advantages of learning a second language essay

These are the benefits of learning a second language

In the US, just 20% of students learn another language. Image:  REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

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There are many advantages to learning a second language. Some are fairly obvious. If you find yourself lost in a foreign country, being able to express yourself clearly could help lead you to your destination. Similarly, if your job requires you to travel you may find it easier to vault language and cultural barriers.

But there are other benefits that are not so immediately apparent. For example, learning another language could improve your all-round cognitive ability. It could help hone your soft skills, and even increase your mastery of your mother tongue, too.

Some studies have apparently identified a link between being multilingual and fending off the onset of dementia . Others indicate that being able to speak more than one language can help you become better at multitasking in other aspects of your daily life, too.

Deciding on which additional language or languages to learn is often a matter of chance and personal preference. Maybe you have a parent or grandparent who is a native of another country, so you were brought up being able to speak their language. Perhaps your family regularly took vacations in a particular foreign country when you were a child and that sparked your interest. Or it could just be that you had a very engaging teacher who instilled in you a love for languages.

But deciding whether to learn one at all would appear to be determined more by your mother language than anything else. In short, native-born English speakers are far less likely to learn a second language than many other people.

In the US, just 20% of students learn a foreign language . Meanwhile, in parts of Europe that figure stands at 100%. Across the whole of Europe the median is 92%, and is at least 80% in 29 separate European countries investigated by Pew Research. In 15 of those 29, it’s 90% or more.

Down under, around 21% of people can use a second language , although only 73% of Australian households identified as English-speaking in the 2016 census. In Canada, only 6.2% of people speak something other than the country’s two official languages , English and French.

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In the UK, fewer school students are studying languages to exam levels at ages 16 or 18. Since 2013, the numbers of studying a language at GCSE level – the end of secondary schooling examination taken by most 16-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - have fallen between 30% and 50%. Scotland has its own exam system but the drop off in language study is comparable.

The UK has a long-standing tradition of teaching French and German at secondary school level, although not always with tremendous success: Brits are not famed for their multilingual skills. However, the popularity of both those languages has plummeted in UK schools. Less than 20 years ago, just 2,500 students were taking a language other than French, German, Spanish or Welsh – which is a mandatory curriculum requirement in Wales. But by 2017, according to numbers acquired by the BBC, that had shot up to 9,400.

Two languages that are growing in popularity in the UK are Spanish and Chinese, the BBC found. Chinese, of course, is the most widely spoken language in the world. However, in the online sphere it’s a close second to English. Online, English is used by 25.4% of people. For Chinese, it’s 19.3%. Both are way ahead of third-placed Spanish which is used by 8.1% of internet users.

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Home » Tips for Teachers » Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, understanding why students should learn a second language becomes crucial. This ability has transcended from being a simple asset to almost a necessity. For students at the crossroads of educational paths and future careers, mastering a second language unveils myriad opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Beyond the apparent benefit of enhanced communication abilities, bilingualism or multilingualism enriches learners’ cognitive capabilities, cultural understanding, and global awareness. It equips them with the tools not only to succeed in the global marketplace but also to navigate the complex tapestry of global cultures with empathy and insight.

The argument for incorporating second language learning into students’ curricula is compelling and multifaceted. Research consistently highlights the cognitive benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and increased attention span. Moreover, in the cultural dimension, it fosters a deeper understanding of and respect for diversity, preparing students to become global citizens. Professionally, bilingualism offers a competitive edge in the job market, where employers increasingly value the ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Really it depends from your needs and circumstances. In my professional experience, motivation is the only reason students will successfully learn a second language, either is business related, or a new boyfriend or an imminent trip. Some might say that the best language to… — ARTΞME (@StellaAmato4) January 17, 2024

As we delve into the benefits of acquiring a second language for students, we explore not only the practical advantages but also the profound impact it can have on their personal development and worldview. Learning a second language is more than an academic endeavor; it is a journey into understanding others and oneself, a bridge to the world, and a tool for shaping the future.

On this page, you will discover:

• Why Students Should Embrace Multilingualism →
• 7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language →
• Best Languages to Learn After English →
• 15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language →

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language — Embracing Multilingualism

Did you know that bilingual or multilingual individuals are often considered the brainiest bunch? Speaking more than one language opens up a world of cognitive advantages that go beyond just mastering new words. Imagine navigating through different cultural contexts with ease, your mind open to diverse perspectives and ideas. This adaptability not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness.

Explore the transformative power of multilingualism and its impact by watching this enlightening video.

But here’s the real kicker: being bilingual isn’t just about speaking two languages. It’s like giving your brain a daily workout session! Processing two languages simultaneously keeps the mind sharp and agile, like a well-oiled machine. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals exhibit superior mental flexibility, longer attention spans, and sharper problem-solving abilities compared to their monolingual counterparts.

Bilingualism has even been hailed as a superhero in the fight against cognitive decline. Research suggests that the mental gymnastics involved in learning and using multiple languages can help stave off age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. So not only are bilingual individuals smart now, but they’re also setting themselves up for a brighter, more vibrant future.

But perhaps the most magical aspect of bilingualism is its ability to shape the way we perceive the world. Languages aren’t just tools for communication; they’re windows into different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking. From unlocking ancient mysteries to connecting with people from all walks of life, bilingualism opens doors to endless possibilities.

7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language

For students, learning a foreign language holds immense benefits, contributing to their academic success, personal growth, and future career prospects.

1. Increase in Self-Confidence and Happiness

The journey of mastering a new language is a profound booster of self-confidence and overall happiness for students. This process not only involves acquiring new vocabulary and grammar but also overcoming challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. The sense of achievement that comes from being able to communicate in a foreign language is immense.

