10 Amazing Benefits Of Learning A Second Language That Will Shock You

 

10 Amazing Benefits Of Learning A Second Language That Will Shock You

Photo Credit: Kotoffei/Shutterstock

Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn an affiliate commission if you click and/or make a purchase through the link (at no extra cost to you). And of course, I only recommend products I’ve used from companies I completely trust and love. For more information please see my disclosure.

Why Learning A Second Language Is Beneficial?

Did you know that there are countless benefits to learning a foreign language? It's not just about being able to communicate with people from other countries – there are many advantages to learning a language that you may not have known about.

Whether you're brushing up on your high school Spanish or taking on Mandarin for the first time, learning a new language can open up a world of possibilities. This is because learning a language has the ability to impact every area of your life in a positive way.

Most people think that the only benefit of learning a language is to be able to communicate with foreigners when traveling or that it's too hard and time-consuming.

However, there are many amazing benefits of learning a second language, whether you're looking to boost your resume, travel more easily, or just make new friends, learning a language is definitely worth considering.

In fact, research has shown that learning a foreign language can improve your memory, help keep your brain sharp, and even boost your creativity. With all of these amazing benefits, it's no wonder so many people are looking to learn new languages these days.

So if you’re looking for ways to improve your life, learning another language may be the answer. Keep reading to learn more about the amazing benefits of bilingualism!

Why Is Knowing More Than One Language Important?

I'm sure you've heard the saying that "the more languages you know, the better." However, in today's day and age in which we are surrounded by globalization and countless opportunities to communicate with people who speak different native tongues, why is it important to learn a second language?

Is it just for fun? Or could there be more to it than meets the eye? Well, learning a second language has many benefits. One huge reason to learn a new language is that it opens up the world to you in ways that would not have been possible before. Did you know that English is the ninth most spoken language worldwide?

That's right, there are more people speaking Chinese ahead of English in terms of how many people speak it on a daily basis! And with all those opportunities out there, why wouldn't you take them? In a world where people are increasingly interconnected, speaking more than one language has a lot of benefits.

Being bilingual or multilingual makes you more marketable in the job market, and it also opens up new opportunities for travel. Not only that, but speaking more than one language has been shown to have tremendous benefits for your brain. But most importantly, knowing more than one language gives you a deeper understanding of different cultures and how they interact with each other.

You don't have to travel the world or even leave your hometown to connect with other cultures. Learning a second language will help you enter their culture and better understand where they're coming from. So how exactly do you go about learning a new language? Will it be difficult to learn how to communicate with people who speak differently than you?

The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because any kind of learning takes hard work and dedication; but also no, because the benefits that come with learning a new language far outweigh anything that might be difficult along the way.

So whether you are looking for a fun and easy hobby, or you want to give your brain an incredible boost, learning a foreign language is definitely one of the best ways to do it. The benefits of learning a second language are almost endless!

What Are The Benefits Of Being Bilingual?

There are a number of advantages to learning a second language. Learning a second or even more languages has been scientifically proven to have tremendous mental benefits, including increased brain health.

Some of these include improved memory, better focus, and increased brain function. When you learn a new language, your brain is being trained in a completely different way. You're challenging it to remember new words, sounds, and grammar rules. This can lead to better cognitive function and even help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's disease in older adults.

But that's not all. Learning a foreign language can also improve your social skills. When you can communicate with people from other countries in their own language, you open up a whole new world of possibilities.

You can make new friends, learn about new cultures, and even travel to new places. There are many reasons why the top companies nowadays prefer to hire people that speak more than one language and why knowing a second (or third) tongue can drastically increase your career opportunities.

As someone who is bilingual, I can certainly attest to the benefits of learning a second language. Learning a foreign language is definitely one of the best ways to improve your life in a lot of different ways.

Now that we know why it's important to learn a second language, let's take a look at some of the specific benefits that come with doing so. Here are 10 amazing benefits of learning a foreign language:

What Are The 10 Benefits Of Learning A Foreign Language?

1. Expand Career Opportunities

Learning a foreign language can help boost your resume and qualify for jobs that you may not have otherwise been qualified for. Being bilingual or multilingual is a valuable skill that many employers are looking for.

