Multitasking Skills

Not many people are good at multitasking. However, this often doesn’t apply to bilingual people. They are some of the most experienced when it comes to multitasking. Their brain has been practicing in switching from one language to the other daily. When the brain gets used to this demanding job of switching from one language to another, it isn’t difficult for them to use this skill in other tasks, too.

A study done by the National Institutes of Health concluded that bilinguals switch tasks faster than monolinguals. They found that bilingual children in their research responded quite well to their multiple computer tasks in comparison to their monolingual fellows.

Other research also found that bilinguals demonstrate more efficient brain functioning than non-bilinguals, and a bilingual person’s brain maintains better task-switching even as they get older.

7. It Slows Down Cognitive Decline

If you still haven’t started and needed another incentive to start learning a new language, here’s one. Learning a language may reduce your chances of getting early onset of cognitive impairments. More than 16 million people in the United States live with cognitive impairment , be it Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or any other disorder. The latest study on the effect of bilingualism in cognitive aging found that people who spoke more than one language regardless of their gender, ethnicity, and occupation experience the onset of cognitive decline four years and a half later than the ones who spoke only one.

While knowing a second language is not exactly the fountain of youth, it definitely helps keep your brain younger.

8. It Improves Your Memory

The brain is compared to muscles for one reason. Seeing that the more physical exercises you do, the more the muscles strengthen and get larger. This aspect applies to the brain too. The more you challenge it, the more the brain expands, and the better it functions.

You can think of learning a language as an exercise for the brain. Having first to understand and then later recall multiple grammar rules and vocabulary, strengthens the memory muscle. That’s why people who know more than one language are more likely to retain information. They’re way better at remembering lists, names, cell phone numbers, and directions than monolinguals.

Don’t believe that? There is actual evidence that learning vocabulary boosts memory . So, delve into another language and give your brain a good workout to strengthen your memory.

9. It Boosts Your Self-Esteem

No one wants to be put in the spotlight, especially when talking in a foreign language when the chances of making mistakes are quite high. Yet, this is what characterizes language learning. It breaks you out of your shell again and again that eventually, you’ll feel comfortable in every situation regardless of whether you’re making mistakes or not.

Nothing beats the confidence you feel when talking to a native speaker in their language. That’s when your self-esteem will sky-rocket. Becoming proficient in a language is like mastering any other skill. Once you’re there, you’ll feel confident and nice about yourself.

The benefits of learning another language are innumerable. Those that we mentioned in our list are just a part of them. Yet, no matter how many lists are out there, no one can convince you of the benefits as much as your own language learning experience will. With that in mind, choose a language that you find exciting and appealing and open the door to the many benefits that come with language proficiency.

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‘The cognitive benefits of learning a language’ in two minutes

by Benjamin Kulka

29 May 2019

learning languages advantages essay

Learning a language opens new worlds, lets us engage with a wide range of ideas, peoples and cultures – and is even rumoured to make us appear more attractive . But does it increase our ability to acquire new knowledge, to reason, to understand other people’s emotions, our creativity or our memory – in short, our cognitive abilities? A project funded by the British Academy, led by Professor Bencie Woll FBA and Professor Li Wei, reviews the academic evidence base for cognitive, academic and age-related benefits of learning a language to any level of fluency – as distinct from being bilingual.

Cognitive performance

  • There is a substantial body of research supporting a link between bilingualism and cognitive flexibility (reflected in the ability to switch languages). However, the evidence for the relationship between the mental ability to control our behaviour and language learning is complex and inconsistent. Learning a new language through an immersive process does appear to improve functions like attention and mental alertness.
  • It has been shown that people who speak other languages often exhibit more empathy and a global mindset. Researchers have recorded the sensation felt by some of being a ‘different person’ when speaking their second language. However, we can’t be sure of what causes what. Are people with a global mindset more likely to wish to learn a language and more likely to excel in them – or is an interest in and openness to other cultures a result of learning a language?
  • In contrast, there is strong evidence for a positive effect of learning a language on creativity in language use. Fluency, originality and creative flexibility are improved in one’s first language when learning a second language. This may be due to the cognitive practices involved in learning a new language, such as the willingness and adaptability to change required for language switching, or the rigorous practice and study involved in language learning, but we need more research to understand how this differs by age and gender, and the learning strategy.

