There are lots of reasons people decide to learn a foreign language.Some of them are pretty standard: employment, personal growth, education or travel. For example, there are economic benefits to learning a new language, given that multilingual workers are in demand. And there’s no doubt that traveling is way more fun when you speak a bit of the local language.
But there are tons of other great reasons to learn a foreign language—some of which you might never have considered!
We’ve looked into some of the most recent research on foreign language learning and found some truly incredible, unexpected benefits!
Here are some of the most amazing benefits of learning a foreign language:
It will broaden Your Worldview
According to a recent study, multilingual exposure allows for perspective shifts. That is, if you have experience with another language and culture, you stand a better chance of being able to understand issues and ideas from that point of view.
This means that foreign language learning doesn’t only increase your capacity for empathy—it also makes you a better problem solver because you’ll have the ability to view a problem from multiple angles.
It will Help You Overcome Cultural Barriers
Speaking another language promotes cultural exchange among people from around the world.Beyond just being able to converse with each other, speaking the same language can be a huge factor in encouraging people to collaboratively create and share ideas.
Cultural barriers are breached when we share languages, and that has a positive global impact. It can pave the way for innovations in technology, science, art and other fields.
It May Improve Your Brain Function
If you need a purely self-serving, physical reason to learn a foreign language, look no further than the results of this study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. The study found that language learning is linked to maintaining healthy brain function and delaying or preventing the onset of dementia.
That’s reason enough for anyone to choose a second language to learn!
It Can Make You a More Effective Employee
Speaking a second language looks great on a resume, for sure.
But did you know that being multilingual can impact your job performance in other ways?Research has shown that learning a foreign language encourages fine-tuned communication skills and high levels of adaptability and creativity. Another study found that learning a foreign language can strengthen your decision-making skills.
All of these assets give foreign language speakers a leg up in politics, business and many other career paths.
It Contributes to Better Global Relations
One outcome of learning a foreign language is that it enhances global understanding and positivity. Language learners are very likely to have affirmative feelings toward the culture, country and citizens where their target language is spoken.
Multiply that by many thousands or millions of people learning foreign languages, and you’ll get a world that’s more compassionate and connected.
It Facilitates Further Language Learning
Another advantage of learning a foreign language is that it facilitates learning additional languages.
Some studies indicate that language learning gets easier after learning a second language. That means that becoming a polyglot isn’t an unattainable goal!
Whew! There are so many reasons to learn a foreign language. Surely you’ve identified at least one or two that get you excited about this incredible journey.