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| Courtesy: https://www.studiocambridge.co.uk/why-it-is-important-to-learn-english/ |
Discover 5 reasons why learning English is important for your career and
profile.
In today’s
world, multilingualism is becoming
more and more important. In addition to opening up employment opportunities,
being able to speak a foreign language helps to make a real connection with
people and to know more about diverse cultures, places and lifestyles. The more
proficient you are, the better you can express yourself.
Out of the 6 500
spoken languages in the world today, why choose to learn English? As the third
most widely spoken language in the world, English is widely spoken and taught
in over 118 countries and is commonly used around the world as a trade language
or diplomatic language. It is the language of science, aviation, computers,
diplomacy, and tourism. Last but not least, it is the language of international
communication, the media and the Internet.
Whether it is
for professional or personal reasons, understanding the importance of English
will help you reach your goals. Here are a few reasons why you should keep
learning and practicing your English language skills.
1. English is
the Language of International Communication
Although English
is not the most spoken language in the world, it is the official language in 53
countries and is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people
worldwide. But that’s not all, it is also the most common second language in
the world. According to the British Council, by 2020 about two billion people
in the world will be studying English.
Therefore, it is
highly likely that if you meet someone from another country, you will both be
able to speak English. It gives you an open door to the world and helps you
communicate with global citizens.
2. English gives
access to more entertainment and more access to the Internet
Nowadays, many
films, TV shows, books and music are published and produced in English. By
understanding English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles
anymore. By accessing these media, you will also continuously improve your
English listening and reading skills.
English is
currently the language of the internet. An estimated of 565 million people use
the internet every day and about 52% of the world’s most visited websites are
displayed in English. Therefore, learning this language gives access to over
half the content of the internet, which might not be available otherwise.
Whether it is for fun or for work, if you understand English, you will be able
to exchange information with more people online and use many more materials.
3. English makes
it easier to travel
As highlighted
before, since English is spoken as a first language in 53 countries and as a
second language in over 118 countries, learning the language makes it much
easier to travel anywhere. Indeed, airport announcements, train timetables,
emergency information and street signs are often available in English,
including in countries where the native language uses a different type of
alphabet. It goes without saying that, when travelling to a country where you
don’t speak the language, you are practically guaranteed to find someone who
understands at least some English.
4. English can
make you ‘smarter’
Learning a
foreign language enhances your cognitive and analytical abilities. Learning a
new language can be difficult and it involves a lot of mental exercises.
Research from a 2012
Swiss Study shows that learning a new language changes the
brain structures, impacting the parts of the brain responsible for memory,
conscious thought and it can make you more creative. In the long term,
bilingualism can keep the brain strong and healthy into old age and supports
concentration and memory skills. On an individual level, it improves
personality and increases sense of self-worth. In simple words, learning a
foreign language makes the brain stronger and more versatile.
Ex. 1: Think about your personal reasons for learning English.