Academic performance

  • The evidence for the impact of language learning on academic achievement is somewhat clearer. Around 90% of studies looking at the effect learning a language has on achievement in other subjects of the school curriculum report a positive impact, across English language learning, literacy, maths and science. This seems to be the case for language learners from a variety of countries, with different language combinations, and from varied socio-economic backgrounds.
  • Dual language learners may initially lag behind their monolingual peers in academic performance, but they catch up and show the most benefit across the curriculum after several years’ immersion in language learning. Students from a minority-language background tend to have better academic performances in English reading and maths if they continue to learn and develop their native language. For instance, students who continued to learn their first language, Spanish, at their school in the United States made faster progress in English and Maths than their peers who did not have Spanish immersion classes. 
  • However, very few of these studies on the relationship between academic performance and language learning have involved individuals whose first language is English, or been carried out in a UK context. This requires further investigation before making recommendations for policy change.
  • Cognitive decline in later years is a major issue for society. Language learning programmes aimed at older populations may be an optimal solution for building cognitive reserve, because language learning engages an extensive brain network that is known to overlap with the regions negatively affected by the aging process. However, our report highlights more recent research which calls into question the strength of the connection between bilingualism and the prevention of dementia.

For the British Academy, this project provides an important evidence base for demonstrating the concrete benefits of language learning, in terms that will speak to parents and to policy makers. A survey conducted as part of the project showed that public perceptions of the value of language learning are very positive – this a strong basis for beginning to address the ongoing decline in the number of people taking up language qualifications in school and higher education.

The Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning project was led by Professor Bencie Woll FBA, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London and Professor Li Wei, Institute of Education, University College London. 

Benjamin Kulka is a Policy Advisor (HE & Skills) at the British Academy. 

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Foreign Language IELTS Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples

  • Updated On December 14, 2023
  • Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Writing Task 2 of the IELTS exam has displayed a large variety of questions over the years. However, there are still some general themes and topics that are often repeated in Task 2 of this English proficiency test. One of these recurring themes is the new language or the foreign language theme.

Table of Contents

In this theme, you can be asked to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of learning a different language belonging to any of the foreign countries. Additionally, you can also be asked to express your own opinion on the topic. This blog shares detailed information about Foreign Language IELTS Essay. Before we get deeper into the topic and start discussing model answers, let’s walk through some general tips that can help you in leaving a good impression on the examiner about your English language skills in task 2.

Foreign Language IELTS Essay

Tips to Ace the Foreign Language Essay Writing Task 2 IELTS

Although you can find an endless number of relevant examples for the essay writing task in IELTS, there really is no fixed format that can guarantee you a good band score in the writing section. So, what really works in helping you get a good score in task 2?

  • A strong introduction and conclusion that are in coherence with the topic assigned: This will immediately get your examiner hooked onto the paragraphs written inside your piece and will leave a great impression on them!
  • Use of refined vocabulary along with excellent use of grammar: Making use of good (and sometimes complex) vocabulary accompanied by an accurate usage of the English grammar is a pre-requisite for getting a good score in writing. It shows the examiner that your own knowledge of the language is vast.
  • Providing relevant examples from different parts of the world: Many aspirants miss out on supporting their arguments along with good examples from either their own country or a different country. This leads to them losing out on marks in task 2.

Following these three tips will really catapult your writing task 2 score, which will have a greater impact on your overall band score for the writing section. To make the application of these tips more clear, let’s take a look at some of the sample answers for the foreign language theme.

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Foreign Language IELTS Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples

Foreign Language IELTS Essay Samples

Question – Some people believe that the only reason for learning a new/foreign language is for travelling or working in a foreign land. While others argue that there are many more reasons as why someone should learn a new language apart from their native language. You have to discuss both these arguments and give your own opinion on the following topic. Make sure to give reasons for your answers and provide examples. Minimum word limit – 250 words

Foreign Language IELTS Essay: IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Samples

