Seven ways learning a new language changes your life
We’ve all had the best intentions when learning another language. New Year’s resolutions roll around again, we download that app that will supposedly help us become fluent within weeks, and just as easily as those plans were made in earnest, they’re lost again by mid-January.
At Yorschool, we have another way of thinking about it: instead of piling on the pressure in January, why not simply make 2019 the year you begin learning a new language?
In this blog, we’re running down seven ways learning a new language can transform your life for good. From the big accomplishments to the smaller, marginal gains, it all leads to one thing: achieving what you set out to do this year.
1. There’s no pressure to be fluent - even conversational language can be life changing
Why not start by simply mastering a few exchanges of small talk to show your respect for a potential client’s culture and beliefs? Investing a few hours in learning the basics will still lead to conversations you’d never had in the past. Or how about working towards hosting the next business meeting with Germany? Take the first step by investing a little time in conversational German - there’s no limit to where your language skills could take you once you get talking to a new client or business prospect.
2. In a post-Brexit culture, knowing a second language sets you way ahead of the pack
No matter what is decided regarding Brexit in the coming months, Britain’s standing within the European Union is set to change. In the next few years, knowing a second language will give you a huge advantage alongside other British competitors as we move towards a more integrated and connected global society. Don’t get left behind. In fact, why not use the changing geopolitical climate as motivation to become that much admired Brit who starts the conversation in German?
3. Travel, travel, travel!
This is a simple one, because the minute you start speaking another language, the minute the world becomes more fun to navigate. It might mean an annual business trip to Frankfurt you usually dread is now the perfect chance to practise your new conversational German. Or maybe you may not like presenting in board meetings or giving speeches - but perhaps you’ve got untapped potential with speaking a second language - why wait and risk never finding out?
4. No matter where you are in your career, there’s no guarantee what’s around the corner, so why not safeguard your personal development now with a tangible asset?
Whether you’re a new graduate or considering retirement in the next ten years, the past decade has shown us that nothing is set in stone. Whilst it’s impossible to rely on one particular job or career path, learning a new language is a real investment in your own personal development. And one you can add to year after year through new trips, experiences, meetings, conferences and networks.
5. After you’ve learnt one, it’s even easier to learn another
Once you’ve acquired the skills to learn one language, it’s inherently easier to learn another. It’s called metalinguistic awareness - think of it as muscle memory for your brain’s language skills. It’s all about transferring those previously-learnt skills and maximising their potential. You see, those school Spanish lessons weren’t a waste of time, after all!
6. That feeling of achievement…
It’s true what they say: self-control is muscle and once you’ve taken those crucial first steps to learn a new language, your willpower to learn strengthens. Is it finally time to cast aside those haunting memories of not really getting beyond ‘Je m’appelle’ at school? How good would you feel if you sent your next business email in German?
7. … Are you starting to imagine all those long-term benefits?
How can you be part of the conversation if you can’t speak the language? Is 2019 the year you start learning another language?
Start at Yorschool and let the laughs begin…
