Remember your last visit to a foreign country and how you wished you could speak their language so you could have avoided getting lost? How about when you were so in awe of the child who is fluent in at least three languages? Most of us have probably made it a goal at least once in our lives to learn a new language. We may even have written it out into our bucket lists.
Being multilingual is one of those skills that is viewed as impressive, and many people want to acquire. Honestly, with all these resources both online and offline, not to mention thousands of companies that offer online language tutoring, this goal is now achievable for everyone. As long as you are willing to devote an hour or two of your day, you can quickly master and be fluent in a foreign language in just a year — no kidding! So, what is stopping you?
It’s time to rethink those factors that hinder you from enrolling in a language class. If you still need some convincing, below are 12 reasons why you should learn a new language.
Learning to speak a second language
According to a paper published by the Cambridge University Press in 2018 titled “How long does it take to learn a foreign language?” an adult has to spend at least 530 hours to reach CEFR’s B2 level of proficiency. It is the level where the speaker can clearly and confidently communicate with the language at a professional level — in short, the speaker has reached the level of fluency.
Of course, the article took into account factors that could affect the rate of learning of a person, including the class setting the language is being learned. The author based the computation on the condition that the learner is taking a 2-hour course and is also spending 2 hours for homework weekly, which equates to four hours a week. At this rate, one could be fluent in a foreign language in just 133 weeks or two and a half years. Well, if you spend twice as much of the time recommended by this research, you can efficiently learn the language in just a year.
These numbers should not intimidate nor discourage you from reaching that goal of speaking a foreign language. In fact, this should only encourage you to start now. Still not convinced? As promised, here are the reasons you should consider and should push you to find an online tutor and enroll in a language class now!
Why learn a new language?
1) Enhance cognitive abilities
Several research and tests proved that learning a new language and speaking multiple languages have a positive impact on our brain’s cognitive abilities. Cognitive skills include thinking, learning, focusing, and remembering. It means that language learning can help you sharpen your memory and paying attention to detail.
2) Become more intelligent
As mentioned, acquiring a new language help with our cognizance. It also strengthens and enhances that part of our brain that lets us gain more knowledge, thus refining our intellect.
3) Improve your mental health
Language learning helps with our mental health in more ways than one. Aside from giving us an avenue to learn new things that could refresh the brain, the process itself can be pretty enjoyable. It is one of those classes where you feel no pressure, and you get to have fun while learning. It is an excellent way to release stress and produce endorphins. Finishing the classes and being fluent in the language is another goal that you could set your mind to and look forward to finally achieving.
4) Get better at multitasking.
Being bilingual or multilingual enhances your ability to multitask. It was rooted in the study that stated children who speak more than one language could easily switch from task to task — an ability they acquired due to how they are used to switching from one language to another.
5) Better communication skills
The process itself in learning a foreign language already boosts your communication skills. Since the nature of most language tutoring classes is a one-on-one session with a teacher, you get to practice a lot of times communicating with another person, both with your native language and the new one you are mastering. Being fluent in another language provides several opportunities in speaking with other people coming from different cultures and countries.
6) Reduce the risk of cognitive decline that comes with old age
It has also been proven that learning a new language helps combat and reduce the possibility of brain disorders that are acquired as we get older. A study stated that people who use their brains to learn languages and more knowledge are less likely to suffer dementia and memory loss.
7) Open more career opportunities.
It is one of the most common reasons why people want to learn foreign languages. Some learn a foreign language, for they aim to move to a country where it is spoken and explore better job opportunities. Others see it as a significant addition to their resume that could help impress employers. Besides, it is often correct that the more skills you have, the better your career opportunities are.
8) Widen your social circle
Getting to speak a foreign language is like unlocking a social circle from another part of the world. Since you can now talk to new people with the language you just learned, you can meet new friends and know more about their culture.
9) Upgrade your travel experiences
Knowing how to speak and communicate with a language native to the country you are visiting can undoubtedly make your experience there better. You get to walk around the place without getting lost and converse with the locals.
10) Boost your confidence
Once you are fluent in speaking a secondary language, you realize how exceptional your abilities are. You can become more efficient and trusting of yourself as you achieve a new skill.
11) Watch more movies with no subtitles.
It is a benefit that no one realizes. If you are fond of watching those Korean dramas, isn’t it more enjoyable if you do not have to read the subtitles every three seconds? Or when you listen to foreign songs, you do not need to search for translations to understand their meaning.
12) Learning a language now is as easy as one, two, three!
Language learning can now be done at the comforts of your home and with your device. There are hundreds of online tutoring platforms that can offer different language classes. What makes it better is that you can choose your tutor to accommodate your schedule at any time of day. Online language classes are even more affordable than taking an in-person one.
Enroll in an online tutoring platform now!
What are you waiting for? Start learning a second language now by finding the best online language tutoring platform. Choose one that has competent and qualified language tutors that are native speakers. Whenever your free time is, there is undoubtedly a tutor that can accommodate you. I bet you no longer have any excuses that can stop you from achieving that goal. Remember that as long as you give it time, you can finish it. It is just a matter of how much you want this.
