Why Learn a Second Language?
Connect!
Bilinguals have the unique opportunity to communicate with a wider range of people in their personal and professional lives. Knowing the language makes you a ‘local’ no matter where you are, opening up the world literally and figuratively.
Advance Your Career.
Language skills are among the top eight skills required of all occupations. Employers are seeking professionals who can communicate seamlessly. In many instances, language skills lead to hiring bonuses and increased salaries.
Feed Your Brain.
People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multi-task and better listening skills. They also display signs of greater creativity and flexibility.
Deepen Your Connection
to Other Cultures.
Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to, and fosters an appreciation for, the traditions, religions, arts, and history of people associated with that language. Greater understanding equates to greater tolerance, empathy, and acceptance of others.
See the World.
Travelers who know more than one language are more easily able to navigate outside the tourist bubble. Learning a second language also opens doors to opportunities to study or work abroad.
Go to the Source.
Speaking at least one additional language empowers us to access information that would otherwise be off-limits. You are able to navigate the internet as genuine global citizens!
Become a Polyglot.
Learning a second language not only improves communication skills and vocabulary in your first language, it primes the brain making the acquisition of a third language much easier.
Boost Your Confidence.
Learning a language means putting yourself out there and moving out of your comfort zone. What a sense of accomplishment you’ll feel conversing with someone in their native language!
Strengthen Your Decision Making.
When we deliberate in a second or third language, we actually distance ourselves from emotional responses and biases. The result? Systematic and clear-headed decisions based on just the facts.
Gain Perspective.
Learning about another culture sheds light on aspects of our own - both positive and negative.
Adapted from Lead With Languages: 10 Benefits of Learning a Second Language