English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. This means that a lot of English speakers don’t find it necessary to learn a second language. However, learning a second language comes with many benefits.

Learning a second language can help you communicate with people who don’t speak English. This could be beneficial if you are traveling to another country for work or for fun, and for communicating with someone who didn’t grow up in an English-speaking area.

Additionally, knowing a second language can help you get into college and even increase your chances of getting hired for a job. In fact, in competitive job markets, knowing a foreign language greatly increases your chances of getting chosen among other applicants.

Learning a new language is a great way to challenge your brain and increase your attention span. Learning a second language also leads to improved memory. In fact, scientific studies also suggest that people who know a second language are at a decreased risk of certain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

Learning a second language can also help boost your creativity. You’ll be exposed to new cultures. Learning a new language can also help you see the world in a new way. This can lead to you becoming more flexible and original and, therefore, more creative.

Additionally, learning a new language can help increase your understanding of your first language. While learning new grammar, sentence structure, and vocabulary, you will become more conscious of what you already know in your first language. You will also become more aware of the differences between your first and second language. This can lead to an increased understanding of both languages.

While learning any language is highly recommended and beneficial, some of the most recommended languages to learn for people who already speak English are Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, German, French, Hindi, and Japanese.

Marion Center offers several online language courses and four levels of Spanish that can be taken in person. Consider taking advantage of these opportunities to learn a second language by signing up for a language class next year if you’re not already enrolled in one.

In the end, there’s so much more to learning a language than just communication skills. It strengthens your brain, improves your memory, boosts your creativity, and highers your chances of getting a job in a competitive field. Taking the time and putting in the effort to learn a language is an investment that will last a lifetime.

Sources:

https://potomac.edu/benefits-of-learning-a-second-language/ 

https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/arts-and-humanities/resources/career-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language/