Why learning a language should be your New Year’s resolution

By Thea Jaffe

Our top 5 reasons:

Improve your communication skills across the board

By increasing your awareness of grammar, phonetics, and subtleties in meaning, you will most likely notice a heightened sensitivity to these aspects of your first language as well. Using your target language both inside and outside the classroom will also force you to pay extra attention to communication features such as tone, gesture, and facial expression, boosting interpersonal skills in general.

Increase your brainpower

A Swedish study using MRI scans on intensive language learners at the Swedish Armed Forces Interpreter Academy revealed a notably higher rate of growth in the hippocampus and areas of the cerebral cortex than found in the brains of recruits who studied equally hard at other subjects. Another study, following 853 participants based around Edinburgh through life between 1947 and 2010, suggested a positive effect of bilingualism on adult cognitive abilities, regardless of whether the second language was acquired in childhood or adulthood.

Broaden your network

While social media language learning apps like HelloTalk and Italki make it easy to connect with other language learners around the world, your new language skills can help you connect with the right people in your professional life. For example, identifying and connecting with a key international business contact on LinkedIn is made easier when you can search for and reach out to them using their first language. Maximize your online presence in your target country by creating a LinkedIn profile in the national language. Find out about our business language courses.

Enhance your professional profile

Even if you’re still approaching A1 in your target language, play it up on your CV. The fact that you give time and importance to language learning shows employers and business contacts that you’re proactive, plugged in, and ready to challenge yourself.

Boost your confidence

Language learning activities force you to talk to strangers, speak up, and express your opinions. And if you’re able to travel to the country of your target language, that rush you get when you successfully order a meal or ask for (and understand!) directions in your target language will leave you feeling on top of the world.