Recently, I found myself in a rather amusing conversation on Facebook. Someone asked me, “How could learning a foreign language possibly be considered personal or professional development?”
I chuckled at the question because, before I had this conversation, I thought the answer was self-evident.
However, as I delved into the topic and asked people around me, I realized that the answer isn’t so obvious to everyone. The question actually reflects a common misconception about the value of language learning.
So, I feel that I need to set the record straight.
Mastering a new language is not just something children do at school. It’s also not just about learning vocabulary and grammar, as many adults are led to believe. Learning a foreign language, like English, is more of a transformative journey that can significantly enhance both your professional growth and your personal development. Let me share eight reasons why I believe this is true, starting with the personal development angle.
The Personal Development Angle
- Cognitive Benefits
Learning a foreign language is like giving your brain a workout. (Yes, your brain benefits from workouts just like your body!) Studies have shown that bilingualism (or multilingualism) can improve memory, concentration, problem-solving skills, and even creativity. It can also help with flexibility, allowing you to switch between tasks with greater ease—something that we all need in today’s fast-paced world. Learning another language is therefore not just about speaking; it’s about training your brain to think differently.
- Cultural Awareness
Language is deeply intertwined with culture. By learning another language, you gain insights into different ways of thinking, traditions, and customs. This cultural awareness fosters empathy and open-mindedness—qualities that are essential in today’s interconnected world.
- Boosting Confidence
Let’s face it: stepping out of your comfort zone to learn a new language can be intimidating. I remember when I was younger how I refused to speak French or German because I was afraid of making mistakes. However, every small victory—whether it’s ordering food in Spanish or having a basic conversation with an Italian customer —builds confidence. This newfound self-assurance can spill over into other areas of life.
- Social Connections
Speaking another language opens doors to new friendships and connections. Imagine being able to chat with locals during your travels or bonding with colleagues from different backgrounds. Language learning enriches your social life and expands your network.
The Professional Development Angle
- Enhanced Career Opportunities
In an increasingly globalized job market, employers are actively seeking candidates who can communicate across cultures, especially in English. Being bilingual or multilingual can set you apart from other candidates and lead to exciting job prospects. Speaking English well can give you an even greater career boost. Furthermore, multiple studies have shown that knowing more languages can also impact your bottom line. Multilingual employees tend to earn anywhere from 5% to 20% more than monolingual speakers!
- Improved Communication Skills
Learning a foreign language sharpens your overall communication skills. You become more attuned to nuances in language, which can improve your ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively in your native tongue as well.
- Cultural Competence
In business, understanding cultural differences is crucial for successful negotiations and collaborations. Language skills provide you with the tools needed to navigate diverse environments and complex cultural dynamics with greater ease.
- Adaptability
The process of learning a new language requires flexibility and adaptability—traits that are highly valued in any profession. You learn to think on your feet, solve problems creatively, and embrace challenges head-on.
An Example in the Spotlight: Shakira’s Language Journey
A great example of someone whose personal growth and professional development have been profoundly influenced by languages—and who has used language skills to her advantage—is music icon Shakira. The Colombian singer and philanthropist has emphasized in numerous interviews how her proficiency in multiple languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Italian) has not only enriched her artistic expression but also broadened her understanding of diverse cultures.
Shakira attributes much of her success in connecting with a global audience to her ability to communicate in different languages. This multilingualism has allowed her to collaborate with international artists, perform for diverse audiences, and seamlessly adapt to different cultural landscapes. By speaking directly to her fans in their native languages, she has deepened her global appeal, which has opened up countless opportunities in all areas of her life. Shakira’s experiences illustrate how language learning can lead to personal growth and career advancement, making it a valuable investment for anyone pursuing professional development.
So, the next time someone questions how learning a foreign language could possibly contribute to personal or professional development, just chuckle (as I did) and share these insights! Language learning is not merely an academic exercise. It’s an enriching experience that cultivates cognitive skills, cultural awareness, confidence, and career opportunities.
Embrace the journey of language learning—it might just be one of the best investments you make in yourself!
SOURCES
Bak, T. H. (2011). Learning a new language helps brain development. Whitby School. Retrieved from https://www.whitbyschool.org/passionforlearning/learning-a-new-language-helps-brain-development
Bialystok, E., Craik, F. I., & Freedman, M. (2010). Bilingualism: Consequences for Mind and Brain. Psychological Bulletin, 136(2), 207-245. doi:10.1037/a0018478
Pelham, S. D., & Abrams, L. (2014). Cognitive advantages and disadvantages in early and late bilinguals. Proceedings of the 37th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/Products/Region/pacific/Ask-A-REL/70050
British Academy. (2019). The cognitive benefits of learning a language. Retrieved from https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/blog/cognitive-benefits-learning-language-two-minutes/
Cambridge University Press. (n.d.). How learning a language changes your brain. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2020/01/29/how-learning-a-language-changes-your-brain/
Pelham, S. D., & Abrams, L. (2014). Cognitive advantages and disadvantages in early and late bilinguals. Proceedings of the 37th Annual Conference of the Cognitive Science Society. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/Products/Region/pacific/Ask-A-REL/70050
Preply. (2023). 6 Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism & Learning a Second Language. Retrieved from https://preply.com/en/blog/b2b-cognitive-benefits-of-learning-a-second-language/