If you’re looking for a new activity to do as the year begins, why not try language learning! Understanding a second language is so beneficial and it’s never too late to start. Here are five reasons you should try to pick up a new language this year:
- It fills free time.
Think about how much time you may find yourself bored, searching through TV channels, not knowing what to do. Instead of wasting that time scrolling endlessly on Instagram and Facebook, you could put it towards learning a new language. 2022 is only getting started and this would be a great “resolution” to focus on something new!
- It makes you stand out.
As employers sift through dozens or thousands of applications, knowing and understanding a second language is a great way to stand out. It becomes a talking point in interviews, as the employer may want to know more about this asset. Additionally, knowing a second language has the potential to open up your job search, as there are positions where multiple languages are crucial. It is not only a great addition for a resumé, but it adds value to you as an employee. Language learning is a skill; it has the ability to enhance character or give texture to your identity (If this sounds too philosophical/existential, it’s because I just read A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle…) Truly, mastering, or attempting to master a second language is a valued skill.
- It lets you see the world differently.
Now, you may take this or leave it, but many people say that learning multiple languages makes you see the world differently. To me, this is a matter of vocabulary. Certain words exist, for example, in French, that do not exist in English (and vice versa). Knowing these words, and I’ve seen this happen for many language-learners, you want to describe something but must resort to the word in the other language, as there is no exact translation in your own. Maybe knowing a second vocabulary allows you to see, experience or describe the world differently. Again, take it or leave it.
- It eases travel.
Have you ever been nervous as to what traveling to another country is like not knowing the primary language? Traveling will eventually return to its pre-pandemic popularity. When it does, imagine the comfort in knowing another language in your travels. It can make life so much easier, from navigating the airport to buying food and much more. Even if you haven’t mastered the language, it can be a courtesy to know a few basic words so that English speakers don’t expect the rest of the world to accommodate.
- It gives you the ability to meet new people.
Probably my favorite reason, language learning lets you meet new people and understand each other. It allows you to have a conversation beyond basic greetings. It lets you learn about a new culture, understand other lifestyles and communicate with people that you might otherwise have never been able to talk to. Being able to talk to someone else when you grew up with different maternal languages is such a cool thing. I am so grateful for the people I’ve met through learning and knowing a second language.
Are you convinced yet?
If not, I’ve linked a bunch of websites below that include even MORE reasons to learn a language.
If you are convinced, stay tuned for my next post about ways to get started. Good luck! 🙂
https://www.onlinecollege.org/2010/07/26/50-reasons-you-should-learn-a-new-language/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110314132531.htm
https://theconversation.com/7-reasons-to-learn-a-foreign-language-112369
https://cla.auburn.edu/world-languages/future-students/25-reasons-to-study-foreign-languages/
Julia's Journey in Paris 
Muy bien, Julia!
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