Research from the University of Cambridge highlights how language learning enhances self-efficacy, leading to a more positive life outlook. Similarly, findings by the Institute for Employment Studies demonstrate notable improvements in well-being, particularly in self-confidence and happiness. This uplift in self-esteem is crucial; it transcends linguistic accomplishments, empowering students to tackle broader academic and personal challenges with increased confidence and resilience.

In an insightful talk, Ellen highlights the unifying power of language and urges everyone to embrace learning a new language as a way to expand their horizons—watch her inspiring video.

Moreover, the positive feedback loop created by increased self-confidence and happiness encourages continued language learning and engagement with other cultures. It can spark a lifelong passion for exploration, both intellectually and geographically, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional lives. In this way, the benefits of language learning extend far beyond the classroom, impacting students’ well-being, social connections, and outlook on life in profound and lasting ways.

Explore the importance of mental health in education through “ 8 Reasons Why Students Should Have Mental Health Days: A Research-Based Analysis .” This detailed article provides research-backed insights into the necessity of mental health days for students’ well-being and academic achievement, advocating for their inclusion in educational policies.

2. Enhanced Decision-Making Skills

The transformative process of enhancing decision-making skills through second language learning reshapes how students evaluate information and make choices, illustrating why students should learn a second language. The University of Chicago’s research underscores the significant shift in cognitive processing when thinking in a foreign language, leading to more logical and less emotionally biased decisions.

This cognitive distance allows for clearer judgment and more rational evaluation of scenarios, which is particularly advantageous in complex and high-stakes academic settings. As students navigate their educational paths, they often face decisions that require weighing different options and outcomes. The ability to detach from immediate emotional responses and analyze situations with objectivity becomes a powerful tool in their arsenal.

Discover how the over 7,000 languages worldwide might shape our perception of the world through the lens of the Whorfian hypothesis, which suggests our language influences our thoughts, visions, and understanding of our surroundings—explore this fascinating concept by watching the video.

Moreover, this skill transcends academic environments and prepares students for real-world challenges. In personal and professional spheres, the clarity and rationality honed through bilingual decision-making processes contribute to sound financial planning, strategic career moves, and effective conflict resolution. The practice of thinking in a second language cultivates a mindset that values careful consideration and foresight, attributes that are invaluable in a rapidly changing world.

As students become more adept at making decisions in a second language, they also develop a greater awareness of cultural nuances and perspectives, further enriching their decision-making capabilities. This comprehensive enhancement of cognitive and cultural competence equips students with a robust framework for navigating life’s myriad choices with confidence and wisdom.

3. Strengthened Brain Power and Attention Span

Bilingualism acts as a rigorous workout for the brain, significantly enhancing cognitive abilities and attentional control. Engaging with multiple languages fosters neural plasticity, strengthening the brain’s networks and improving its agility. This cognitive reinforcement is manifest in enhanced memorization skills and a more robust working memory, foundational elements for academic excellence.

Students who are bilingual demonstrate an ability to retain and manipulate information more effectively than their monolingual peers, facilitating learning across all subjects. The mental discipline required to switch between languages also enhances students’ focus and attention span. This increased capacity for concentration is invaluable in an educational landscape filled with distractions and multitasking demands.

Discover the fascinating changes that occur in the brain during language learning through scans and neuroscience studies by watching this insightful video.

The benefits of strengthened brain power and attention span extend beyond academic achievements. They contribute to a student’s ability to engage in sustained intellectual efforts, pursue long-term goals, and navigate complex problem-solving tasks. Enhanced cognitive function supports deep learning, enabling students to absorb knowledge more thoroughly and apply it creatively.

Moreover, the discipline of managing attention across different languages translates into improved self-regulation skills, equipping students to better control their focus and direct it towards productive activities. In a world where attention is a scarce commodity, the ability to concentrate and maintain focus is a significant advantage, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives.

Dive into the world of intellectual expansion and lifelong learning by reading our article on the 30+ best higher education podcasts.

4. Cultural Understanding

Delving into a new language is tantamount to unlocking a door to a vast array of cultural experiences, perspectives, and understandings. This immersive journey into another culture enhances students’ empathy, broadens their worldview, and fosters a deep appreciation for diversity.

The nuanced insights gained through language study allow students to grasp the complexity of cultural identities and the ways in which language shapes thought and behavior. This cultural competence is critical in today’s globalized society, where cross-cultural interactions are commonplace. By gaining an intimate understanding of different cultures, students are equipped to navigate these interactions with sensitivity and respect.

Watch Grant Cho delve into whether language acts as a barrier or a bridge, exploring its challenges, importance, and role in communication, culture, and identity.

Moreover, the ability to communicate in another language opens up access to a wealth of cultural artifacts—literature, film, music, and more—that enrich students’ educational experiences and personal growth. This exposure to diverse cultural expressions not only enhances students’ understanding of the world but also inspires creativity and innovation.

Cultural understanding fosters an inclusive mindset, crucial for building cohesive societies and working effectively in multicultural teams. In cultivating global citizens, language education plays a pivotal role, in preparing students to contribute positively to a world that values diversity and mutual respect.

5. Improved Academic Performance

The cognitive enhancements brought about by bilingualism have a profound impact on students’ academic performance. The problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and multitasking abilities that are honed through language learning contribute to success across various academic disciplines.

Research has shown that bilingual students often outperform their monolingual counterparts on standardized tests, particularly in areas requiring analytical and abstract thinking. The ability to approach problems from different linguistic and cultural perspectives enriches students’ analytical capabilities, leading to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of academic material.

Discover the advantages of a bilingual brain by watching this video that explores the remarkable cognitive benefits of being bilingual.

