The Benefits of Learning Another Language

Almost 8 billion people live on the planet — and only 1.4 billion or so speak English. Chinese is the most widely spoken language, followed by Spanish and then English, which is the primary language for approximately 360 million people worldwide.

Learning a new language opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re traveling abroad, immersing yourself in a different culture, or advancing your career, solid language skills are a valuable asset. Imagine exploring a foreign city and communicating effortlessly with the locals — or landing a dream job that requires fluency in a second language. 

Beyond practical benefits, learning a second language enriches your life in countless ways. From discovering new literature (imagine reading Le Petit Prince in the original French) and new music to gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures, language learning’s advantages are innumerable!

Sprechen sie Deutsch? Parlez-vous Français? Nǐ huì shuō Zhōngwén ma? 

If you’re planning a career that requires connecting and communicating with people worldwide, learning a second language makes sense. Here are other benefits of becoming bi- or multilingual.

Better brain function

Learning another language gives your brain a fantastic workout because it requires grappling with new grammar rules, vocabulary, and sentence structure. As your brain works to process this information, it strengthens and grows — like a muscle. 

Unlike your native language, which your brain’s left hemisphere processes, second language learning engages both hemispheres. This increased brain activity can lead to grey and white matter growth.

The benefits of language learning extend beyond cognitive enhancement. Studies have shown that multilingual people may experience a delayed onset of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Improved attention spans

Learning a new language can boost focus and concentration. By switching regularly between languages, bilinguals train their brains to filter distractions and concentrate on the current task. This enhanced ability to zero in is a definite benefit in today’s fast-paced, information-overloaded world.

Research has also shown that bilingualism can improve executive function — the mental processes that allow us to plan, organize, and problem-solve. Bilingual people are often better at multitasking, decision-making, and creative thinking. 

More career options and job opportunities

Speaking a second language can significantly enhance your career prospects in a globally connected world. Speaking a second language opens doors to more opportunities and increases earning potential.

In a competitive job market, language skills can elevate you above other candidates. Employers often seek individuals with strong communication and problem-solving abilities. Learning a second language develops those skills, increasing your value.

Enhanced creativity

Learning a foreign language can spark your creativity because as you learn the language, you learn the culture. Exposure to different perspectives broadens your thinking and can make you more innovative, adaptable, and flexible.

And think about it: the process of learning that new language requires you to combine words and phrases in different ways to express yourself. It’s a cognitive exercise that stimulates your imagination and enhances your creativity. An added bonus? Creative activities improve mental health and well-being, so learning French, Spanish, or any other language doesn’t just boost your brainpower — it also nurtures your mental health!

A better grasp of your native language

While we acquire our native language intuitively as babies and toddlers, learning a second language requires deliberate study and practice. Did you know this process can actually enhance our understanding of our first language? In learning a new language, we become more conscious of language’s underlying rules and structures and start to recognize patterns and nuances we may have taken for granted.

“When I taught Latin,” said Jodi Ireland, a former high school Latin and English teacher, “my students had to understand how grammar worked in English before applying those rules to Latin. Many said that learning Latin helped them grasp the complex grammar rules of English more easily — and it definitely showed in the papers written by students I taught in both Latin and English. The same held for my colleagues teaching French, Spanish, and German.”

Improved memory

Just like physical exercise strengthens our muscles, mental exercises strengthen the brain. Learning a foreign language is a fantastic way to challenge your cognitive abilities and improve your memory. 

Learning a language requires memorizing new vocabulary, grammar rules, and sentence structures. This mental workout strengthens your memory and helps you retain information more effectively. 

Higher self-esteem

Learning something different — and challenging — requires us to step outside our comfort zone and embrace our mistakes as part of the process. But while it may feel nerve-wracking to chat with native speakers as you stumble along with unfamiliar vocabulary, the rewards are worth it.

Achieving fluency in a foreign language can boost self-esteem. That feeling of accomplishment? Being able to communicate with people from different cultures? Talk about empowering! As you gain confidence in your language skills, you’ll gradually become more comfortable in social situations and more adept at navigating different cultural contexts.

Level up college applications

Learning a foreign language can also give your application a little extra “wow” factor. Fluency in a second language showcases your initiative, curiosity, and well-rounded education.

Many colleges also have a foreign language requirement. If you’ve learned another language in high school, you can take a placement test to see what college-level course to take. A high enough score may exempt you from continuing the language in college, freeing you to try a third language (or another elective).

Make lifelong friends in school — or abroad

Learning a second language can open doors to new friendships and cultural experiences. In high school and summer programs, language classes provide opportunities to connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for learning. When you study a language for multiple years, you build bonds with your classmates that can last a lifetime.

If you study abroad for a semester or a summer, you meet people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. You’ll form friendships with your fellow travelers and the locals eager to share their language and culture with you. 

A final reason to learn a foreign language

While English is the primary language in the U.S., it’s not the “official” language of this country. In fact, the country doesn’t have an official language at the federal level. This choice makes sense. Even though over 245 million people in the U.S. speak English at home, about 430 languages are spoken here. English tops the list, followed by Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog — with over 21% of the population speaking minority languages at home.

Your background may include other ethnicities. Wouldn’t it be fun to speak the native tongue of your ancestors? Life is just more interesting when you’re bi- or multilingual.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to Summer Programs here.