2015 is almost here: congratulations
because you’ve made it through another year! It’s that time again to reflect on
the past 12 months, and come up with some New Year’s resolutions, to make sure
that this year is so much better than the last. As clichéd as making
resolutions can be, the right (and meaningful) ones can actually be very
motivating and might help you to finally achieve what you want. This year,
instead of making the usual cheesy resolutions that we all know you will not
stick to, (drink less, go to the gym more or stop procrastinating), try to set
a goal that you can compete, and will benefit you in the long run.
If you have been considering learning a new language, why not make it your New Year’s resolution? It might not be the easiest goal to achieve, and there might be a million other things fighting for your attention, but being able to speak another language will benefit you in many ways. We have compiled a list of 6 reasons why you should leave your clichéd resolutions in 2014, and instead learn a new language!
In an increasingly globalised world where companies are dealing with clients from all over the globe, more and more employers are looking for additional languages on CVs. By learning another language you will have the edge over other job seekers without additional language skills in the market, and it could even help you to land that dream job.
2. Enhance travel experiences
Learning a foreign language, even if
it is just a few phrases, will make your travel experiences so much better!
Travel is not just about staying on your resort and confining yourself to your
own little bubble, it is mainly about exploring a country and really getting to
know the local culture. If you can’t understand the native language at all then
you will struggle to communicate with locals, travel around the area and experience
the culture, which could leave you feeling isolated and frustrated, and could
even be potentially dangerous. If you can communicate with the people in their
language then you are more likely to receive warm smiles and make more friends,
which will surely leave you with more fulfilling and enriching travel experiences.
3. Become smarter
It
has been proven that learning an additional language will increase your brain
power, as it has cognitive benefits and will boost the performance of your
mind. By speaking in a foreign language your brain will be challenged to
recognise, translate meaning and communicate in different tongues. So not only
will you get to show off your fancy new language skills, but you will also get
smarter as a result!
4. Study or live overseas
If you are craving a change in your life, then studying or living abroad can be an extremely enriching and worthwhile experience. Why not learn how to speak English whilst living in London, one of the most exciting cities in the world? Or go backpacking across beautiful Asia? Either way, if you learn a new language this will open up so many more fantastic study, employment and travel opportunities for you to take advantage of.
5. Impress people around you
Of
course this should not be the only reason you decide to learn a new language,
but it will be a nice advantage to benefit from. Whether you are chatting with
locals in their native tongue, or are simply ordering a drink from the bar,
people will naturally be impressed by your brand new, shiny language skills. The
compliments will surely come flooding in, and you will be able to soak up the
well-deserved language-related glory.
6. Make new friends
If you can speak another language, this increases the amount of people on the globe who you can communicate with and, thus make friends with. That tricky language barrier that arrives whenever you meet a foreign exchange student or new people whilst abroad, will be long gone with your new language skills. The opportunity to make new friends is a great reason to learn a new language, as you’ll never know who you will meet and what cultures you will get to experience- the possibilities will be endless!
If you can speak another language, this increases the amount of people on the globe who you can communicate with and, thus make friends with. That tricky language barrier that arrives whenever you meet a foreign exchange student or new people whilst abroad, will be long gone with your new language skills. The opportunity to make new friends is a great reason to learn a new language, as you’ll never know who you will meet and what cultures you will get to experience- the possibilities will be endless!
Will you be learning a new language for your New Year's resolution? Can you think of any other reasons why you should learn another language? Share with us in the comments below!
Written by Alissa Johnson