The necessity to learn a foreign language is increasing year by year. Now, all over the world, English is being used as an international business language and those who cannot converse in English risk being left behind despite their other qualifications. And it’s not just at work, in Catalan universities the First Certificate (upper-intermediate level) is required to receive your hard earned degree. But should we be looking at the process of learning a foreign language as a drag? Here are several incredible benefits of learning a foreign language that might just encourage you to head to your nearest language academy and start learning a foreign language.

It makes you smarter!

Learning a second language has been proven to raise brain functionality in general. People learn to process multiple things at the same time, training the brain to multitask as well as constantly practicing and consequently improving the brains ability to remember. This association with mnemonics allows your brain to recall names, places directions, where you put your keys and so much more!

Studies have also shown that being bilingual and the challenge which comes from sifting through the nuances of a second language subtly trains us to think more prudently about decisions in other areas of our lives.

It helps your mind last longer!

There is a lot of research to support the link between the delay of Alzheimer’s and dementia among bilingual people, with results showing that the average sufferer of Alzheimer’s or dementia would develop the diseases several years later if they spoke a second language compared to someone who speaks one language.

Improved first language!

Most of us can speak our first language very well! If you ask us to explain grammatical forms and language rules in our own language however, most people will draw a blank. Learning a second language helps us to learn about languages in general. This better allows us to understand the technicalities of our first language and give us a better understanding of how languages are formed and learned in general. This is turn makes learning a 3^rd or 4^th language in the future far easier.

Enjoy travelling?

Learning a second language in general has obvious benefits in terms of communication. If you learn Italian, visiting Italy becomes a completely different experience. You could make friends with locals, enjoy conversations in bars and restaurants and feel comfortable asking for help or directions.

Visiting a place where you can speak the language comes with great cultural benefits as well. Understanding the customs of a country or city and personality of the people can completely change your experience there, from better understanding the significance of local monuments to trying some of the local customs your experience can become far more authentic with the assistance of the language.

English of course is the universal language of such a rule, being the first or second language in so many countries, learning English can often provide you with the communication channel you need to really take advantage of your holiday.

Puff your chest out!

Communicating with someone in a second language gives a great sense of achievement. Becoming good enough to hold a conversation id very difficult. Two or three months of classes once a week won’t cut it, it takes lots of practice, learning vocabulary and language structures and no matter what the language is, takes time to get used to. When you can hold a conversation with a native speaker it’s a great reward for such hard work, and very motivating to go and improve further. Spread your international wings, embark upon a self-esteem boosting journey and start learning a second language today!

David McAulay.