Do We Need To Learn A Foreign Language?

Let s explore together the impact of learning a foreign language on careers, communities and mental performance.

According to a joint project between the Guardian and the British Academy, the consequences of the decline in learning foreign languages in the UK goes beyond the education curriculum. It affects the economy, society and even national security.

I came across a very meaningful quotation by Nelson Mandela on the British Council website.

He said, If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.'

Learning foreign languages creates positive attitudes and lessens prejudice towards people who are different, which spreads tolerance and empathy.

It broadens our views and opinions about the world. It challenges our fears and assumptions.

Furthermore, learning a new language develops creativity and listening skills. It improves memory and problem solving, facilitates learning other disciplines such as cuisine, film, history and art. It enhances both logical and linguistic intelligence.

How can learning a foreign language do all of this?

Well, exercising your mind is just as valuable as exercising your body.

Learning a foreign language is a mental exercise!

Switching between two systems of speech, writing and structure develops the learners focus and multitasking skills. and their short-term memory gets stronger improving &the retention and retrieving process.

One of the greatest challenges in modern medicine is illness resulting in cognitive decline. Dementia affects around 850,000 people in the UK, expected to surge to over 1 million by 2025. Several studies &have shown that the mean age for the first signs of dementia is 71.4 for monolingual adults and 75.5 for adults who speak two or more languages.

Dementia costs the UK £26.3 Billion a year. That s enough to pay the annual energy bill of every household in the country according to Alzheimer s society.

Now that we have explored the social and cognitive benefits of learning a foreign language. Let s see how it can benefit our careers.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, has stated that the deficient language skills cost the UK economy 3.5% of GDP per year that s £48 Billion. This makes foreign language study a great skill to enhance career opportunities in government, medicine, trade, business and other industries.