Sample Answer 1

Learning a second language or a foreign language is linked to many advantages that far surpass the sole reasons of learning a new language for travelling or working in a foreign land. However, for the sake of playing the devil’s advocate, I’ll say that some people belonging to a different school of thought consider better job opportunities and travelling to be the only motive behind learning a foreign language. I am of the opinion that there are other reasons like learning about a foreign culture, and the bright prospect of cognitive development that propel many monolingual people to study a new language. With ever-increasing globalization and the opening up of international barriers, more and more people choose to emigrate to new and foreign lands in the hope of better job prospects. This often requires them to learn a new tongue. For instance, many people prefer learning languages like English, Spanish, and French, rather than the Russian language because countries speaking the former tongues have shown more affinity towards emigrants and provide a multitude of better job opportunities. This makes many people believe that jobs and sometimes travel are the only driving forces for learning a new tongue, especially for a young learner. On the other hand, some people including myself have researched the pros and cons of learning a foreign language thoroughly and have found that the pros far outweigh the drawbacks. The onset of memory ailments like dementia can be slowed down by cognitive development that comes with learning a foreign language. Furthermore, multilingual people are more confident and can easily acclimate themselves to new and alien surroundings by the virtue of their communication skills that have been expanded and upscaled. They find it easy to overcome language barriers and truly become global citizens speaking the global language. In conclusion, to go through the tough process of honing effective communication skills in a third language or a second language, people realise that it is not just for the sake of travel or work that they are doing this process. Instead, it stems from a deeper love for the language and the confidence that speaking a new tongue instills in them. Question – When living in a foreign country where you have to speak a new language, you can face serious social and practical problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons and examples in your answer and write at least 250 words.

Foreign Language IELTS Essay

Also Read: SAT Writing & Language Test 2022

Sample Answer 2

Language barriers arguably form the backbone of the biggest social and practical problems that people living in a foreign land have to face and overcome often. In my personal opinion, it can also spark serious problems in various countries, however, the widespread use of technology in curbing these issues to a certain extent over the past few decades. People belonging to different cultures can have issues in understanding each other because of speaking different languages and sometimes even because of different ways of pronunciation of the same words. Migration is not on the rise in the twenty-first century and people often move to distant lands in hopes of jobs, travel, and sometimes studying. In such a scenario not speaking the land’s language can become a basis for social problems like discrimination, racism, etc. Interestingly enough, technology has played a pivotal role in curbing the extent of practical problems faced by people when moving to a new land without being savvy with the foreign language. For instance, there are many web-based applications that do the translation job for people and save them the trouble of having to explain their point to the natives merely through vague hand gestures.

By way of conclusion, I stand firm on the point that social problems can far exceed practical problems when migrating to a foreign land without being fluent in the foreign language and perhaps, some language learning could really help in becoming a part of the foreign culture quicker and better. Although, as far as practical problems are concerned, technology is a boon that is eliminating most of them.

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1. how do i practice the ielts writing at home.

Ans: The best way to  practice  writing for IELTS is by looking at sample answers and practising as many themes as you can. You can also show this to a tutor or an online learning platform’s mentors like the ones at  Leap Scholar  to ensure that you are on the right path.

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Ans: There is no single ideal format for writing. As you practice you will notice that for different themes, you can have many different formats. You should use the one you’re most confident with in the exam.

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Essay#47 | Learning a Foreign Language

How to write an advantages and disadvantages essay.

Very often in the IELTS exam, you will have to write an essay called an ‘advantages and disadvantages’ essay. This is where you have to write about the good and bad points of a common situation.

Here is a typical question:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of leaving your country to live or study abroad?

  • write an introduction to the topic
  • think of two advantages to the situation and provide clear examples
  • think of two disadvantages and write about these with good support
  • write a short conclusion giving your overall opinion

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of three of the following ways of learning a foreign language.

State which you consider to be the most effective.

  • studying on your own
  • taking lessons with a private tutor
  • taking lessons as part of a class
  • taking lessons online
  • going to live in a country where the language is spoken

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model answer.

The question of how to learn a foreign language has become increasingly important in recent years as business has become more international. Although there are a number of effective ways, l am convinced that living in a country where that language is spoken is the most efficient way of learning.

Traditionally, people have learned languages as part of a large group in a classroom. This has the advantage of providing many opportunities to practise what you learn with a number of different people. In addition, the fees for this form of education are usually reasonable, since a large number of people are taught at once. However, the size of the group means that more demands are placed on the teacher’s time. Students may not get the individual attention they require to improve.

The amount of individual attention you receive is certainly an advantage of working with a private tutor. Also, the student can work at a pace which is comfortable for them. On the other hand, working with a private tutor can lack the social element, which is crucial in learning to communicate well in a foreign language. It can also prove to be beyond the means of many people.

By far the most natural way to acquire a language is to go where it is spoken. Not only is every social interaction a chance to practise, but you are also exposed to the real, living language. As well as that, you are able to acquire a natural accent by imitating the people around you. This is not to say, of course, that there are not drawbacks. Many people suffer from culture shock away from home, and it can be very difficult to integrate into a foreign culture.

