How many languages do you speak? One? Four perhaps?
If you speak only your native language, you are far behind most people and you should change that as soon as possible. Why should you even consider learning a second language?
Well, there are many reasons and we'll give you 12 today.
Let's get started.
12 Awesome Reasons to Learn a Second Language
Faster And Better Learning
This isn't just a myth, it is entirely true. When you learn a second language, you learn a language different from your native one. This way, you start processing it the opposite way you are used to, which results in faster thinking to put things together, and therefore, faster learning.
Better Memory
Research has proved that learning any language can help to improve your memory. How is that even possible?
It's simple: by learning a foreign language, you keep your brain working and active. When your brain is active, it exercises. And just like muscles, it gets in better shape with practice.
Become More Focused
When you learn more languages, you slowly improve your attention and the ability to stay focused and ignore all the surrounding distractions. When you start switching languages, your attention grows slowly because your brain learns to use different languages by focusing on the current one immediately.
Become More Creative
Learning a second language means learning about different cultures and traditions, and understanding their way of life. This way, you develop a sense of creativity and thinking another way. You start looking at things the other way, which, over time, boosts your creativity.
Feel Positivity
Language learners are optimistic people, looking at the world positively. Is there a catch?
Actually, there isn't. It is so simple: since learning a language doesn't happen overnight and it takes a lot of time and dedication, when you succeed in something you've given your best efforts, you are overwhelmed with positivity. If you've succeeded in this field, nothing can stop you. Therefore, positive thinking leads to success.
Become More Confident
When you achieve something that is so important to you, such as to become fluent in a foreign language, when you give your best to succeed in it, and when you actually get the proof that all the hard work has paid off, you get confidence. The more languages you speak, the more confident you are.
Learn Other Languages Easily
Do you know who the polyglots are? No, they aren't supernatural beings, they are just like the rest of us, ordinary people, except for one tiny (or big) difference. They speak several languages fluently.
So, what is their secret? Is there some effective trick to learn a new language? The whole catch is in learning more languages.
The more languages you speak and learn, every next one will be easier for you to learn. The fact is in your experience. With every new language, you know which learning style and method suits you, and on which things to pay attention to better, that is, which parts of the language are easy for you to memorize and apply.
Empathy Development
Learning another language isn't only about learning words and phrases, memorizing grammar rules, or practicing pronunciation. It is also learning about different customs and cultures. This way, you learn to understand people different from you, which develops more empathy for others. Speaking another language helps you see the world with different eyes and from different points of view.
Meet New People
Learning a second language gives you plenty of possibilities to meet new people and make new friends. Whether you'll find them online while you are learning the language or when you visit the country and practice your speaking skills, some of those friendships can last for a lifetime. And who knows, perhaps you can find your significant other that way, too!
Superpower For Multitasking
When you start learning a new language, you switch languages all the time, especially at the beginning of your learning path. After a while, when you reach the point where you don’t need to think about that a lot, and simply switch languages, you slowly start applying this ‘rule’ to other areas in your life. In other words, you develop your ability for multitasking.
No matter if you hear some non-believers telling you that it actually impacts on your productivity because it isn’t true. Thanks to multitasking your brain work all the time, so it is used to that kind of exercise.
Helps With Dementia And Altzhemeir's Diseases
Besides many social benefits for learning a second language, it is essential to mention the health ones. One of the most important ones is, undoubtedly, a positive impact that saves you from some serious diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's.
By learning and practicing languages, you give your brain exercises. In other words, you don't let your brain become lazy, but stay active all the time and stimulate mentally. Research has shown that this helps reduce and delay the risks of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
More Job Possibilities
Besides other reasons, it doesn't hurt to mention one that concerns your financial security. There are so many exciting jobs for people who know foreign languages.
If you speak more than one language, your resume will stand out in the crowd when you search for a job, especially if companies you are applying for speak your second language. Moreover, companies always choose candidates who speak more foreign languages than the ones who speak only their native ones.
So, not only will you have more chances to find a better job but you will also have more possibilities to get promoted at your current workplace.
If you’re interested in becoming fluent in a new language, check out these top online learning resources: Kick off your learning with Babbel, where interactive, enjoyable lessons are designed to blend smoothly into your routine, fostering fast and effective language learning. For those aiming for an in-depth understanding, Udemy provides a broad spectrum of courses from basic to advanced levels. To enhance your speaking skills, Preply connects you with native speakers for personalized coaching, ensuring significant improvement. Take advantage of a 50% discount on your first lesson at Preply with this link.
Final Thoughts
All these reasons are evident proof that you have to start learning a second language as soon as possible, perhaps even today.
What are the main reasons I should learn another language?
More Job Possibilities, Helps With Dementia And Altzhemeir's Diseases, Superpower For Multitasking, Meet New People, Empathy Development, Superpower For Multitasking, Empathy Development, Learn Other Languages Easily
How does learning a foreign language help with dementia?
Besides many social benefits for learning a second language, it is essential to mention the health ones. One of the most important ones is, undoubtedly, a positive impact that saves you from some serious diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer's. By learning and practicing languages, you give your brain exercises. In other words, you don't let your brain become lazy, but stay active all the time and stimulate mentally. Research has shown that this helps reduce and delay the risks of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
