Bonjour, Nin hao, Guten Tag!
These greetings are easy to understand, regardless of how much of a language you can speak. But wouldn’t it be cool to be able to speak fluently in another language? Many students already can speak more than one language, but some have never had the chance (or time) to learn something new.
Learning a whole new system of speech, being able to connect with so many more people. It can be a big achievement, and worth doing for fun. But what else can it help you with?
Communication.
Communication is an essential skill to have and improve as we interact with more people around the world, in person and online. Being able to connect with more people and being able to understand the different ways we think and act in the world.
As you learn more about different cultures you improve your ability to speak to others and connect with them. And connecting with people in the right way will help you establish key relationships and connections for your future.
Job Prospects.
There will always be a demand for more bilingual people in all different career sectors. It is an excellent way to show your communication skills and attention to detail, showing that you are hard-working and focused.
Some of the careers that you can go into with language skills include working as a translator, teaching a foreign language or even working for an intelligence agency (it would be cool to be like James Bond, wouldn’t it?).
Improved brain function.
There are a wide range of studies that show that language learning has great benefits for our brain health. And that’s always a good thing. We can unlock different parts of our brain when we take on another language, and working the brain keeps it fitter for longer.
Ability to travel around easier and see the world.
Whilst a lot of the world uses English to communicate, especially in the bigger cities, there can still be limitations in place when you don’t have the ability to communicate in the language of a country you choose to visit. Learning a new language means you can travel with ease and try out your new skills with native speakers.
Boost your confidence and impress people.
It’s a well-known fact that knowing another language instantly makes you cooler. Setting yourself a goal of learning another language and progressing in this will instantly boost your confidence. It may take time and effort to make this goal a reality – but the benefits that will be open to you will be so worth it.
Language learning is fun!
Language learning can be daunting at first – so many new sounds and often a new alphabet to get your head around. But the process should overall be a fun one.
You don’t have to sit in a classroom to learn. You can study at your own pace, on your laptop, phone or tablet. Most learning programs include videos, songs and animations that will keep you engaged. There are even free videos on YouTube to try out. You can join a group online or in person where you can chat and learn together.
Watching movies or tv shows in that language or listen to music/podcasts are also great ways to pick up the basics and beyond.
Where best to learn a new language:
Luckily, there are so many resources for language learning. Most of them have free apps you can use (you can also upgrade and pay for fewer adds and access to more learning materials).
Duolingo – A language learning website and mobile app. With over 100 languages that you can learn (including fictional languages like High Valyrian and Klingon) you will find yourself spoilt for choice.
Memrise – A language platform that uses flashcards to help learners practice their language skills. Memrise offer courses in a variety of topics from culture to travel.
Babbel – Babbel is a language app and e-learning platform where you can access an app subscription to use hundreds of lessons and live virtual classes.
