June 4, 2024
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5 Valid Reasons to Learn a New Language in 2024 | Blog Post
Introduction
Let’s get straight to why the need to learn a new language in 2024 is such a hot topic. Picture this: It’s 2024, and everyone has a lot on their plates. People are chatting in cafes, conducting business deals in boardrooms across continents, and exploring various cultures during their travels. Yet amidst all the hustle and bustle, one thing stands out: the importance of speaking more than just your mother tongue.
Now, I’m not just making things up! Learning a language isn’t new in 2024. People usually know two languages, with their native language being their first and English being their second. According to a study by Rao (2019), English has been the mode of communication for most native and non-native speakers. That being said, countries like the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Asian countries like Singapore and the Philippines are just some of the examples of countries that use English as their second language. But other than English, what languages can you learn? There’s Mandarin, Spanish, Nihongo, and thousands of languages you could learn from, depending on your interests and needs.
Now that we’ve set the mood for why learning a language is important, let’s discuss the 10 reasons for learning a language in 2024. From exploring new cultures to gaining your confidence, grab yourself a cup of coffee and buckle up!
5 Valid Reasons to Learn a New Language
1. Culture
People usually find inspiration to learn a new language through immersion in various cultures. Whether it’s food, places, or entertainment, when a person gets hooked on a certain factor, it inspires them to learn a language.
In recent years, KPOP and kdramas have been getting popular all around the world thanks to their vibrant music and captivating storylines. From renowned kpop groups like BIGBANG to comedic dramas like ‘Strong Girl Do Bong Soon’, Korean entertainment has sparked interest in Korean culture and language learning.
Similarly, in Japan, food, anime, and manga are also some of the reasons why people are drawn to Japanese culture. Whether savoring the rich umami flavor of each Japanese food, being immersed in Studio Ghibli’s fantastical worlds, or following the adventure of ‘One Piece’, people are inspired to understand more about the language and one’s culture.
Cultural immersions not only provide entertainment but also educate about the differences in one’s culture. By embracing the culture of a country you like, you can gain a deeper understanding of its customs, values, and people and be able to connect more with them.
2. Travel
Traveling to new destinations is just one of people’s goals, and learning a new language can help you experience more. When you visit a non-English speaking country, language barriers can make communication challenging and limit your interactions with locals. You may not be able to communicate with your tour guide or ask locals for recommendations. By learning the language of the country you’re visiting, you can navigate your travels more smoothly and communicate effectively.
Speaking the local language helps you connect with locals more comfortably. Locals, such as tour guides or residents, are more likely to share insider tips, recommendations, and personal insights when you speak their language. These interactions form connections that can lead to memorable adventures. Moreover, learning the language can help you appreciate their culture. Who knows, you might come to love the country and want to return in the future!
3. Education opportunities
Learning a language gives you the opportunity to study in other countries or have a wider range of choices. This not only helps you with academic choices but also provides a unique cultural experience by experiencing them firsthand. That being said, proficiency in a foreign language can make you eligible for various scholarships and grants offered by governments, universities, and organizations. For instance, programs like the MEXT Scholarship in Japan, the DAAD in Germany, and the Erasmus+ program in Europe provide financial support covering their expenses and allowances for students who want to study abroad. These kinds of scholarships usually prioritize candidates who are proficient in their language or who show great interest in their culture.
Surely, living and studying in a foreign country might seem scary to a lot of people. You have to adapt to your new environment, do your tasks in a different language, and encounter cultural differences. But all of these give you growth, independence, and an entirely new experience overall.
4. Career opportunities
Learning a language gives you an advantage in today’s globalization, opening you to more career opportunities for communicating with clients or customers. That being said, the ability to communicate effectively in another language is highly-valued in professional fields, offering individuals a competitive edge to sell themselves in the job market.
As someone who has worked as an English tutor for a while, I have encountered people who are learning English for career opportunities. Many of my students have expressed their desire to improve their English to increase their employability. In non-English-speaking countries, proficiency in English is often seen as an essential skill for accessing international job markets or advancing in their careers. That being said, it doesn’t mean English-speaking countries don’t have a reason to learn another language.
According to recent statistics provided by Promova (2023), languages such as Spanish, French, and Mandarin are among the top languages to learn based on Google Trends data. Furthermore, recent data from Statistica (2023) emphasizes the widespread use of Mandarin, Spanish, and French as some of the most spoken languages.
In today’s globalization, proficiency in multiple languages not only gains a competitive edge but also fosters global citizenship. Individuals can contribute to a more inclusive and collaborative work environment, and achieve success on a global scale. By speaking multiple languages, you give yourself the opportunity to be a valuable asset in any workplace, capable of connecting with and building relationships with foreign clients.
5. Be more confident
What could go wrong with learning a language to boost your confidence? While learning a language takes time and dedication, it gives you a great sense of reward, such as feeling confident or accomplished. There are various reasons why you could be confident after learning a language. It could be from social situations, a sense of achievement, public speaking, or even overcoming fear of mistakes. Let’s talk about it more.
First, during social situations. There may be a time when you will find yourself meeting people from around the world. If, by any chance, you’re familiar with their language, you will feel confident and capable, turning what could have been a nerve-wracking encounter into an enjoyable experience.
The next would be a sense of achievement. The sheer effort and dedication required to learn a language are themselves confidence boosters already. Think about all the hours you’ve put into studying grammar, memorizing vocabulary, and practicing pronunciation. Every lesson you learn and every phrase you’re able to master, is proof of your hard work and persistence.
Then, public speaking. A lot of us may have a fear of public speaking. Speaking in front of your classmates could be scary, what’s more with a bunch of people whom you’ve never met? Or maybe in front of your boss? Whether you’re giving a presentation in your native language or the one you’ve been learning, the experience of speaking and thinking in a new language can make you a more effective and confident communicator. You’ll be less likely to stumble over words, get flustered, or even feel under pressure.
Lastly, overcome the fear of mistakes. Language learning is a trial-and-error situation. You make lots of mistakes—from pronunciation, incorrect grammar, dictation, and even misunderstood phrases! It’s embarrassing, for sure. But this helps you get more used to accepting mistakes. It’s normal for all of us to make mistakes, even on simple tasks. Embracing these mistakes as part of our learning process helps us to be better and more resilient. Overcoming your fear of mistakes in language learning boosts your confidence in other areas of life, encouraging you to take risks and try new things without fear of failure. After all, what matters is that you keep trying rather than doing nothing at all.
Conclusion
Learning a new language in 2024 offers numerous benefits, from just simple entertainment to creating opportunities for ourselves. Despite the reason why you’re learning, what matters is the process. You are enjoying the process and making a consistent effort to learn. Remember, you cannot learn an entire language overnight. It requires time, dedication, and a great deal of patience. Some lessons will come easily, while others might be challenging to grasp. It really depends.
Surprisingly, as we get deeper into understanding a new language, we may discover subtle similarities between it and your native tongue or other languages you know. These connections often relate to our history and can add an interesting reason to your studies.
When you encounter difficulties, allow yourself to take a breather. It’s not necessary to study every day. You can make your own schedule instead that suits your lifestyle, whether that’s every other day, three times a week, or whatever works for you. The goal is to maintain a consistent and enjoyable pace that keeps you motivated.
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About Me
I’m Sirius, a book blogger. I focus on manhwas, mangas, and web novels that can’t be seen much in book reviews. I like cats and stuff. And I’m currently in the process of becoming a self-proclaimed polyglot.
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