Those of you who fully enjoy learning languages and completing yet another course know why you do it. But even among the most dedicated linguists, a question surely creeps in: 'Where will all this take me in life?'
Recently, one of the world's renowned online platforms for learning foreign languages, similar to the Bulgarian project Kabinata.com, published scientific research on the benefits of knowing foreign languages. We present to you 4 of the most convincing advantages that you could use as additional motivation when deciding whether to study languages.
- Those who know foreign languages are sexy!
These are official data from 270 British dating agencies, according to which people who know foreign languages are more attractive and more sought after. Useful information, isn't it? It would be interesting to see similar data from dating on Facebook, given the times we live in.
See which languages are the sexiest according to this research. They are cited in random order (so we don't make any language 'jealous'):
Brazilian Portuguese
Italian
Irish
Spanish
French
British English
That's right, you know a foreign language – your chances of getting a date increase instantly! If that hasn't convinced you, 63% of those surveyed said they had been on a date with someone who speaks foreign languages. It seems the 'language of love' needs a little boost. Or perhaps it's an unfair assumption, since the data doesn't show how many of these people are still together.
- Learning foreign languages makes you smarter.
Of course, it's a well-known fact that speaking foreign languages makes you look smarter. But does it actually make you smarter? For students at least it does! 'Students who study foreign languages for 4 or more years outperform their peers'. So don't stop if you've reached the 3rd year. Moreover, according to the data, learning foreign languages leads to 5 sub-benefits related to intelligence:
Memory
Versatility
Talent
Health
Concentration
Improving health leads to increased intelligence. Doesn't sound bad, does it! The data shows that people who speak at least 2 languages are 4 times less vulnerable to cognitive impairment. Still skeptical? 95% of those interviewed believe that learning a second language would improve their brain activity! And while you think positively about your learning experience, positive things will surely follow for you.
- Travel is easier and more fun
Everyone loves to have fun with languages while traveling abroad. Especially in Europe, where a huge diversity of different cultures is concentrated in a small area. Whether you're a student, expert, businessman or something in between, speaking the local language can help you:
Save money
Stay safe
Order different things every day like food and drinks
Find work
According to an analysis of the American market, for example, the number of American students studying abroad has increased by 300% over the last 20 years. On a global scale, the number of international students grows by 12% every year – from 800,000 in 1975 to 3.5 million in 2009.
97% of those interviewed during this major research on potential agree that knowing the language makes traveling to a foreign country easier. And travel itself contributes to even more complete language learning.
- Significantly improves your chances of promotion
Have you ever felt like your language skills go unnoticed by your employer? It's never nice to be undervalued, but there's some data that could lift your mood.
Nearly one-third of companies worldwide are specifically looking for people because of their language skills. Your abilities will be noticed and appreciated by a large part of the global business, so don't let them tell you that your language skills are nothing special. Multilingual employees can expect salary increases of 20% for certain positions, so perhaps it's time to think a little more deeply about this before your next pay review.
If you're not sure you're working in the right sector, check out this list of 6 industries where language skills are highly valued:
Journalism
Marketing
Tourism
Engineering
Medicine
A huge 97% of those surveyed believe that learning a second language would help their career. The data seems to reflect this, although not everyone is happy with their employers.
Conclusion
Want to be sexier, smarter, happier, more appreciated traveling millionaires? Forget the dream of becoming famous – grab a dictionary! You'll never know where your love of learning foreign languages will take you. But much wiser people have already spoken out that in many ways the journey itself is more valuable than achieving some final goal. Draw inspiration from your own self-improvement.
Kabinata.com is always at your service with its huge database of multimedia materials, excellent teachers and innovative teaching system – to help you achieve your language learning goals.