The old saying, “Language is power” is no joke! Language is used to communicate with other people. The special letters, words, and sounds of a language make it possible for people to make friends, get help, and find out answers to questions. If a person speaks more than one language, they are setting themselves up for more success. Knowing a second language not only helps a person communicate, but it also benefits a person’s brain functions and their ability! Making the wise choice to learn English as a foreign language is even better because it’s the language of the world and is spoken by most companies and most people. Here are just a few of the amazing benefits people with a second foreign language receive:
Learning a Foreign Language Actually Makes you Smarter:
Several studies have been conducted across the globe to determine the long-term side effects of learning a second language. These studies have found that people who speak two or more languages have improved brain function. The brains of people with foreign languages show that their craniums are better equipped to recognize, negotiate to mean, and communicate in different language systems even while trying to communicate in a language they do not know. Overall, the brains of people with multiple languages are faster at picking up on patterns and mastering them.
These language skills carry over into problem-solving skills as well, making people with foreign languages faster and more successful when it comes to problem-solving various tasks. Still, need a great reason to learn a second language? Research has also shown that people who study a foreign language for four or more years actually outperform their classmates on projects, assignments, and exams. Now that’s brainpower!
Knowing a Second Language Improves your Memory:
When a person learns a new language, he or she must memorize a lot of rules, pronunciation, spelling, and grammar. All of this studying results in training the brain to be able to perform similar tasks everywhere else. Memorizing new English vocabulary can strengthen the brain to be able to soak up more information and keep it tucked away in long-term memory. The act of memorization helps people retain new information much better than the brains of people who have never memorized a second language like English.
Scientists studying the horrible memory-destroying disease, Alzheimer’s, have found that speaking more than one language can actually reduce a person’s symptoms and lengthen a person’s brain functions after being diagnosed. Adults with Alzheimer’s who speak two or more languages saw an average mean age of 75.5 years of age during onset. However, people who do not speak a second language, and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, saw a mean average of 71.4 years at onset. That’s a nearly four-year difference in a person enjoying healthy brain function before memories are lost.
Speaking English Can Improve your Career:
Did you know that roughly 1/3 of businesses specifically hire their employees because of desired special language abilities? Many companies seek out candidates who know more than one language because they need workers who can communicate with different international markets and with special customers. English is the number one most desirable second language to have. Besides just getting hired, employees who speak a second language, especially a global language like English, experience about 20% more in wages.
Learning English Makes Travel More Pleasant:
Whether you are, a student, or a curious tourist, speaking English can help you communicate better while traveling. Being knowledgeable on the road can help you save money, prevent fights or problems, keep you safe, order the food and drink you want, and even find a job if you’re looking for one.
Studying a Foreign Language Will Improve your Native Language
The more you know about languages, the more you will appreciate them. That means you will appreciate your own language more as well. By studying English, you will compare it to your native language. This means you will learn to notice the various spelling, vocabulary, and grammar rules of your mother tongue. Now you not only know a foreign language, but you also have a new understanding of your native one.
Right now is the best time to start learning English. No matter your age, learning this popular second language will provide you with physical, personal, and professional benefits that will improve your life. Sure, it can be challenging to learn English, but there are many big rewards waiting for those who learn it!
This post was written by lingholic.