Learning a new language can be challenging, but it is surely very rewarding. Knowing more than one language can positively influence your personal and professional life. We asked Mike Anderson from Lingomee how learning a language can help you with achieving your professional and personal goals.
Here are some examples:
You can become more valuable in the job market
More and more companies appreciate workers who know at least one foreign language. Even one-third of companies depend on people who speak a language other than English. Hence, as highlighted in the virtue map by Redditors, knowing an additional language can become much more valuable on the job market, increasing your chances for a better job.
Growing your brain
If you have ever learned a foreign language, you know that it is very hard work for your brain. Many neuroscientists claim that while you learn a language, the gray matter of your brain grows. That is great news both for your professional and personal life. You can learn faster, keep your cognitive functions sharp, and perform better than others. Additionally, because learning a language challenges the executive functions of the brain, you can notice better concentration and focus.
Practicing a language makes your brain grow as the muscles of your body grow bigger when you exercise regularly. Because of that, your brain functions much better, for example you can switch between tasks without an issue.
You can make more money
Knowing an extra language, you can get more and better professional opportunities. Employers are often willing to pay more to people who know a foreign language as this skill can help them target other markets. With a better job, you get more money. It is a win-win situation for both your professional and personal life.
Keeping your brain young
Who doesn’t want to be young forever? By learning a language, you can keep your brain sharp and young for much longer. According to studies, many brain functions begin to decline when people are around 25. If you study a language, you create new pathways in your brain. Then they are used to sending and processing information. In conclusion, bilingualism can increase your cognitive functions and slow down the brain’s aging process.
Studying a language can be especially important the older you get. Studies show that knowing an extra language can slow down or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.
You can fulfill your travelling dreams
Once you know another language, you can travel more freely. Even though English is considered the lingua franca of the world, you can’t use it everywhere. In some countries, it is not so well known. Additionally, even if you travel to the countries where many people speak English, in more remote areas, communication might not be possible.
You can travel on your own, or even be sent to work by your employer. So the second language can bring you a great adventure while working abroad, and also polish your language skills while meeting other cultures and discovering local cuisine.
Knowing another language can help you with building strong relationships
Whether at work or in your private life, good communication is a key to success. When you know an extra language, you don’t risk an awkward moment on an important call with your boss. Additionally, learning a language allows you to dive deeply into the culture of a particular place, so you know better the customs, traditions, and how to communicate with others.
It is possible that during your work trip or even at work you meet a friend for life. If you speak the same language as the person you like, you will be able to build a strong and long-lasting friendship that otherwise would not work.
Learning a language is a career booster
As you can see, learning a language can be highly beneficial for your personal and professional life. It stimulates your brain, makes you more attractive on the job market, can bring you some extra money, as well as help you with finding friends – both at work and outside of it. By investing your time into learning a language, you invest time in building a better future for yourself.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