Knowing a second language can make you more attractive to potential employers, and it can also give you an edge over other candidates when it comes to landing a job. Being able to speak two or more languages can help you get promoted or find a job in a different field. It will make you more attractive to employers, since it shows that you're willing to go the extra mile to learn new things.

In addition to career opportunities, learning a foreign language can provide countless benefits in the workplace. Being able to communicate with coworkers or clients from other countries in their own language can make projects run more smoothly and help avoid any misunderstandings.

Additionally, bilingual employees are often seen as being more resourceful and flexible, which can be an asset in any company.

2. Potential To Increase Income

In today's global economy, knowing more than one language is becoming increasingly important – and those who are bilingual or multilingual often have higher earning potentials. When you can communicate with people from other countries, you open up a world of new opportunities for your career.

Not only will you be able to apply for jobs that are located in other countries, it will make you more marketable in today's competitive job market, and give you a distinct advantage over other candidates. It can also help you command a higher salary when negotiating your next job offer.

According to recent studies, bilingual employees can earn up to 20% more than their monolingual counterparts. This is because businesses are realizing the importance of having employees who can communicate with clients or customers from other countries in their own language.

In a study by the European Union, it was found that people who spoke two languages earned 20% more than those who only spoke one language. This is because bilingual employees are in high demand and they have access to a wider range of jobs.

Additionally, businesses often prefer to hire employees who are bilingual or multilingual, because they know that these employees can provide valuable communication between different cultures.

So if you're looking for ways to improve your career prospects and your income potential, learning a foreign language is definitely the way to go!

3. Makes Traveling Easier And Less Frustrating

When you can speak the language of the country you're visiting, it makes traveling a lot easier. If you know a foreign language, you won't have to rely on others to help you with translation or navigate your way around.

You can communicate with locals and find your way without any trouble, order food at restaurants, understand the signs and menus much better, and ask for directions. This can make your trip a lot more enjoyable and less frustrating.

4. Experience New Cultures

The benefits of experiencing cultures other than your own are limitless. Experiencing new cultures means more opportunities for growth and learning about the world around you. By learning a foreign language, you are opening up your mind to new cultures and perspectives that you may not have otherwise been exposed to.

This can help you to develop a better understanding of the world and how different cultures interact with one another.

It’s also an incredibly enriching experience, as you get to see the world from a new perspective. You'll be able to appreciate their food, music, art and way of life more. This makes traveling to countries where that language is spoken much more enjoyable.

5. Increases Brain Learning Capacity And IQ

When you learn a foreign language, your brain cells form new connections, or synapses. According to studies, people who are bilingual have increased brain function and are able to think more quickly and efficiently.

This is because learning a foreign language requires using different parts of the brain, which strengthens the neural pathways in your brain.

In fact, research has shown that learning a foreign language can actually increase the number of synapses and memory cells in your brain! And, as you continue to use the new language, the cells keep multiplying, making your memory stronger and improving your ability to focus.

Speaking two different languages means that you constantly switch between different rules, grammar and words, forcing your brain not only to understand what you want to say but also how best to say it depending on who you are talking with. This constant effort is very beneficial for your brain, as it stimulates the growth of new neural connections.

6. Helps Reduce Cognitive Decline

One of the best-known benefits of learning a foreign language is that it helps reduce cognitive decline. As we age, it's important to keep our minds active and learning new things.

One of the most important benefits of learning a foreign language is that it helps keep your brain healthy and functioning properly.

Studies have shown that people who know multiple languages tend to suffer from cognitive decline at a later age than those who only know one language.

This is because learning a foreign language involves using different parts of your brain, which helps keep the brain active and healthy. So by learning a new language, we can actually help keep our minds sharp and functioning well into old age!

7. You Will Learn Other Similar Languages Faster

The more languages you know, the less difficult it is to pick up new ones. This is because when you learn a foreign language, your brain is used to learning new patterns and structures and is able to better understand the rules of other languages. As a result, you'll be able to pick up new languages more quickly and easily!

So for example, if you’re learning Spanish, you’ll have an easier time learning Italian and Portuguese. Or if you’re learning Russian, you'll have no trouble picking up Ukrainian.

