3 Reasons to Learn a Second Language

I took two years of French in college but only learned enough to pass the exams. I just completed a 10 week class at a local college. For several months, I’ve been practicing with an app, Duolingo that tells me I’m only 20% fluent. Trust me, I’ve thought about quitting. So why press on?

Brain Health

I’m considering 80 year old me. Several studies have shown that knowing a second language delays the onset of dementia by four or five years. Learning a second language improves memory and reasoning. Google “A Second Language May Help Sustain the Brain” by Kathryn Doyle. And or do a Google search to read dozens of other articles on this subject. The more I work my brain now, the stronger it will be in 30 years.

Discipline. The more I discipline myself with learning French, the more discipline I will have to go to bed on time, exercise when I don’t feel like it and limit myself to one dessert a week. I heard Dave Ramsey say that discipline is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets.

Affordability. It is more affordable than ever to learn a second language. The 10 week class that I just completed cost $200. The Duolingo app is free. Your public library might have a free subscription to Transparent Language. Did you know that you could hire a tutor to work with you via Skype? Check out www.TakeLessons.com to find an instructor. There are also language CDs available at the public library. There are language playlists on Spotify.

Bonus 1: Travel. If you intend to travel beyond the English speaking world, even minimal fluency in a second language will be helpful.

Bonus 2: Impress Prospective Employers. Most job applications ask if you speak a second language. If you have some proficiency in a foreign language, this skill could give you an edge over other job applicants.

Whether you want to learn a new language to get ahead professionally or to confidently communicate on your next trip, the opportunities to learn have never been better.