6 Reasons why learning a Foreign Language should be on your bucket list

Who wouldn’t want to walk the cobblestoned streets and fallen ruins of Rome and order authentic Italian food in their snug and dainty restaurants without mispronouncing a single syllable, while conversing with the locals in their own tongue. Or visit the beaches and markets of Spain without having to consult confusing translation tools or forcing others to adjust to your monolingualism. Learning a foreign language can do that and more for you. It can help satiate that wanderlust and manifest all your traveling dreams. So here are 6 more reasons why learning a foreign language should be on your bucket list.

1.  The world is open to you: With our world becoming increasingly more interdependent, foreign language has never been a more coveted skill than it is now. It can expand your reach beyond the confines of land and language, strengthen your social network and help form meaningful personal and professional relationships. With a foreign language up your sleeve, the world is full of opportunities and global avenues stand awaiting.

2.  New art and recreation revealed: Language is not just a medium of communication, it is a carrier of culture and art. Learning a foreign language can introduce you to new books, films and fashion, music, cuisines and much more. Imagine watching Ghibli and understanding all the subtle cultural references, or catching the barely conspicuous hints of irony in Tolstoy that would otherwise have been lost in translation.

3.  College to corporates: Foreign language courses have often been cited as some of the most helpful college courses by students. So, whether you are a college applicant or a candidate for a job, foreign language proficiency is sure to give you the competitive edge above your peers and make you stand out in the job market. In a time when most corporations work internationally, an employee who can communicate across cultures and countries and adapt to changing market trends is not someone the employers would want to miss.

4.  Stimulate your brain: Research suggests that bilinguals and polyglots tend to have better memory, retention abilities, concentration and problem-solving skills as learning a second language can develop new areas of your brain that remain unused otherwise. For more information on how learning a new language can affect your brain, check out our blog on some fascinating scientific facts about the bilingual brain. note

5.  Broaden your cultural horizon: Learning a language cultivates respect and empathy for the people who speak them. In a society that fosters multiculturalism, this is a desired quality indeed.

6.  Linguistic prowess as an asset- While it surely helps flourish your personal interests and cultural awareness, a foreign language also adds up to your linguistic prowess. Linguistic proficiency is a paramount skill not only for attaining more lucrative career prospects, but also keeping in mind its benefits in personal growth. People with a strong command over languages are known to be more confident and in possession of better communication skills.   

So, let us learn a new language together!