The benefits of improved academic performance extend beyond test scores and grades; they include enhanced ability to synthesize information, argue effectively, and engage in critical thinking. Language learning encourages an interdisciplinary approach to education, where students apply linguistic skills to analyze texts, solve mathematical problems, and conduct scientific research.

This broad applicability of language skills fosters a versatile academic foundation, enabling students to excel in diverse fields of study. By investing in language education, students not only boost their immediate academic prospects but also lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

Delve into “ 7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives ” to gain an informed viewpoint on the homework debate, presenting alternative strategies to improve student learning.

6. Expanded Career Opportunities

In the context of globalization, the question of “should students learn a second language” becomes pertinent, as the ability to speak a second language provides students with a competitive edge in a wide range of industries, marking it as a significant asset in the job market. The Eton Institute’s survey underscores the high-value employers place on multilingual skills, with a clear preference for hiring bilingual candidates.

This preference is due to the versatility and cross-cultural communication skills bilingual individuals bring to the workplace, enabling companies to expand their global reach and connect with a diverse customer base. Bilingual employees often enjoy higher salaries, more job opportunities, and the potential for international travel and assignments, reflecting the premium placed on language skills in the global economy.

Watch this Creative Multilingualism video to see how languages shape identity and play a crucial role in crafting a career path that resonates with young individuals.

Furthermore, the soft skills developed through language learning—such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving—are increasingly sought after in today’s workforce. These skills enable individuals to navigate the complexities of international business, foster collaborative relationships, and innovate within multicultural teams.

For students, learning a second language is not merely an academic achievement; it is an investment in their future careers, opening doors to opportunities in diplomacy, international business, education, technology, and more. In an ever-more interconnected world, bilingualism is not just a skill but a gateway to a myriad of professional possibilities and a more fulfilling career path.

7. Better Cognitive Abilities

The process of acquiring proficiency in a new language involves complex cognitive activities: recognizing, interpreting, and generating meaning within an entirely different linguistic framework. Such mental gymnastics not only enhance your linguistic capabilities but also amplify your problem-solving skills across various domains. The challenge of navigating through a new language system stimulates cognitive flexibility, improving your ability to discern and manipulate abstract concepts in other contexts as well.

Research from the University of Edinburgh corroborates the cognitive advantages associated with bilingualism. Individuals fluent in more than one language consistently outperform their monolingual counterparts in standardized assessments covering a wide spectrum of areas including reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, vocabulary, and more. This cognitive edge translates into more effective learning and comprehension across a diverse array of academic subjects.

Discover if being bilingual can enhance your intelligence by watching this video on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages. Unlock the secrets to a sharper mind and broader perspectives through the power of linguistic diversity.

In conclusion, learning a foreign language offers numerous benefits beyond just linguistic proficiency. From personal growth to professional advancement, language acquisition enriches lives and opens doors to new, exciting opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global world.

Best Languages to Learn After English

Choosing the right language to learn after English hinges on identifying your personal motivations and objectives. Whether you’re driven by the challenge of mastering a linguistically diverse language, seeking practical benefits by learning one of the world’s most spoken languages, or aiming for specific academic or professional goals, understanding your “why” is crucial.

This foundation not only makes the selection process straightforward but also ensures sustained motivation and progress, even when faced with obstacles. Additionally, it’s essential to weigh the potential difficulties and time commitments associated with your chosen language, as these factors significantly influence your learning journey.

Explore the top languages to learn for enhancing your work, study, travel, and retirement abroad by watching this informative video.

With its origins tracing back to the 16th century, Spanish has evolved into a global powerhouse, spoken by 543 million people worldwide, ranking it fourth globally after English, Chinese, and Hindi, and second in terms of native speakers, trailing only Chinese. It enjoys official language status in 18 Latin American countries and Equatorial Guinea, boasting the largest number of speakers in Mexico (120 million) and surprisingly, the United States (59 million), surpassing even Spain itself in Spanish-speaking population.

Similar languages: Italian, Portuguese, French

Why learn Spanish?

• Travel: Dominating Latin America, Spanish allows for rich cultural experiences across an entire subcontinent where it’s often the sole language spoken.
• Education: Spanish-speaking countries offer affordable higher education options, with public university fees ranging from $809 to $2,697, and countries like Argentina even offering free education to foreigners.
• StudySpanish.com : Offers extensive materials covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.
• Language Transfer : A podcast-based Spanish course.
• Easy Spanish : A YouTube channel delving into Spanish language and life in Spanish-speaking countries.

German claims official status in six countries (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium), with 76 million native speakers. It’s the second most widespread language in Europe and globally counts almost 135 million speakers, with an additional 15 million learners worldwide.

Similar languages: Dutch, Afrikaans

Why learn German?

• Education: A compelling reason to learn German is the offer of free education at state universities (excluding Baden-Württemberg), requiring only a nominal semester fee. Although English-taught programs are available, they are not universally offered across all fields and levels.
• Career: Proficiency in German significantly enhances career prospects, especially in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, economics, architecture, and nursing. The unemployment rate for foreigners is notably low, and recent policy changes have made it easier for non-German residents to find employment.
• Deutsche Welle : Provides a variety of videos and podcasts for German learners.
• Deutsch Online : A resource-rich platform offering materials for different proficiency levels.
• vhs-Lernportal : Free courses available for levels A1 to B2, catering to a range of learners.

15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language

Mark Manson, renowned for his insightful blogging and authorship, delves into the intricacies of language learning with practical advice that resonates with learners across the globe. His approach, characterized by directness and efficacy, dismantles the conventional barriers often encountered in the journey to mastering a new language. Here’s a breakdown of his pivotal tips:

Unlock the secrets to mastering a new language with ease by watching the video featuring 7 essential tips for language learners.

