You’re back in 10th-grade Spanish class, struggling through a lecture with a teacher you don’t understand. Learning Spanish has now become a chore and you just want to learn enough to pass your class. This, unfortunately, is what language learning was like for most of us. So much focus is put on learning grammar and vocabulary that most students can't even string a sentence together.
This isn’t how language learning should be, though. Not only should everyone learn a new language but everyone should love doing it, and here are 5 reasons why.
1. More Job/Networking Opportunities
Languages are a great way to bulk up your resume and land a great job. Whether it be traveling to teach English abroad, being a journalist, or being a Flight Attendant, learning a new language gives you so many more opportunities to earn a living.
2. It’s Inexpensive
In the age of the internet, the amount of free resources you can find for language learning is almost overwhelming. Whether you're learning French, Spanish, or Welsh there are a ton of free and inexpensive sources just a google search away.
3. Memory Boost
Whether you're 20 or 70, it has been shown that by learning a new language you can have a longer attention span and improved memory. It also doesn’t hurt that it slows down age-related cognitive problems.
4. More Entertainment
If you think procrastinating with Netflix was fun before, it’s even better in another language. Once you start learning a language, you realize that certain jokes just don’t land as well with subtitles. My favorite artists are all non-English speakers, and that’s amusing for both me and my suitemates who have no idea what I’m singing.
5. It’s Fun
Learning a language, especially on your own, is what you make of it. For me, it’s one of the most fun hobbies I have. It’s weird to think that you could enjoy learning grammar and vocabulary, but it makes sense when you have tv shows or fun apps like Duolingo that makes learning languages a game.
I’m currently learning Korean as well as trying to upgrade my Spanish and French, but there are so many languages out there that I can’t wait to learn. It’s never too late to start learning a new language and opening yourself up to a different culture. What are you waiting for?