8. It Can Boost Your Confidence

Learning a new language can boost your confidence because it takes practice to learn, and the more you practice the better you'll get at it. When you're trying to learn a new language, the best way to ensure success is by being confident in yourself and what you're doing.

In other words, when it comes down to learning a new language, believing in yourself is the most important factor! You also benefit from improving your skill sets, which gives you more confidence.

9. You Will Increase Your Global (Political) Awareness & Understanding

By learning a foreign language, you are opening yourself up to new perspectives that you may not have otherwise considered. One of the main benefits of learning a foreign language is that it can help you understand other cultures and their political systems better.

By being able to communicate with people from all over the world, you'll learn about their political system and the issues that are important to them, and you'll also have a better understanding of their political landscape.

This can be really helpful if you want to work in international relations or if you're just interested in learning more about how other countries operate.

10. Enhances Your Social Interactions

One of the best things about learning a foreign language is that you can make new friends all over the world who share your interest in language and culture. This can be a great way to make friends and expand your social network.

By being able to connect with people from other cultures, you'll be able to learn more about their customs and traditions, and build lasting relationships that can last a lifetime. Studies have shown that those who are bilingual or multilingual have better social skills than those who only know one language.

This is likely because they are more comfortable interacting with people from other cultures, and they know how to communicate effectively even when they don't share a common language.

Being able to communicate with others in their own language makes them feel more understood and appreciated, which can lead to stronger and more meaningful relationships.

What Languages Are The Most Beneficial To Learn?

There are many benefits to learning a new language, but which languages should you learn? There are plenty of options. There are many languages to choose from, and the best one to learn depends on your personal interests and goals.

When it comes to choosing a language to learn, there are a few factors you should consider. Firstly, think about the countries where the language is spoken. If you want to travel or do business in those countries, learning the language will make things a lot easier for you.

Another thing to consider is the usefulness of the language in terms of career opportunities. Some languages are more in demand than others, so if you're looking to boost your career prospects, then it might be worth learning one of those languages.

If you're looking for a language that is useful in a global marketplace, then Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese may be good choices. Learning a language like Spanish or French will make it easier for you to travel and do business in those countries.

Learning Arabic can help people understand the culture better because so much is done through oral tradition. Mandarin Chinese is useful for understanding both the past and future of global commerce.

If you're interested in learning a more obscure language, there are plenty of options available as well – just do some research to find out which one would be the best fit for you.

RELATED: The 13 Best Languages To Learn (Number 9 May Surprise You).

Finally, think about your own interests and what kinds of things you enjoy doing. If you like reading and listening to music in your spare time, then maybe a language like Spanish or Italian would be a good choice.

If you're more of a science and technology person, then an Asian language like Chinese or Japanese might be a better fit for you.

How To Start Learning A New Language

Now that you know all the amazing benefits of learning a foreign language, it's time to get started! When it comes to learning a new language, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, you need to find the right method for you.

Some people prefer to learn in a classroom setting, while others prefer to study on their own. There are many great online resources, including podcasts, videos and interactive apps. You can also find classes and tutors at your local community college or adult education center.

There are also a number of apps and websites that can help you learn a new language, so be sure to explore your options. It can be overwhelming trying to decide which language learning program is right for you. There are so many different methods and approaches, how do you know which one will work best for you?

Find easy-to-find resources. Instead of having to spend ages searching through different resources online, look for organized courses that will allow you to study the language quickly and effectively at your own pace! Being able to find things easily is always a good idea—it saves you time and allows you to get straight into learning as soon as possible.

RELATED: Pimsleur Review: How To Learn Any Language With This Super Easy Method.

Pimsleur is the answer. With Pimsleur, you'll learn your new language in a way that's easy and fun. Their scientifically-proven method uses memory recall techniques to help you remember words and phrases quickly and easily.

Plus, their audio lessons are available on-the-go, so you can learn anywhere, anytime. Start learning today with Pimsleur and get your FREE 7-Day Trial!

I also recommend finding a language partner to talk to regularly. If you don't know anyone who speaks the language you're learning, there are still ways to find someone.

The best way to learn a new language is to practice with native speakers, and you can do this online or in your local community. With that in mind, try out websites like Italki which allow you to connect with other language learners.