Useful Resources

• Anyone Can Learn a New Language
• The benefits of being bilingual: Working memory in bilingual Turkish–Dutch children
• Top 10 Most Widely Used Languages in 2023

Final Thoughts

Understanding why students should learn a second language is crucial in today’s educational landscape. This journey not only opens up a world of opportunities but also fosters a broader perspective, enhanced cognitive abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that shapes our world. As such, the pursuit of bilingualism or multilingualism is not just beneficial but essential for students preparing to navigate and contribute to our increasingly globalized society.

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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.

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

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

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

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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. Learning a language never goes to waste. You can 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 can 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 Learning a Second Language Important?

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

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 who 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

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.

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.

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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 Bottom Line

Learning a second language is a valuable investment in yourself that can provide numerous benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities to broadening career opportunities and facilitating cultural exchange. By exploring the world through language, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and cultures. 

If you’re interested in pursuing language learning, the University of Potomac offers a range of courses and programs to help you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to explore your options and take the first step towards expanding your horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of learning a second language.

Learning a second language has numerous benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities, enhancing communication skills, broadening career opportunities, facilitating travel and cultural exchange, and even delaying the onset of age-related mental decline.

How can I learn a second language?

There are several ways to learn a second language, such as taking classes, using language learning software or apps, practicing with native speakers, watching movies or TV shows with subtitles, listening to music or podcasts, and reading books or news articles in the target language.

What is the most useful 2nd language to learn?

The most useful second language to learn depends on your personal goals and interests and the cultural and economic context you are in. However, some of the world’s most widely spoken and influential languages are English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.

What are the two hardest languages to learn?

Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are often considered the two hardest languages for English speakers to learn due to their complex writing systems, tonal pronunciation, and grammatical structures that differ significantly from English.

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Why You Should Learn a Second Language and Gain New Skills

May 12, 2020

In The News

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. 

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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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:

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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12 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)

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.

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 !

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.

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.

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.

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.

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons .

With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contexts —the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:

FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.

You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you're studying.

The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

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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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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Home » Articles » Benefits of Learning a Second Language: 17 Mind-Blowing Reasons to Learn a Language, Backed by Science

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written by Caitlin Sacasas

Reading time: 9 minutes

Published: Apr 13, 2020

Updated: Dec 27, 2021

Benefits of Learning a Second Language: 17 Mind-Blowing Reasons to Learn a Language, Backed by Science

There are so many benefits to learning a second language… and I’ve come up with 17!

I know these benefits of learning a second language from my own experience learning languages. Plus I’ve seen them in action watching others learn languages in communities like the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. I’m a native English speaker. I also speak Japanese, Spanish and Korean in varying degrees.

Many of the benefits are also backed up by scientific research, and I’ve linked to this research where that’s available.

Wouldn’t it be nice to improve your memory, boost your physical and mental health, and make more money? You absolutely can, and it doesn’t take a magic potion or luck. All it takes is learning a second language!

Do the Benefits of Learning a Second Language Really Matter?

Yes! There are so many benefits to bilingualism. And they matter a lot!

Here at Fi3M we hear from so many language learners who tell us “I struggle to stay motivated in my language learning.” It’s a really common situation. You want to learn a language, but you can’t stick with it.

Knowing the real , scientifically-backed benefits to learning a second language gives you the push you need when your motivation starts to drop.

So with that in mind, here are 17 concrete advantages of learning a new language, many of them backed by science.

By learning a second language, you will:

1. Develop Empathy and Compassion

Language is deeply tied to culture. So when you start learning a new language, it changes the way you view things .

Speaking a second language, you begin to understand new views and perspectives on the world. In fact, language learning increases your compassion and empathy for others .

My own experience backs this up, as learning another language has made me a better listener. As a new language learner, you have to train yourself to focus and pick out words you know. So you pay more attention and learn to interrupt less. Another benefit of bilingualism!

2. Make New Friends

Learning a new language opens up the doors to millions of potential new friends and relationships. Some of my good friends I’ve met because I learned Japanese, and I would never have met them if I hadn’t!

3. Connect with Your Heritage

If you have heritage in a language, learning that language helps you reconnect with your family or family history. Maybe your family is Hispanic, and your grandmother only speaks Spanish. By learning the language, you could have a deeper conversation with her and hear her stories. That’s a life-changing gift and a priceless memory.

4. Unlock a New Sense of Adventure

In Eat Pray Love , Elizabeth Gilbert shares how she was drawn to learning Italian for no particular reason at all. It intrigued her, so she went to Italy and learned it.

If you’re learning a language, you have some interest in the country or culture that speaks it. And it emboldens you to take a leap of faith. You can order food in Korean at your local Korean restaurant. Or go to a local language meetup . Or to travel abroad finally, and have a deeper experience in the country.

5. Grow Your Brain (Yes, it Will Be Physically Bigger)

The connection between the brain and language learning is fascinating. One crazy fact? Your brain will actually grow when you learn a second language. Swedish scientists discovered when people studied languages, their brains increased in mass.

During the study, the control group learned something new that wasn’t a language. And there wasn’t the same growing effect on their brain!

6. Rewire Your Brain

In the same study , the scientists discovered it was possible to rewire the brain. They trained participants to understand tonal differences between languages in as little as one hour.

The study also found that language immersion provided better memory retention. So the more they were exposed to the language, the better they remembered it.

Your brain trains itself through language learning to process and understand new information. So, those new “wires” in your rewired brain help you process all information better and faster.

7. Reduce Decision Fatigue

Do you have a hard time making decisions? Try making the decision in your target language. One study found that people were less likely to overthink when asked to make a decision in a foreign language. The theory is that because of the distance between the foreign language and your native tongue, the brain doesn’t overthink the situation.

