Learning a new language is a skill that goes beyond simply adding a new line on your CV. It can provide multiple benefits which range from improving your cognitive skills to the chance of accessing new professional and personal opportunities. 

Beyond being a communication tool, languages can also be a bridge to different cultures and ways of thinking, offering us a unique perspective on the world. Moreover, in an increasingly globalised world, being bilingual or multilingual can be a great boost in terms of finding better job opportunities.

Main advantages of learning a language

Would you like to know how learning languages can influence different aspects of your life? Read on to discover all the advantages it can offer:

Communication

One of the biggest advantages of learning a new language is communication. It allows us to interact with people from different parts of the world, helping to broaden our social circle and improve our communication skills in general.

Speaking another language gives us the ability to express ourselves and understand those of others without relying on a translator. This is especially useful when travelling, as it allows us to communicate fluently with locals and travel more freely.

It also helps us to better understand the subtleties and nuances of non-verbal communication, such as gestures and tone of voice, which can improve our communication even in our own mother tongue.

Cognitive development

Studies have shown that bilingual or multilingual people have greater mental flexibility and better problem-solving skills. Learning a language requires memorising new grammatical rules and vocabulary, which trains our brains and, over time, contributes to improving our memory.

In addition, the process of learning a language involves the ability to switch from one language to another, which strengthens the neural connections in the brain. This not only improves overall cognitive function, but can also delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Thus, learning a language not only enriches our mind in the short-term, but it can also have long-term benefits for our brain health.

Cultural enrichment

A language is much more than a set of words and grammatical rules. It is a window into the culture of its speakers that allows us to better understand the customs, traditions and ways of thinking of other nations, helping us to develop greater empathy and respect for cultural differences.

Furthermore, by learning a new language, we can enjoy a wealth of literature, music, film and other art forms, which is culturally enriching.  

Professional opportunities

Nowadays, speaking multiple languages can be a great advantage in the job market as it opens the door to numerous career opportunities both at home and abroad. Many companies value the fact that their employees can communicate with customers and business partners in their own language.  

In addition, speaking a second language can improve your earning potential. According to studies, employees who speak more than one language tend to earn more than their monolingual colleagues. They can also work in specific fields, such as translation, interpreting, language teaching and tourism.

Why is it important to learn languages?

In today’s interconnected world, learning languages not only facilitates communication, but it can also be a fundamental tool for personal and professional success.  

It can also promote tolerance and open-mindedness. When we learn a language, we also learn about the customs and perspectives of another culture which can help us to see the world in a broader, less self-centred way, and to understand and respect cultural differences.

How long does it take to learn a language?

The time it takes to learn a new language can vary considerably depending on a number of factors. Some of the most important are what our mother tongue is, the language we are learning, our motivation, the learning method and the amount of time we devote to study. 

In general, it is estimated that it can take between six months and two years of constant study to reach a basic conversational level. Meanwhile, to achieve full proficiency, including advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, the time required can be between five and seven years. 

However, the process can be accelerated by a full immersion experience in a language-speaking environment. Not only must the language be used constantly, but we are also more exposed to the subtleties and nuances of the language in real-life contexts.

In any case, it is important to remember that language learning is an ongoing process, so even after reaching an advanced level, there will always be new words, expressions and cultural nuances to learn. In addition, maintaining and improving our skills requires continuous practice. 

Needless to say, it is an effort that is always worthwhile. If you are thinking of learning a new language, now is the perfect time to start!