6 Unexpected benefits to learning a second language

High school students learn multiple languages, such as Spanish and French, but may forget some of the vocabulary later in life. Is there any reason not to relearn a foreign language in adulthood? The benefits are clear: fluency in another tongue can help you communicate with people from other cultures, make travelling more accessible, and even boost your career prospects. But did you know that learning a second language can also offer other surprising benefits? 

In today’s global society, speaking more than one language is becoming increasingly important. Businesses are now starting to see the benefits of having employees who are bilingual or multilingual. There are many unexpected benefits to learning a second language, and here are six of them.

1. Improved memory
2. Better communication with clients and clients
3. Enhanced problem-solving ability
4. Stronger leadership skills
5. Greater international business opportunities 
6. Increased creativity 

Learning a new language can improve your memory

Learning a new language can be beneficial in a number of ways. It can improve your memory, attention, and mental alertness. And the more you use your brain to learn new skills, the more your brain’s functions work. 

A new language pushes your brain to get familiar with new grammar and vocabulary rules. This process allows you to train your memory to remember new words, make connections between them, and use them in contextual situations. 

The cognitive and neurological benefits of bilingualism extend from early childhood to old age as the brain more efficiently processes information and staves off cognitive decline. So, if you’re looking for a way to boost your brainpower, learning a new language may be a good option for you as a fun and rewarding experience.

In ‘A Bilingual Advantage for Episodic Memory in Older Adults’, Scott R. Schroeder and Viorica Marian reveal that ‘Results indicate that extensive practice controlling two languages may benefit episodic memory in older adults.’ Furthermore, learning a second language helps short-term and long-term memory in both child and adulthood.

Communicate confidently with your clients and clients

There are more than 7,100+ spoken languages that are used across the world today. Each and every one of them makes the world a diverse and beautiful place. As there are a plethora of languages you are more than likely to speak to someone who speaks a different language than you. A language barrier can cause complications such as misunderstandings that can lead to conflict, frustration, and offence.

Language is the foundation of any relationship and learning a new language can be an effective way to create deeper connections with both clients and employees. People are more likely to connect on similar levels if their native tongue shares some commonality in it as well. 

Learning new languages is an effective way to improve communication skills and connect cross-culturally with clients and employees whose native languages might not be the same. It will also help you develop skills that may prove useful for your business, from managing international trade negotiations or understanding what’s happening at a home country level while working abroad. Because these global topics tend not only to affect us here locally but across borders too.

Enhance your problem-solving skills with the help of a second language

Learning a second language can be extremely effective for your brain. People who are able to communicate in more than one language have reported that they experience improved critical-thinking skills and concentration which help them with everyday problem-solving challenges. All of these advantages combined make it easier for bilingual people to not only monitor changes happening all around them but also show signs of greater creativity when necessary.

It also helps people develop an appreciation for the importance of multitasking by enhancing their ability to listen in both languages simultaneously while still being able to process more than one task at once. Effectively without any interruptions from other distractions that may arise when trying something new or different than what you’re typically used to.

Strengthen and develop your leadership skills

Any leader will tell you that communication is key. After all, how can you expect to guide a team effectively if you can’t get your instructions across clearly? This is why learning a second language is such a valuable asset for any budding leader. Not only will it help you to communicate with a wider range of people, but it will also make you better at communicating in your mother tongue. 

This is because learning a new language forces you to examine your first language from different angles, highlighting both the similarities and the differences. As a result, your leadership skills will become stronger and better.

To be a good leader, you need to have empathy. There are many definitions of the term ’empathy’. It means understanding how other people feel and think because that will help us achieve effective intercultural communication with them (which is important). However, there are different ways in which we can improve our ability as leaders by first realising what cultural differences exist between one’s own culture versus another foreign country or ethnicity.

The process of learning a second language enables you to diversify your position on important topics. Allowing you to connect in new, relational, and empowering ways with your team. 

A chance to gain greater international business opportunities

A second language can give you a competitive edge in the job market and open up new opportunities in other countries. For example, if you’re looking for a job in a Spanish-speaking country, being able to speak the language will give you a significant advantage over other candidates who don’t know the language.

Being multilingual opens the doors to greater international opportunities. Language barriers can limit business opportunities for growth and expansion, but multilingualism can help bridge that gap. 

If your team is not fluent in the language of a targeted region, learning key phrases through a learning program can help build a more solid foundation with a native speaker. A company that is able to communicate with clients in their native language is more likely to win their business. 

Global Lingo has a network of global linguists that understands your target audience. We are able to provide professional localisation services catered to your needs. Using our cultural expertise, we can provide an accurate service that captures the meaning behind the words. With a further keen eye for detail, ensuring that the quality of our services are of the highest standard.

As the world becomes increasingly connected, the ability to speak multiple languages is becoming more and more valuable. Consequently, businesses that invest in language learning are well-positioned to reap the rewards of the global economy.

Learning another language can help increase your creativity

Learning another language can make you more creative, according to research studies. When you learn a new language, you are exposed to different ways of thinking and expressing yourself. This can help you to see things from a different perspective, and to come up with new ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of before. 

Additionally, learning a new language can also help to improve your communication skills. This is because you need to be able to express your ideas clearly and concisely in order to be understood by someone who doesn’t speak your native language. 

Studies have shown that bilingualism enhances problem-solving skills and divergent thinking, which are both important for creativity. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your creativity, learning another language may be the answer.

Transcreation is a complex task, requiring attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills. Our linguists at Global Lingo are creative experts, understanding how to effectively communicate client products and services. 

When carried out efficiently using expert knowledge and a creative mindset, transcreation makes a product accessible worldwide. This eliminates cultural barriers and maximises user engagement and conversion rates. It is an invaluable tool for marketing and advertising, ensuring that audiences are captivated by a brand’s creative communication on a global scale.

Want to take advantage of these benefits but don’t have the time? 

Learning a second language requires extensive commitment and effort over long time periods. If you’re looking to take advantage of these benefits in a well organised and impactful manner, contact one of our language specialists. We will be happy to discuss how we can add value to your business niche. Our services are carefully implemented across a range of professional industries, enabling growth, empowering insights, and effective communication around the world.