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The Importance of Learning English
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 practising
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 |