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Breaking the Language Barrier!

Zaakirah Nisa — July 3rd, 2022

The benefits to society of learning a language are great.

Language is the foundation of all human interactions. Learning a new language is not only a personal accomplishment, but it has many significant benefits for society.

First and foremost, a new language provides a competitive advantage. From applying to your dream university to impressing employers once you’ve graduated or even communicating your business ideas to international partners, being bilingual is a significant competitive advantage that sets you apart from your monolingual peers. The ability to speak another language conveys that you’re motivated and driven to learn new skills.

There continues to be an increased demand for bilinguals because it comes with the ability to connect with people internationally in ways that others cannot. Learning a new language can make a person better suited to an increasingly international market. Employers consider multilingualism a valuable asset as you have the advantage to acclimate to international settings and connect and engage with a broader range of people.

When you learn a new language, you experience that language’s culture with greater insight. You have the opportunity to better understand the social structures and ideas of that culture in relation to your own. “Those who know nothing of foreign languages, know nothing of their own,” Johann Goethe. While learning a new language can make you more aware of cultural differences, you also come to understand why those differences exist and the importance of respecting cultures different from your own. Being able to communicate in another language inspires and promotes greater tolerance, empathy, acceptance and appreciation of other cultures. Ultimately, learning a foreign language broadens your horizon. It builds perspective and increases mobility; socially, culturally and globally.

Lastly, learning a foreign language nourishes the brain with wisdom as well as enhancing cognitive performance. The increased vocabulary allows you to express yourself and engage with others to make meaningful connections. This is accompanied by increased memory and attention span, better decision-making, problem-solving skills and amplified critical thinking. Overall, learning a new language not only provides the opportunity for personal growth, but also has countless benefits for society.