8. Improve Focus and Attention

Learning a second language helps you block out distractions, and hone your focus on the task at hand.

As you learn to switch between languages , your ability to focus while switching between tasks improves. And you can process and refocus faster because your brain is used to processing new information.

9. Reduce Risk for Dementia and Alzheimer’s

There are many health benefits to learning a second language, and this is a big one. Language learning keeps your brain active, engaged, and growing . It gives you a boost in mental stimulation. Because of that, language learning has been proven to delay or reduce the risk of memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. The brain creates more neural pathways while learning, keeping it strong.

10. Get Better at Learning ALL Languages

Studies have found that if you’ve learned one language, your next language will be even easier to learn. And, your native language also improves . You develop the skills necessary to learn and understand how you learn best. And you start to have a deeper understanding of linguistics and grammar, which continues to help you as you learn new languages and speak your own.

11. Become a Math Whiz or Science Genius (Maybe!)

Okay, maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement. But if you struggle with math and science, language learning can help.

When you learn a language you become used to sorting and processing new information in your target language. So, you develop better math skills .

Plus, there’s a correlation between bilingual students and their ability to come up with complex scientific hypotheses.

12. Get a Creativity Boost

One of the benefits of learning a foreign language is you learn to think creatively to get your point across. That’s especially true if you still have limited vocabulary in your new language. That, as well as the change in perceptions from understanding a new culture, impact your creative output . You start to look at and put things together in new ways which spark new creative juices.

13. Learn Faster and Remember Longer

Some studies found that language learning improves your working memory. This means those who were bilingual could process, sort, and store new information with better memory retention.

This is also one of the advantages of learning different languages, ones that are not like your native tongue. You’re able to process something very opposite what you’re used to and put the puzzle pieces together. For instance, if you’re learning Japanese and your native is English, you’re piecing together a different writing system and grammar structure.

14. Land the Job

There are financial benefits of knowing more than one language. If you live in the US, you probably have an idea of how few people speak more than one language. Only about 20% of US Americans can speak two languages fluently. I

f judging by the ability to hold a simple conversation, the figure is around 26%. That’s… not a lot. We in the US are way behind the world average of 50% .

That means if you can speak a foreign language, and you add that to your resume? You’ll stand out. Especially if the company you’re applying for has ties to that language. Like, for instance, applying to Toyota and speaking Japanese.

In fact, employers often will choose a bilingual candidate over a monolingual one who is equally qualified

It also shows that you’re self-motivated and a willing learner — both valuable traits for employers.

15. Increase Your Annual Salary (Maybe!)

While some research suggests that learning a second language would add only about 2% to your annual salary , others estimate around 10% – 15% .

This also depends on your job and where you want to go with it. If you decide to take on a new career or side hustle as a translator, you would be in high demand. Interpretation and translation jobs are expected to grow by 19% by 2028 , which is much faster than the average occupation. If you want to work for a federal agency, they usually give preference to those who speak more than one language.

In fact, many government agencies offer a $1,000 – $2,000 annual pay increase for speaking multiple languages. And we know of one guy who got a $7,000 raise after he learned Spanish .

The language you decide to learn matters, too. It may not be a surprise that the search for Mandarin speakers has increased. But did you know German is one of the most valuable languages you could learn? Germany has one of the top economies in the world, making it a sought-after language in employees.

So if money is a motivating factor for you, this could be one of the major advantages of studying a foreign language.

16. Improve Your Confidence

There are benefits to learning multiple languages, too. The more languages you learn to speak, the more your confidence builds from putting yourself out there . Besides that, it can open up new opportunities you may never have dreamed of.

17. Develop a More Positive Mindset

I’ll end this list with my favorite advantage of bilingualism. It takes effort to learn a second language, but it helps you have a more positive outlook and mindset.

For one, when you overcome your fear of speaking from day one and have that first conversation? You develop a more positive mindset that you can do this. Like developing a sense of adventure, you start to believe more in your own capabilities.

But learning new words and ways to express yourself can also make you happier . You learn untranslatable words that capture something you could never describe before.

Why Learn a Second Language? Because It’s Life-Changing

If you can’t tell by these 17 reasons, learning a language could change your life. It could lead to new friends, new happiness, new locations, or new careers. The possibilities are endless — it’s only limited by your own creativity and determination.

So go forth, and reap the benefits of learning another language!

Caitlin Sacasas

Content Writer, Fluent in 3 Months

Caitlin is a copywriter, content strategist, and language learner. Besides languages, her passions are fitness, books, and Star Wars. Connect with her: Twitter | LinkedIn

Speaks: English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish

Have a 15-minute conversation in your new language after 90 days

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

by Benjamin Kulka

29 May 2019

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. 

Related blogs

Maths anxiety and the cognitive benefits of language learning

Learning a foreign language is about more than getting by abroad

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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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Persuasive Essay: The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