In conclusion, I would argue that the advantages of going to another country to learn far outweigh the disadvantages, making it the best option.

(312 words)

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Intellectual Gyani

20 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning Foreign Language

20 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning Foreign Language

posted on December 8, 2022

In this well researched article you would read top benefits of learning a second language as well as some drawbacks of learning a second language .

The world has indeed become a global village and there are currently 195 countries in the world. All of them with different cultures and languages. You never know that even one country has distinct languages for their regions. So there is a total of some 6909 languages as registered by the Ethnologue .

So you can well imagine the diversity of people living in the world-leading many different cultures. People are always enthralled to see new cultures and learn about them . All of this becomes only possible if there is a learning of a second language .

Anyone can only imagine of the possibilities that you can unlock when exposed to a new language . So here we are to elaborate to you the very Benefits and Drawbacks of learning a second language .

pros and cons of learning foreign language

Page Contents

10 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

1. meeting new people.

Foreign language means getting to communicate with others hence you are connecting with them. Count them into the social benefits of learning a second language that gives you the edge to bring a new horizon to your social circle.

For Korean as a foreign language, there have been observed that it increasing teachers and students interaction and it always does with foreign languages outside the culture.

2. More perspective in employment

Just imagine how many doors to employment would be open when your resume says that you are fluent in a foreign language.

Having to know another language means that you are able to communicate with other communities as well in this way your chances of getting your potential job might increase because your employer would want to expand his work by reaching clients and your skill will be of great use.

Corporations doing their businesses in other countries are in constant need of employees who have different language skills.

3. Essential globally

Those who are adherent to only one language are quite possibly to be left behind because such people have limited their skills. The more anyone is proficient in different languages their the chances of becoming part of the global economy are easier.

In anyways in today’s era, it is imperative to have skills that connect you to more people . In fact, languages are not limited to one field rather to several niches. The use of foreign language has reportedly helped in presenting oneself quite well with the use of language in social interaction and cross-cultural understanding .

4. Helps while traveling

There are more and more traveling destinations opening and choices for those fond of traveling are also becoming limitless. Learning a second language just eases the process of your movement in any other country. Plus it also pleases the locals to know that you have taken time and interest in learning their language.

You can also start learning the basics of any language when you plan your vacation because this would help in understanding and increase the chances of learning more foreign languages. A paper published ‘learning a foreign language through traveling’ argues that learning through traveling is a subconscious way of learning any foreign language.

This not only gives them a chance to polish their skills but also to learn about new cultures. This can also motivate people to manage their schedules to find time for traveling.

5. Acquisition of languages become easier

Learning a second language has so much to do with the working of your brain so you are getting psychological benefits of learning a second language . When you learn a language the most efficient way is to start by the structure of language.

This makes your brain’s neurons make certain connections hence you are cognitively building a language. In this way, you are not just getting your hands on one language but That is paving way for another one as well.

You have attuned your brain to learn any language now. Bilingualism alone can help children understand the language better and even its constructing elements .

6. It increases smartness

If we have a look at the process of learning a second language then it involves the elements from intelligence as well. Memory, attention span, concentration. All of these things are part of intelligence testing.

So when we are talking about the cognitive benefits of learning a second language then they include memorization and giving full attention to the process. So learning a new language is good for the brain as well since it works as an exercise by utilizing the elements of intelligence. So learning itself promotes human growth in different dimensions among which intelligence is one thing.

7. Harnessing intelligence

When a person is going through the process of learning his brain is actually making new neuronal connections. This promotes brain health. It is not only increasing brain activity but intelligence as well giving health benefits of learning a second language .

A study conducted on 648 patients on their onset of Dementia was observed between monolinguals and bilinguals and there was a delay in bilingualism in symptoms than the monolinguals. Bilingualism also enhances visuospatial and execution functions.

8. Enhances creativity

While learning second language you can create new phrases and sentences thus making you creative. Since we have already discussed that it contributes to executive functioning so it also enhances problem-solving. With learning a new language you will also see that you can find different solutions to a problem.

A study has shown mathematical creativity among bilingual children . Also, the differences among the bilinguals and monolinguals were prominent going in favor of the bilinguals.

It becomes evident when a person with a foreign language thinks about the appropriate words and his struggle is an exercise for the brain.

9. Builds up confidence.

Learning a second language sure is no easy task . So what if you have nailed it and that you have added on to your skills. That definitely is a confidence booster.

