Learning a second language can take a lot of time and dedication on your part. On the other hand, being fluent offers numerous benefits and opportunities in one’s life. Learning a new language is fun and the benefits apply to all ages, young or old. It is never too late for you to learn although it is common to hear people say learning is much easier for children than it is for older people. Some of the benefits you can experience from learning a new language include:
In today's corporate dominated world, being bilingual or multilingual can be seen as an advantage when searching for jobs. It will also be beneficial for you if you are putting a lot of effort to maintain your current employment and get promotions. Companies that plan to expand overseas are constantly looking for people who can speak at least two languages that are globally accepted. By learning a second language, you can become indispensable at your work place as you have the ability to easily bridge the cultural gap between two countries.
Medical studies have shown various positive effects on the human brain resulting from learning a second language. It has been proven that learning a second language can help you delay the onset of various kinds of brain related diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer. It is also beneficial in improving your memory and enhancing cognitive functions.
Learning a second language opens up a world of opportunities for you in terms of travel, social life and career. If you choose to learn the most commonly spoken languages such as French, Spanish or German, you can practically travel anywhere in the world without having any kind of trouble with translation. You can confidently talk about your business with new clients in another country as well as speak freely to other travelers and locals. You will definitely have a better experience due to your effective communication, which will open up your mind and help you see the world from a different perspective.
Learning a new language gives you better and greater understanding of different cultures in the world. Even if you learn a few general phrases, you can get clear access to fascinating cultures and understand the differences between them. You will also be able to watch a whole new array of films, read literature, listen to music, and have a greater understanding of the cultural differences.
Learning a new language is also an achievement that can give you satisfying rewards. Once all your hard work and efforts have paid off, you can experience tremendous benefits and find yourself more confident than ever. So, now that you know how language learning improves life, you should not think twice before getting your hands on any new language that you wish to speak and learn. Learning a new language will open up your world in a way that any monoglot would never have the chance of experiencing.
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Diving into something unfamiliar, like learning a new language, means finding resources to overcome the situation. These resources are typically money, time, and motivation. However, for busy individuals language learning can be quite dreary.
Investing in something valuable to your language growth is always a good idea. It is even better if it can fit into your pocket.
Learn one word a day. Keep a pocket dictionary with you at all times. When you’re in a line, waiting for elevator, or cooking your breakfast, it won’t hurt to crack open a few pages and memorize a word or an expression. Whether it’s print or an app, your dictionary should also feature the pronunciation, word type, and notes on how to use the word. You can also find dictionaries with a grammar and verb sections.
Use your smartphone for listening to music of your target language. Download songs in or find them on your streaming service. Several scientific findings support the role of music in helping the brain process millions of pieces of information everyday.
Keep your iPad or phone with you. But take a break from social media and instead:
You can also start your own blog about your experiences and lessons while you are just attempting to learn a foreign language. You might also want to refrain from announcing to the Twitter world that you are bored, and just Tweet about a new foreign word or phrase you’ve learned. You might even gain new followers from a different country and find yourself exchanging “hello’s” with them in their language. Isn’t that cool?
As long as you have the determination, you have the eyes to spot opportunities anywhere for learning, whether they are a mile away or just inside your pocket.
Laurianne Sumerset is an avid traveler who loves learning languages. She’s currently based in Thailand, where she works as an English teacher while studying for a PhD in Linguistics at Chulonglakorn University. In her spare time she reviews online language courses and software for her website, languagesoftware.net. You can read her review of the Living Language Online courses here.
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Germany is one of the leading world economies; and the leading economy of European Union. Therefore knowing the language of your German business partners improves your relations and your chances for success.
Similarly, knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German and foreign companies in your own country and abroad.
Tourists from German-speaking countries travel a lot, and are one of the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. They appreciate to be looked after by German-speaking staff and tour guides.
German is the second most commonly used scientific language. Germany is the third largest contributor to research and development and offers research fellowships to scientists from abroad.
Germany is ranked number 7 in terms of annual publication of new books. Knowledge of German therefore offers you extended access to information. [Wikipedia, 2015]
German is the language of Goethe, Kafka, Mozart and Beethoven. Indulge in reading and listening to their works in their original language.
Source: Goethe Institute
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