Have you ever had this thought, “What will look good on my college application?” Most students have. There is one thing that can influence a college’s or company’s decision for the better about accepting or hiring a person, and this is by learning a second language. As people from other countries continue to immigrate into America, it is becoming more important than ever to learn a second language, even simply to appear more marketable and have something to set an applicant apart from their competitors. One of these benefits includes how great it looks on applications for just about anything. Others include the convenience when traveling, making new friends, improving the fluency of the speaker’s native language, having a type of a secret code among friends, and preventing Alzheimer’s. There are many reasons for knowing multiple languages that look good on applications. First, on college applications, it shows that the applicant is willing to devote time and energy into learning something. This in turn, will show the reviewer that you would be willing to work hard on college studies as well. On a job application it makes an employee more marketable because even if it is an employee at McDonald’s, there is always the possibility that a customer might not speak English. If you know this other language you would be able to communicate with the customer. Also focusing on the McDonald’s example, if an applicant and another potential employee had exactly the same qualifications the company would look for little things to set the two apart. The fact that you know another language is a huge achievement. That makes the person unique when compared to other candidates. Another reason is that many companies have sister companies in other parts of the world or do business with companies in other locations. Knowing the language of the other company’s country would make someone stand out in the sea of applicants. By knowing this language the applicant would be able to communicate with people from the company to solve problems. This could also increase the possibility to travel abroad to the location. One major part of learning a language is often being able to travel to a foreign country. Being able to speak the native language has many benefits in and of itself. When you travel to another country you are truly representing America. David Barry made this, “Americans who travel abroad for the first time are often shocked to discover that, despite all the progress that has been made in the last 30 years, many foreign people still speak in foreign languages.” By putting forth the effort to speak with people in their own language it shows that the traveler is doing their best to take care of themself in a different environment. The locals can see their effort and are more willing to help. It’s also good because this way the traveler can navigate, go to restaurants, and speak with the locals without the help of a friend or translator. Speaking to the locals is often a highlight of many people’s trips. It gives insight on a new way of life and can develop new friendships. It is easy to get to know people with whom we have much in common. These are people with whom we would most easily bond.. Now, what if these people spoke two entirely different languages? They may not even meet each other simply because they couldn’t understand each other. If one or both of them learned the other person’s language, they could create a lifetime friendship. Especially with social networking at an all-time high, the ability to converse with people from around the globe becomes easier each time a new website is created. Often times the creators learn other languages to help their website to appeal to people of other cultures. Many scholars, authors, artists, poets, and other people of professions that require an excellent grasp of their own language, study another language as well. This is often because learning another language helps to improve your English. For most people, the beauty of their own language is taken for granted because they have nothing to compare it to. When studying a foreign language students are able to see how the sentence structure differs from their own language as well as the vocabulary and conversational aspects. Often times, people are taken aback when studying languages such as French or Spanish due to how melodic the sentences sound. Or, as is the case with languages such as Chinese or Japanese, people are confused, but intrigued, at how the simple change in pitch can create a new word. The way that ideas are presented in other languages are often different than they are presented in English. Learning another language can help you to construct your sentences in a way that is more meaningful, creative, and precise than it would have otherwise been. With this, an author’s writing will become more fluid and will have an effect on more people. One fun reason to learn another language is that if the student has study it with a friend, both of you can converse without others knowing what you are saying. This is something that can be immensely helpful when speaking to family about private matters while out in public, or making important decisions in public. For example, a person may be making a large purchase, such as a car, and want to discuss some of its issues but you don’t want to have others eavesdropping. In this situation you could use your other language, especially if it is a language that not many people study, to talk to whoever came along with you. Eavesdropping is something that everyone does, but also something that everyone hates. This problem is easily avoided if the student studies a language that not many people study. Another way to help this is if you can find someone to study with. That, in and of itself, is encouragement. It keeps you accountable and learning with a friend is much more enjoyable. Did you know that there is an effective way to help the minds of you and your loved ones? An average of 1,252 people per day are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. With the astonishing numbers such as this one, about a million people are affected indirectly, at least, each day; Alzheimer’s disease is a real concern to most people. As may develop Alzheimer’s or another type of cognitive disorder as they age. Many studies have found that bilingual people, who begin to develop these types of disorders, although their physical condition may be similar, retain normal mental ability for much longer. Monolingual people begin suffering the effects much sooner. Although they both suffer, these studies suggest that it can prevent the onset Alzheimer’s for as long as a few years before it the disease takes its toll on their brain. This is because the part of your brain that it first affects is protected by the exercise you have provided it with. This “exercise” is how the brain keeps from meshing the two languages together in your mind. Learning this new language helps because it creates new neural pathways, the more neural pathways that are created, the more “backup” the brain has once the disease starts to have an effect. What many people don’t realize until it’s too late is that prevention is often preferable to the treatment. With so many benefits at the price of about an hour a day, it is shocking that more people are not learning new languages. Even those who already know a second language can only be benefited by the new knowledge of another language. People who live in a larger city, one which has a community of Chinese, Italian, or Hispanic population along with many others, have the advantage of being submerged in another language. By showing an interest in learning the language anyone can gain new friends, a healthier brain, a new secret code against the narrow minded, and a new skill to create an outstanding résumé. As an added bonus, studies show that the easiest way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. As students, increasing the number of skills to add to applications for college is crucial. It shows that the student is hardworking, well rounded, and has ambition. As difficult as learning a language can be, it is well worth the time, money, and energy spent on the endeavor.

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Frontiers for Young Minds

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What are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language?

Bilingualism, which means speaking more than one language, allows a person to communicate with a larger number of people. Some research suggests that speaking more than one language may also improve brain function. We wanted to see whether the relationship between improved brain function and being bilingual differed based on how well or how much a person uses their second language. To ask our question, we recruited a group of high school students who spoke both Mandarin and English. Because speaking two languages is thought to improve how well a person performs on certain tasks, we thought that the students who were better at their second language would have better performance on those tasks. Our findings support the idea that developing your second language, especially if you speak it well, can improve the way your brain functions. Keep reading to learn about our research!

Why Use Your Second Language?

Most people on Earth can speak at least two languages—they are bilingual . Speaking more than one language allows a person to communicate with a larger number of people. Bilingual people have an easier time when they travel to other parts of the world. They can also work and study outside of their home countries. Research shows that both languages a bilingual person speaks are active in the brain at the same time [ 1 ]. This means a bilingual person must inhibit or “turn off” an unneeded language to communicate successfully. The experience of inhibiting an unneeded but active language may actually help the brain by improving a person’s executive function , which is a set of mental processes that coordinate our thinking and behavior [ 2 ] (To learn more about executive function, see this Frontiers for Young Minds article .). Scientists who study this topic call this brain boost the bilingual advantage .

