Whether you love traveling, aim to work in international business or want to learn a new skill, learning a second language is a great way to pick up a new hobby. In our increasingly globalized and connected world, there are so many amazing benefits to being bilingual:
- The obvious: you get to communicate (and make friends!) with people of other cultures!
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While this seems obvious, it’s one of the best benefits of learning a new language: you become capable of communicating in new places all over the world. If, for example, you learn French, you could travel, study abroad and make cross-cultural friendships in any of the French-speaking countries all over the world.
- It improves your memory
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It’s scientifically proven that learning a new language is a great way to “exercise” your brain and improve your memory. It’s a challenge to learn and absorb so many new words, but it makes you a better and more efficient learner!
- It improves your ability to multitask!
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It’s also a ~scientific fact~ that those who learn second languages have a better ability to multitask! Why? Because it increases your brain flexibility, making it easier to switch between tasks in seconds.
- It opens up more job opportunities!
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You know that “Language” section on LinkedIn, right? Knowing another language is very attractive to employers—not only can it be used in international business, but it helps distinguish you from other candidates and it shows an ability to pick up new skills and build relationships.
- It makes you more ~worldly~
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In a country like the United States, it’s almost too easy to be completely comfortable speaking only English. In fact, even when we travel to other countries, most people in touristy cities speak English. However, if you learn another language, you can better navigate these places from more of a “local” perspective. It also helps you become more aware and respectful of other cultures and cultural differences, and can ultimately change how you see the world!