Globalization has made people interact with others from different geographical, social and economic backgrounds. At any given time, people need to communicate. Knowing just one language creates a gap in communication. To close the gap, ability to converse in a second language is very beneficial. Here are top seven benefits of learning a second language.
- It improves Employability
People who can communicate in more than one language have a wide scope of employment opportunities. Most employers view employees ability to converse in another language as an added advantage, such employees can easily communicate with foreign clients. In addition, learning a second language shows that the person is diverse and willing to expand their current skills.
People who have learnt a second language can indicate that in their CV. They have an added advantage over monolingual competitiors.
- It breaks communication barriers while travelling
While travelling or on a tour, it is more likely to meet people who speak a different language. Knowing their language creates memorable and enjoyable experiences. Talking to people using their local language makes it easier to start friendship. Locals are always amazed and happier when visitors can talk using their mother tongue, even though it may not be fluent.
- It improves the vocabulary of the first language
People tend to think using their first language. When they learn the second language, they tend to translate the message into their first language.in the process, the first language is enriched.
- It increases cultural diversity
People who are bilingual are considered to be diverse and ready to accept others from other cultures.
- It enhances social ties
Ability to speak another language opens more social interaction opportunities. This also increases self-confidence of an individual. The higher the number of languages that can be spoken by an individual the more the number of people they can converse with. Hence it will be easier to make and have more friends.
- It promotes mental health
Scientific studies have shown the brain cells of people who learn a second language age at a slower rate and they tend to live longer.
Another benefit of learning a second language is that the person’s brain is sharper. They can easily multitask, are more attentive and have high problem-solving skills. Learning a second language is also known to improve memory capability of the brain.
- It has academic advantage to children
Knowing a foreign language enhances educational development of children, social skills, emotional skills literacy and cognitive functions. Such children usually perform better than monolingual children in schools.
To sum up
In communication, knowing another language is an extra advantage over monolingual people. Communication can be made easier hence faster transactions in business, cultural diversity and understanding are promoted. Apart from that, there are personal benefits like improved mental health, academic benefits, ease of creating friendship and career advantage. Therefore, the benefits of learning a second language have made people enroll for classes in foreign languages Taiyo education skillsfuture .