Not all scientists agree that speaking two languages helps the brain [ 3 ]. Even those that do agree are not exactly sure how being bilingual improves brain function. Some claim that bilingual people have better inhibition . In other words, they are better at ignoring distractions like noise when they are having a conversation. Others say bilingual people are better at monitoring , which means they are better at paying attention to their environments. For example, they might be better at noticing when a person switches from using one language to another. The way that speaking two languages improves brain function seems to depend a lot on the person and their individual language experience [ 4 ].

Do People Have Different Language Experiences?

It turns out that bilingual people differ a lot in their language experiences including how well they use their languages and how much they use them. For example, a teen from China who speaks Chinese (Mandarin) and English might never use English in their home country. However, they would use it a lot if they attended school in the UK. Bilingual people in the same city also differ a lot in their language habits. A Mandarin-English bilingual person studying in the UK might have a group of friends who always speak Mandarin, while another might have more diverse friends and may communicate in English more often. We wanted to see if these differences between bilingual people influenced executive functions. This means we had to find a way to measure language experience.

How did we Measure Language Experience?

There are many ways to measure language experience. We used a survey called the Language History Questionnaire [ 5 ]. This survey requires a person to answer questions about each language they use. These questions ask things like how well the person can speak, listen, read, or write in each language. The survey also asks how many hours each day the person uses a language. This survey gave us three separate scores that we used to measure language experience: 1) proficiency —how well a person can speak, listen, read, or write in a language; 2) immersion —how long a person has used or been exposed to a language, and; 3) dominance —how often a person uses a language. Together, these scores allowed us to describe a person’s language experience in a lot of detail.

How did we Measure Executive Function?

To test for differences in executive function, we used two popular tasks. The Simon task requires a person to press a button as quickly and accurately as possible when a certain color shape is shown on a screen ( Figure 1 ). For example, a person might be told to press the “Q” button on a computer keyboard with their left hand when they see a brown square, or the “P” button with their right hand when they see a blue square. What makes this task tricky is that the shapes are shown on either the left or right side of the screen. This means that sometimes a person will have to press a button with their right hand when a shape is on the same (right) side of the screen. These congruent trials are easy. However, sometimes a person will have to press a button with their right hand when a shape is on the left side of the screen. The conflict between the side of the screen the shape is on and the response key makes these incongruent trials more difficult. The flanker task is similar to the Simon task, only the conflict is due to a center arrow pointing in the opposite direction of the four surrounding arrows ( Figure 2 ).

• Figure 1 - (A) On the Simon task, students had to press the left button when a blue square appeared.
• This is easy when the square is on the same side as the button. (B) However, this task is harder when the square is on the opposite side as the button! Dashed lines show the response button location.

• Figure 2 - (A) On the flanker task, students had to press the left button if the center arrow was pointing to the left.
• This is easy when all the arrows face the same direction. (B) However, this task is harder when the center arrow is pointing in the opposite direction from the other arrows! Solid lines show the information the student needed to pay attention to, and dashed lines show the information that may help (A) or distract (B) the student.

How did we Answer our Question?

We worked with an international high school in Southern China to conduct our study. This school is special because all the students are native Mandarin speakers, but all their courses are taught in English. We recruited 41 students between the ages of 13–19 and had them complete a few tasks on the Internet. First, each participant filled in the Language History Questionnaire and answered other questions about how often they play video games or musical instruments. Next, they completed the Simon and flanker tasks in random order. Even though these tasks are very similar, studies like ours normally ask people to do more than one task to see if the results are the same. Finally, the students answered a few questions about their stress levels. For each task, we measured how quickly students gave their responses, and whether their responses were correct or not. We included video game and musical instrument experience as well as other variables like age and stress in our analyses to control for their influence on task performance. This helps us to be sure that the results we see have to do with language experience and are not due to other factors.

What did we Find?

Our results were different for each task and each measure of language experience. On the Simon task, higher English proficiency was related to better inhibition, even when we controlled for the influence of other variables ( Figure 3 ). This means students with better English ability were faster on the more difficult, incongruent trials. In other words, they were better at inhibiting the automatic response of pressing the button that matched the side of the screen the shape was presented on. When controlling for other variables, we found the same result when we looked at the number of hours people spent playing musical instruments. This means playing an instrument might further improve inhibition. For the flanker task, higher English proficiency was related to improved monitoring. This means students with higher English proficiency were faster on congruent, incongruent, and neutral trials. In other words, they were better at monitoring the task in order to identify which response was appropriate.

• Figure 3 - (A) Higher English proficiency was associated with better inhibition (faster responses on incongruent trials) on the Simon task.
• (B) Higher English proficiency was also associated with better monitoring (faster response on all trial types) on the flanker task. The colored lines represent the trial types. The blue lines show the difficult, incongruent trials. If we conducted our study again, we are 95% confident that our results would be somewhere in the shaded area around each line.

Surprisingly, students who reported using English more were slower on the flanker task. We did not expect to see this! We think this finding might mean that people using English more are trying to improve their proficiency and might pay more attention to the words they use—which would slow them down. However, this is just our best guess. We will need to conduct another study to see if our guess is correct. Finally, our results were a little different between the Simon and flanker tasks, even though these tasks are very similar. This finding also requires more research because it suggests that these tasks might be measuring slightly different things.

Why Are Our Findings Important?

