Why Learn a Second Language

There are 2,700 languages around the world as of today. But do you know that the numbers of dialects have reached 7,000 all over the world? Chinese is the most spoken language. English is just third, after Spanish. Aside from their own languages, people from different countries learn a second language. In order to catch up with the fast-growing competitive society, some study a foreign language even when they are already working. Let's take a look at the other reasons why people learn a new language aside from their own.

1.    Better career options

Many good and competitive companies where most want to work in are going global. That means that they serve people in different parts of the world. Because of this, employers want their employees to be multilingual in order for them to offer better services to their customers abroad.

2.    For better traveling experience

Wouldn't it be nice to ditch translation software that gives you sentences that do not make sense? When traveling, let's say in Spain, it's better to learn to speak Spanish first before heading to the country. You would have no problems following a travel guide as you can communicate freely with the locals as if you are a native yourself. This way, you can enjoy your vacation better and make the best of your travel.

3.    To understand a culture better

Studying a culture which is foreign to you would be easier if you speak the language. Language is part of a country's culture and it is also the gateway into understanding other aspects of the culture. It is also a good way to explore other political ideologies, history of a certain place and more.

Other benefits

To enhance your brain power Learning a new language, it does not have to be a second language, can make one better in problem solving, negotiating and speaking and reading. Aside from that, you will also have better listening skills since you are able to distinguish different types of sounds.

To develop multi-tasking skills

People who know more than one language and are proficient in them can easily commit to different activities and juggle tasks at the same time.

To improve memory

The more parts of the brain are used, the better the mind as a whole works. Through learning a new language, strengthens the part of the brain that deals with storing and retrieving information. That makes a multi-lingual person better at memorizing things. Studies show that people who are multi-lingual can delay threats of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

To build self-confidence

Due to an additional ability, a person who learned a new language tends to be more confident when speaking in front of other people. Knowing and speaking a language is a skill. The feeling of gaining a new skill can be exhilarating and can make one feel better about him- or herself.

There are many languages that you can learn out there. It would not hurt to learn a new one. Not only because you would want to look better in front of your boss, but also because you would want to improve the capabilities of your brain.

Frank White    Contact the author of the petition