Take a look at your goals for the year. You may have tackled that DIY project or brushed up on your yoga skills, but how did you get on with learning that new language?
There’s still time! Learning a new language may seem daunting, but it’s not as scary as you might think. If you are motivated and have the right tools and techniques to hand, it is a lot easier to crack and make good progress – and the benefits are plentiful for all ages and abilities.
Make connections
Learning languages allows you to connect with the world in a more meaningful way. You can engage with a wider audience and have a deeper understanding and sensitivity of cultures other than your own. This can enhance your appreciation of others’ situations in both business and your own personal life. And you will inevitably enhance your travel experiences – whether it's meeting new people, enjoying local theatre, asking for directions, or ordering food in a restaurant, you’ll feel more satisfaction from making the effort to get involved.
Boost your confidence
Language learning means speaking to others – friends, teachers or locals - to practice your new found skills. This can often be the most daunting part of your learning – what if I make a mistake? To be honest, it's inevitable you will make mistakes, but working up the courage to speak and taking that leap can greatly enhance your confidence and self-esteem, in your a new language but also in your mother tongue.
Feed your brain
Did you know that learning a language makes us more intelligent? Yes, really! It can enhance your problem-solving skills, your critical thinking, your listening skills, and helps improve your memory. No more forgetting that what's-his-name, or why you went upstairs in the first place! Studies have also shown that learning a second language creates new brain networks that make learning a third language even easier.
Open up job opportunities
With so many companies operating across global platforms, a second language really is an advantage. Give yourself the edge over your competitors with an extra language (or two!) on your CV. You’ll also find that so many more job opportunities open up with languages under your belt, and you may even become an indispensable member of your team.
If you think that learning French or German sounds appealing, get in touch. The Language Cabin also offers EFL/ESL tutoring. Contact Justine at justine@thelanguagecabin.co.uk to find out more or to arrange your initial consultation.
Justine Burnett
justine@thelanguagecabin.co.uk