BENEFITS OF LANGUAGE LEARNING

09 SEP 20

The benefits of learning a new language are about a lot more than just boosting a resume or being a helpful tool for travelling. It will make your child more decisive, smarter, and open the door to many new opportunities. As our world is becoming increasingly connected through technological advances, it’s becoming more obvious that learning a new language is necessary if you want to get ahead in the fast-paced, hyper-connected world that we live in.

Learning a new language doesn’t only help students to become better citizens in the world, it also has cognitive and social benefits. In fact, scientific research has proven that learning a new language can help students to become better learners and thinkers. In essence, language learning gives us the ability to develop all sorts of mental abilities at all ages. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top benefits of language learning.

Enhances decision making

Various studies have shown that the decision-making process is easier for people who are bilingual or multilingual. Interestingly, decisions that are made in your second language are thought to be more rational than decisions that you would make in your native language. The reason for this is that when we think over things in a second or third language, we will typically distance ourselves from the biases and emotional reactions that are so deeply connected to the mother tongue. In other words, we can make clear-headed and reason-driven decisions that are based purely on facts.

Boosts brain power

Learning a new language involves a whole new intricate system of structures, lexis, and rules. This means that the brain has to deal with complexity as it tries to make sense of and absorb new patterns. As with the muscles in the rest of the body, the brain can be strengthened with exercise. As the brain works out the meaning and tries to communicate in the new language, key learning skills such as problem-solving and cognitive thinking are developed. Those who are able to speak more than one language are able to switch between monitoring changes in their environment and completing tasks more easily than those who only speak one language. They also show signs of increased flexibility and creativity. Interestingly, one of the best ways to keep your mind active is said to be learning, speaking, and reading in other languages.

Advanced career

The ability to speak two or more languages adds a new dimension to any CV. According to a survey that was done by Eton Institute Language Development in the Workforce, 89% of employers said multilingual employees add more value to the workplace, and 88% stated that recruiting people who have language skills is important to the organization. In fact, language skills fall within the top eight skills that are required for all occupations, no matter your skill level or what sector you’re in. It makes sense since these days employers need people who are able to communicate with customers in new and expanding global markets, and also provide services and have business relations with foreign populations.

Deepen your connection to other cultures

Language is one of the deepest connections that you can have to another culture. Communicating in other languages opens us up to and stimulates an appreciation for the culture of the people that speak that language. Whether it’s their history, the arts, traditions, or religion, learning the language gives us a new perspective and greater understanding, which means that we will be more accepting, empathetic, and tolerant of others. One of the wonderful things about the human experience is connecting with others. It’s not only about knowing how to express yourself, but also how other languages can help you to understand your own. Having the ability to communicate with another person in their own language is a beautiful gift. Improved networking skills

Having an open mind to different cultures will make you more appreciative and understanding of the opinions of other people and how they act. If you speak other languages, you have the benefit of seeing the world from a different point of view, which will enhance your ability to communicate with different people in today’s world.

We can’t overstate the value of language learning. As we’ve already seen, learning a new language has benefits for the brain, career building, and social skills, among various other global benefits. At this point in time, there is no better language to learn than Spanish. Spanish is the third most spoken language in the world and can open doors for you to communicate with more than half a billion people globally, including those that speak Spanish as a second language.

Offering courses ranging from beginners to intermediate to advanced, you can begin your Spanish journey here and carry it through to the end. You or your kids can start with the basics or practice your reading, writing, and speaking in our various classes offered to kids and adults. You will be fluent in Spanish in no time. Check out our curent schedule here

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Marta Prieto

By Marta Prieto

Marta holds a Master’s in Audiovisual Journalism and is a certified DELE examiner. She combines a solid experience teaching Spanish to young learners with entrepreneurial experience which led her to set up and run a very successful Spanish school, De La Mano Spanish, in Hong Kong. She now works at Comligo as Director of International Relationships.

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