Going through the entire list of advantages this is coming at the end but actually, confidence is what will drive you through the course when you are either learning or looking for a job. Call it a psychological benefit of learning a second language that as soon as you go through the different stages successfully you will start to believe in yourself more.

A study conducted over the pupil learning Turkish as a foreign language revealed that students with higher confidence were successful in learning the language .  In the same way, Chinese learning English as a foreign language showed changes in self-identity namely increased confidence.

10 Disadvantages of Learning a Second Language

We have gone through some obvious benefits of learning a second language but every story has two sides. Learning a second language where brings advantages has also some disadvantages . Let’s have a look at them.

1. The cost

Learning a second language comes with a cost. This cost becomes problematic if there are other expenses as well. There are many computer software and programs but learning a second language only comes effective with practice and interacting with the same kind of people around .

Your proficiency’ can increase only if you practice it and this gets confirmed by an instructor. Computer-based programs actually help in cutting the cost of learning a second language.

2. Learning a new language is difficult

It is certainly difficult to learn a new language. A foreign language can be totally different than your native one. The alphabets, pronunciation, and grammar can be challenges in many languages.

It may not match your capacity and some may give up early. Learning a second language demands challenges and that can be hard to meet . This involves a positive emotional approach on part of the learner because it is actually an intense process.

3. Learning a Foreign language can be useless

Yes, despite many benefits of learning a second language can be futile. You can learn any language you want but this can only be good for you when you are using it. If you are not traveling neither are you working for any multinational company then it means you are never using that language.

So learning a second language is only useful if it is used in the best interest . Like: Knowing English alone can help you in many countries so this language seems to be enough .

4. Seeking better opportunities

There is a lot of time and energy being utilized in learning a second language . What if you have invested all your money but your language learning did not help. That will be a total waste of time.

So instead of utilizing all your time and energy into this you better surf them for something that will be useful. For this, you will have to plan everything ahead and look for all the pros and cons of the second language and then get into the task. It is not necessary that something that benefits the most will be good for everyone .

5. Not being yourself

Learning a new language means there is a long course to be taken and that includes flowing their vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. This means when you are talking in a foreign language you cannot completely express yourself.

This is important when you are making a conversation that you have the right kind of words to express yourself. Initially, when you are a learner you are trying to adapt to not just a language but also the culture which can only bring confusion.

With English as a foreign language among Chinese students, sit was reported that students avoid speaking English because they felt anxiety in their classes with a fear of being negatively evaluated.

6. Damage to cultural identity

We have mentioned here several times that learning a foreign language involves getting to know their culture as well. For children to have exposure to a foreign language at a very young age would mean that they are getting to know another culture and it can rather be confusing .

These are the years when a child is developing their own language and when there is too much emphasis on a certain language then their own language development can be at risk and their own cultural identity can be in danger .

7. Stress while learning

It is not that in a day or two you can master a whole foreign language but actually it is a painstaking journey. When you are going through the process there are many times that you are making mistakes and what if that makes you look bad and naïve in front of people.

This can actually spoil your image and bring stress which is definitely not good for your mental health. The research found that foreign language anxiety exists equally among male and female students while measuring anxiety for foreign language.

8. Motivation and interest

For any kind of task, you need consistency and that can be attained by the interest you have in that thing. This interest becomes your motivation which gives the necessary energy along the way .

When you want to learn any top foreign languages just remember that it is a long process so anyone with a narrow interest and motivation cannot cope throughout.

So if you are losing interest along the way then certainly not able to learn better since attention and concentration are vital for building a memory.

9. It is not necessary

English is already a language that is spoken the world over and is a good means of communication. So if you are already speaking the English language then the need for having hands-on any other language seems futile.

This language is recognized in many countries and is included in the courses of children from the very beginning so giving time to a second or third foreign language seems unnecessary . In fact, while traveling the foreigner might prefer speaking in English with tourists.

As for the students, we can say that there are many translating tools which can help and the lectures can be preferably delivered in English.

Improve your English language skills with this step-by-step guide .

Everything has its own pros and cons so when a person has to make a decision he should keep in mind that either of the advantages or the disadvantages weigh more. If you feel that something will bring benefit to you then it is worth spending your time and energy on .

If you want to enroll in learning a second language then this means that you are packing your bag for a long journey which takes up as much time as you put a grasp onto the structure.

It involves all kinds of challenges that are only getting easier with your spirit. So before taking a decision it is always good to look into the requirement of it and estimating the cost and time needed . When you will have all the necessary information then the course will become easier for you.

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