Or look for language learning groups in your area using the Meetup app so that you can meet people who are studying the same language as you. By meeting up regularly, you'll have plenty of opportunities to practice what you've learned and make friends in the process!

If you create the right environment for learning your new language, then success will come much more readily. Keep these things in mind as you begin your journey, and soon you'll speak another language like a native!

Once you've chosen a method, it's important to set some goals and make a plan. Decide how many hours per week you're going to devote to learning, and create a timeline for yourself. It's important to be realistic, and to make sure that you allow enough time for review and practice.

RELATED: Why Learning A Language Should Be Your #1 New Year’s Resolution.

Keep a diary of all the language learning strategies you've tried out over the years so that you can reflect on them later.

You'll be able to look back and see what's been working well for you as your studies have developed, as well as figuring out which techniques need to be dropped from your routine! This is always a good idea so that you can reflect on your progress later.

Finally, make sure to stay positive. Learning another language is remarkably rewarding, but it can also be difficult at times. Be patient with yourself and don't beat yourself up if you make a mistake here and there.

The most important thing is to start learning today. The sooner you start, the sooner you can start reaping the great rewards of learning a new language!

Conclusion

In this blog post, we looked at the benefits of being bilingual and how to start learning a new language. If you’re not already bilingual, it can be hard to understand all the benefits that come with learning another language.

If you're still on the fence about learning a foreign language, hopefully this article has convinced you of the many amazing benefits that come with it.

Learning a foreign language can help improve many different areas of your life in both personal and professional ways. We also explored other languages that are beneficial for you to learn in order to open up more opportunities and make connections with people from all over the world.

Being an English speaker is certainly advantageous but there's no reason not to broaden your horizons by starting on one of these languages today! Pick one benefit from this blog post - any single one at all - and set a goal for yourself to learn your next new word or phrase in your chosen language today.

You never know what might happen if you start small like that! After reading this blog post, you should be convinced that bilingualism is a skill worth learning.

You can't go wrong with any of these 10 benefits! So now that you've read about all the amazing benefits learning a second language has to offer, it's time to take action!

If you're up for the challenge, you're sure to be well on your way to a better and brighter future. Learning a new language is challenging and very rewarding. It's an investment in yourself that is sure to pay off – so what are you waiting for? Start learning today!

A TINY REQUEST: IF YOU LIKED THIS POST, PLEASE SHARE THIS?

Ready to have some fun learning a new language? Then take action on what you just learned - you’ll be glad you did! Be a good friend and share this post on social media.

Also, share this post with anyone you know who’s looking to learn a foreign language! Just think how good you’ll feel when your friends thank you for bringing them insight and some surprising discoveries about language learning!

I know most people don’t share because they feel that us bloggers don’t need their “tiny” social share. But here’s the truth…

I built this blog piece by piece, one small share at a time, and will continue to do so. So thank you so much for your support, my reader.

A share from you would seriously help a lot with the growth of this blog.

Some great suggestions:

  • Pin it! (I even made a pretty pin for ya!)

  • Share it to Facebook

  • Tweet it!

  • Flip it on Flipboard

It won’t take more than 10 seconds of your time. The share buttons are right here.:)

Thank you so much!

Question:

So, here’s the question: Which benefit did you find the most surprising? Is there any benefit on this list that has inspired you to learn a foreign language? If so, let me know in the comments down below!


P.S. I want to hear from you today. No for real, get out from behind that keyboard and tell us more about yourself! Use the comment section down below and introduce yourself.


Hey, I’m Mara.

I am the founder and blogger of Sololingual helping anyone at any age, from any place, who wants to learn a new language. You can learn how to reach fluency in your chosen language fast, fun and easily studying a short amount each day and spending very little money using different language learning techniques, programs and resources at your disposal. Fluency isn't difficult to achieve. In fact, it’s easy when you find a solid method that walks you through every step of the way, and believing in yourself so that you can achieve your goal at becoming fluent in any language.

More About My Story >>

Search This Site:

Previous
Previous

How To Become Fluent In A Language: The 12 Best Ways To Learn A Language

Next
Next

Why Learning A Language Should Be Your #1 New Year’s Resolution