Learning a second language can be useful for multiple reasons. Vacationing in exotic places, traveling for business and meeting new people are all obvious perks to learning a new language, but it can be more than just a functional tool for communication. Learning a different language can actually expand the ways in which you think.
Learning Another Language Can Change the Way You Think
Many people are aware that learning a second language can do wonders for communication abroad. In addition to learning how to find specific locations and communicate effectively, language shapes how we think about foreign concepts and even ourselves.
Not all countries have the same words. While they may use different spellings and pronunciation, some words simply do not exist in other countries. For example, the word “reticent” in English is difficult to translate in French. While there are different ways of communicating the word, the meaning is translated in a slightly different way. Similarly, the German word “schadenfreude” which translates to a feeling of enjoyment derived from bad situations happening to other people, has no English equivalent.
Native language can shape how a person thinks. For instance, those who speak Russian as their native language are faster at distinguishing different shades of blue than English speakers. The priorities of a person and their society can be shaped by seemingly minute details in the way language is represented.
Career Advancement Through A Second Language
Being able to understand and speak a different language can help your career. This provides a significant advantage for people who choose to work at home. Many translation jobs can be done through a computer or phone and do not necessarily require in-office work. Learning a new language is not difficult these days with the help of internet as you can easily take spanish grammar lessons online.
Regardless if you choose to work with those directly speaking a different language, knowing another language can help with any occupation. A person who is bilingual has a greater likelihood of getting hired and increasing their salary.
Traveling To Other Countries
Knowing a second language can help you feel comfortable and secure in foreign countries. Even countries that do not speak your language may be able to communicate through a second language. This can be particularly helpful in European countries.
Those who are able to speak another language frequently feel more at ease in other countries. At the very least, they are able to find locations such as hotels, hostels, restaurants and bathrooms without too much trouble. These countries can include places that many English-only speakers will not explore because of a communication gap. Certain areas in France, for instance, find it rude when foreigners will not speak French. This can deter many travelers from exploring countries of interest.
Meet More People
Those who are able to understand and speak a second language can meet more people. If you are limited to speaking only one language, your social and love life may be much smaller than those who can communicate with a wide range of non-English speaking people. When traveling, this is especially helpful.
Since many people from other countries have different life experiences, simply speaking to other people can influence your worldview. Politics, family life, religion, educational studies and current events can look different depending on where one lives and how they communicate. Even without traveling, language has the ability to influence what we find important and how we look at each other and ourselves. Knowing a different language can help people from all walks of life find common ground.
Conclusion
Learning a second language does not have to be difficult. There are many ways to learn a language that involve visual, verbal and demonstrative practices. Finding the right teacher and those who can help you practice on a regular basis can make the process quick and easy. Whether you’re interested in switching jobs, applying for college, meeting a romantic partner or exploring your own mind, languages broaden our perspective in all ways.
