The Importance of Learning Languages
Written by: Murad Al-Shawabkeh
Enhancing Communication
The ability to communicate is one of the most important human aspects. When a person can communicate with others in their language, it is considered a wonderful gift. Bilingual individuals enjoy a unique opportunity, as they can communicate with a wider range of people both in their personal and professional lives. Moreover, mastering a language makes one feel at home regardless of their location, literally and figuratively opening the doors of the world.
Mastering a language helps a person integrate into different societies and interact kindly with others. It also helps in building strong friendships. Even if a person only gained these benefits, they would see the fruit of learning languages for many years. In addition, learning languages contributes to changing one’s view of the world, as every language has its own style, expressions, culture, and heritage. For example, when children learn languages, they acquire new vocabulary and fresh, diverse ideas, which enable them to understand the world around them differently.
Enhancing Professional Life
Language skills can be a major competitive advantage that distinguishes a person from others who speak only one language. Language is one of the top eight skills required in all jobs, regardless of the sector or the level of expertise in the required specialization. Currently, the demand for bilingual individuals is growing rapidly, and in many cases, language skills can lead to higher salaries and incentives for employees.
Learning a foreign language opens many job opportunities, as it provides job seekers with better prospects. Many companies operate in dozens of countries around the world, and such companies cannot hire people who do not speak a foreign language in addition to their native tongue. Even small local companies prefer to hire employees capable of speaking a second language. In addition, learning languages reveals many skills; according to studies, multilingual individuals are better problem-solvers, more creative, and more capable of multitasking — skills that are highly demanded in the job market.
Developing Mental Abilities
The cognitive benefits of learning languages are numerous and diverse. People who speak more than one language enjoy several mental and cognitive advantages, including:
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Increased ability to concentrate.
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Better listening skills.
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Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
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Ability to multitask.
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High levels of creativity and flexibility.
Research has shown that bilingual brains are better at focusing attention and switching tasks compared to monolingual brains. This is due to the brain’s advanced ability to focus on one language while suppressing the other during speech.
Language learning also develops the brain. Studies show that bilingual individuals tend to have better memory and that learning languages delays the onset of dementia. The brain uses different receptors and seeks new ways to process information, which helps protect cognitive functions — a concept known among academics as “cognitive reserve.”
Studies have also shown that learning a new language positively affects standardized test scores in math, reading, comprehension, and structure for multilingual students compared to monolingual students. It also provides faster access to education. If a person knows another language, they may be able to obtain a university degree from another country at a lower cost and with a more enjoyable educational experience. The same applies to the media — those who speak only one language may not be able to access world news or understand different perspectives.
Deepening Connection with Other Cultures
Language is the most direct way to learn about other cultures. The ability to communicate in another language enhances appreciation for customs, traditions, religions, arts, and the history of different cultures. Studies have shown that children who learn another language are more open to that culture and express positive attitudes toward it. Having more than one language also opens the door to entertainment and enjoyment — understanding world literature and art helps people better appreciate the world around them.
Learning multiple languages is essential to keeping up with the global economy. Learning another language helps individuals integrate with societies at global levels. Many people have started learning English, German, French, Chinese, and other languages due to their importance and necessity in gaining deeper understanding of other countries’ cultures and histories.
Traveling Around the World
Monolingual travelers usually visit the same places, while those who know more than one language can communicate and interact better with different people and places. It also opens doors to job or study opportunities abroad. Traveling becomes cheaper and easier when a person masters a foreign language. Knowing a few words of the destination country’s language can help them find affordable places, move faster and cheaper, choose accommodation and food more freely, and even explore independently without needing a guide.
Gaining Multiple Skills
People who speak more than one language gain several skills, including:
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Improved decision-making: A 2012 study by Catherine Harris showed that decisions made in a second language are more rational, logical, and clear compared to those made in the native language, as people avoid emotional reactions and biases.
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Easier access to information: With over 6,000 spoken languages worldwide, translation is often needed. Thus, speaking at least one additional language provides faster access to information. Multilingual individuals can browse the internet, social media, and global media more efficiently.
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A different perspective: Exploring a new language and culture allows comparison with one’s own culture, helping people appreciate their values and adjust their perspectives.
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Boosted self-confidence: Learning a new language involves making mistakes — an essential part of learning. Speaking to others in their native tongue gives a sense of accomplishment and builds confidence.
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Tolerance and acceptance: Those who learn multiple languages tend to have positive attitudes toward the people and culture of that language, becoming more tolerant and understanding.
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Motivation to learn more languages: Learning one language breaks the fear barrier and encourages learners to continue studying other languages, making learning itself easier.