Our results show that developing proficiency in a second language may improve executive function. We also saw additional improvements in executive function from playing musical instruments. This suggests that bilingualism is just one of many possible experiences that can benefit the brain. These findings are important for young people, especially those in bilingual homes. Sometimes, children do not feel like learning their family’s home language. This might be because it is not the language that the child uses when they go to school. More research is needed to better understand the benefits that using a second language has on the brain. This is especially true for high-school-age bilinguals because only a few studies have been done. We hope that our results highlight the potential benefits of learning a second language. While becoming bilingual is not easy, it is likely worth your time and energy. Who knows? You might even make a new friend!

Bilingual : ↑ A person who can use at least two different languages.

Executive Function : ↑ A set of mental processes, like updating, inhibition, and monitoring, that coordinate a person’s thoughts and actions.

Bilingual Advantage : ↑ A benefit in brain function from speaking two languages.

Inhibition : ↑ Component of executive function that helps people ignore distractions.

Monitoring : ↑ The ability to pay attention to the environment.

Congruent : ↑ Trials where there is no conflict between the stimulus and the response such as a flanker task trial where all arrows are pointing in the same direction.

Incongruent : ↑ Trials where the stimulus and the response conflict such as a flanker task trial where the center arrow is pointing in the opposite direction as the surrounding arrows.

Variable : ↑ A characteristic, like language proficiency, that can change and be measured.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Original Source Article

↑ Privitera, A. J., Momenian, M., and Weekes, B. S. 2022. Task-specific bilingual effects in Mandarin-English speaking high school students in China. Curr. Res. Behav. Sci. 3:100066. doi: 10.1016/j.crbeha.2022.100066

[1] ↑ Kroll, J. F., and Bialystok, E. 2013. Understanding the consequences of bilingualism for language processing and cognition. J. Cogn. Psychol. 25:497–514. doi: 10.1080/20445911.2013.799170

[2] ↑ Friedman, N. P., and Miyake, A. 2017. Unity and diversity of executive functions: individual differences as a window on cognitive structure. Cortex. 86:186–204. doi: 10.1016/j.cortex.2016.04.023

[3] ↑ Paap, K. 2019. “The bilingual advantage debate: quantity and quality of the evidence,” in The Handbook of the Neuroscience of Multilingualism , 701–35.

[4] ↑ Privitera, A. J., Momenian, M., and Weekes, B. 2022. Graded bilingual effects on attentional network function in Chinese high school students. Bilingual. Lang. Cogn . 1–11. doi: 10.1017/S1366728922000803

[5] ↑ Li, P., Zhang, F., Yu, A., and Zhao, X. 2020. Language history questionnaire (LHQ3): an enhanced tool for assessing multilingual experience. Bilingual. Lang. Cogn. 23:938–44. doi: 10.1017/S1366728918001153

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Benefits of Learning a Second Language Essay Sample

Language is a door through which you meet new people, cultures, and ideas. According to researchers, learning a second language in elementary school becomes the beginning of a new dimension of life. You can interact with more people, read new materials, and are more competitive when searching for a job.

At what age should you learn a second language? And how does age as well as the learning environment affect your ability to use the language? Here are filtered insights on learning a second language at any point in your life.

Expand your world of ideas

Ideas are expressed in different languages. Some of these ideas have never been translated. Others were diluted in the course of translation. By learning a second language, you get to interact with new ideas from books and materials you would never have encountered had you stuck to your first language.

Beyond the old ideas, you will be learning from the new-age scholars in the second language. You can read their books and manuals directly without relying on translators. As a result, your worldview will change. You have a global perspective of things, making you a more valuable person at work or when engaging in personal projects.

Improve your economic prospects

There are no disadvantages of learning a second language regardless of your age. Seniors are advised to learn a second language for use in improving their financial position at an advanced age. A second language will improve your economic prospects in several ways.

• Employment – multinational companies are looking for multilingual employees to work in their foreign offices. Such positions come with better pay. You also have opportunities to work in more places, reducing your chances of unemployment. You may also use the language as a freelancer to improve your source of income. All these opportunities leave you in a better financial position.
• Business – do you want to expand your business? Learn a new language. You can easily court new partners and associates. You also understand other cultures and markets better, resulting in better trading relations. You minimize the use of translators and interpreters in your business, improving your profit margins in the process.
• Entrepreneurship – are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your reach? Do you have an app, website, or product that needs to get to a new market? It is time to learn a new language. Does learning a new language make you smarter in business? Yes! You get to interact with more people and ideas, improving your decision-making processes.

Enlarge your social circles

A new language helps you to interact with new people beyond those using your first language. For instance, a language like Spanish is spoken by over 559 million people around the world. By learning a few Spanish words, you can add more than half a billion people into your circle of interaction.

For a better brain

A new language will enlarge your brain capacity. I have heard people ask, when is it too late to learn a new language? Researchers discovered that a new language will refresh your brainpower. This resource is your go-to for argumentative essay writing https://en.ibuyessay.com/argumentative.html even in foreign language. Even at old age, the new language will improve your memory and make you feel younger.

The benefits of learning a second language can be split among your social, economic, and mental faculties. From improved memory to better employment opportunities, you have a reason to enroll for a second language.

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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.

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 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

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.

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.

Related Articles: 

• Top 9 IELTS Listening Tips & Strategies To Improve Your IELTS Score
• IELTS 2022 Task 2 Advantages & Disadvantages Essay
• COVID- 19 IELTS Writing Task 2

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

2. What is the ideal format for IELTS writing task 2?

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.

3. Is IELTS writing formal or informal?

Ans: IELTS writing should be formal.

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Manisha Angre

Experienced IELTS prep trainer and education management industry veteran. Specializes in public speaking, international education, market research, mentoring, and management.

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