We live in a hyper-connected, fast-paced world, and things aren't changing anytime soon. That means you'll have to develop some special advantages to get a boost, help yourself stand out and make you better fit for survival in this crazy, modern world.
Advantages of Learning a Foreign Language
1. Meet New People
One of the most phenomenal benefits of learning a new language? Doors are opened to you around the world. If you're learning in a group setting, you immediately have new friends to share your new language with. If not, then once you go somewhere and are actually able to employ what you've learned, you'll be surprised how open people are when you speak their mother tongue.
2. Employers Love it
If your C.V. accolades include fluency in a second language, your chances of employment in today's economy are much greater for you than for those who speak only one language.
Multilingual people are able to communicate and interact within multiple communities. Potential employers consider this a valuable asset in an employee's skill set, as they're able to connect with a broader range of people. In this new age of start-ups, companies are increasingly breaking into new markets. You up your personal and professional value if you're able to negotiate with manufacturers in another country or communicate with customers who don't speak your native language.
Not to mention, your ability to speak a second language conveys that you're motivated and driven to learn new skills, and this also gives you a competitive edge over those who haven't yet become bilingual.
3. It is becoming Essential
Many would argue that bilingualism is becoming a progressively necessary and essential skill for anyone who wants to keep up with today's rapidly increasing global economy. As more and more people recognize the importance of learning an additional language, those who only speak one language will begin to get left behind in our shift towards a more integrated and connected global society.
4. It builds up your self confidence
You're about to teach yourself to believe, yes, I can. It'll become your new personal mantra.
Confidence increases when a new skill is mastered, and learning a foreign language is no different. It increases your self-confidence. And let's face it: confident people are more interesting than those who are unsure of themselves. The techniques you use to develop a second tongue result in a greater sense of open-mindedness.
In order to master a new language, conversations with native and fluent speakers are essential. If you're shy but want to meet new people, using the excuse that you want to practice your speaking skills is a great opener and a doorway to making new friends, expanding your horizons and broadening your life experiences. Plus, who doesn't want to be more interesting?
5. You become Smarter
Acquiring a second language improves your memory and increases your attention span. The process of becoming bilingual exercises your brain, challenges you to concentrate and boosts your problem solving skills.
Bilingual students tend to score higher on standardized tests than monolingual students, especially in the areas of vocabulary, reading and math. As you learn to toggle from one language to another, you improve your multitasking abilities. Bilingual individuals have also been shown to be more logical and rational, have better decision-making skills and be more perceptive and aware of their surroundings.
Learning a second language also improves your native language, as it teaches you the mechanics and structure behind any language is not just new languages.
