Find out how language learning can increase confidence, motivation, mindfulness and more
Studying a language is rewarding in itself, but you can also enjoy many other benefits beyond that. Whether it’s French, Japanese or Ancient Greek, let’s explore how language learning can contribute to your happiness and improve your overall wellbeing.
Benefit 1
Boost your brain power
Language acquisition can make you smarter and slow down brain ageing — even if you start later in life. For instance, a decades-long study from the University of Edinburgh (2014) revealed the differences it can make to your cognitive abilities.
Researchers found that people who spoke two or more languages had significantly improved cognitive skills in old age — even if their childhood IQ results predicted otherwise. This also applied if the second language was acquired later in adulthood. In other words, it’s never too late to boost your brain power with a new language.
Benefit 2
Enhance mindfulness
Mindfulness is the state of being fully present in the moment, leading to reduced stress, anxiety and depression. You can achieve mindfulness in many ways, including through meditation, breathwork, and creating art. Yet what many people don’t realise is that you can also access it through learning a language.
The presence and patience needed to master a new vocabulary can create an experience of deep, focused immersion, enhancing mindfulness and promoting a sense of calm. Who knew that studying verb tables could be so beneficial?
Benefit 3
Increase your confidence
Getting to grips with a whole new language isn't easy. But seeing your hard work being rewarded with increasing fluency is a huge confidence booster.
For instance, language learning is all about creating and achieving manageable goals, such as holding a five-minute conversation in Spanish. As you progress, you can look back and realise how far you’ve come, which is an amazing feeling. This sense of accomplishment never ends either, as with languages there's always something new to master.
Every time you have a conversation in a second language, your belief in your abilities and perseverance will just keep growing. You’ll realise that you’re capable of more than you thought and will also feel more confident about acquiring other skills.
Benefit 4
Renew your sense of purpose
Feeling stuck in a rut or struggling to find motivation? Learning something new can lead to a renewed sense of purpose. Signing up for a language course, creating the structure of a study routine, and progressing through various learning goals can all increase your focus and drive.
You can also boost your motivation by creating a compelling vision to work towards. For instance, would you like to order a meal in French on a trip to Paris? Spend a year in Japan? Volunteer in South America? What bigger dreams could you attach to learning a language?
Benefit 5
Gain a fresh perspective
Studying a foreign tongue opens your eyes to just how fascinating and diverse our world really is. That’s because language acquisition is so much more than reciting words and phrases; it also opens your eyes to how other cultures see things. By breaking down conversational barriers, you'll be exposed to new traditions, new perspectives, and new ways of life.
You can also gain a deeper enjoyment of arts and media, for instance, by being able to understand the lyrics to a K-pop song, the dialogue of an anime movie, or untranslated French poetry. And if you like travelling, you're guaranteed to find the experience much more fulfilling when you can have full conversations with locals. Even a basic understanding of a different language will give you the courage to explore new places, try new things, and make new friends.
Benefit 6
Deepen your empathy
Linked to the above point, learning a new language means you will be able to form a much stronger connection with the people who speak it. That’s because you’ll have a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what they’re communicating. Language learning can build bridges between you and others where only barriers might have existed before.
Benefit 7
Create new opportunities
Acquiring a second language is rewarding in itself, but it can also improve your life in a variety of ways. For instance, by creating new career opportunities and increasing your income, giving you the chance to live or study abroad, or making travelling a lot more fun. A second language opens up whole new avenues of adventure, where you can meet new people, try new things, and collect incredible memories.
Reasons to learn a language at City Lit
As we’ve seen, studying a language offers many rewards, from increasing your confidence to boosting your brain power. But with so many course providers out there, how do you choose? Here’s why City Lit is different:
- Flexible learning — our language courses are designed to fit into just about any schedule, as you can choose from daytime, evening, weekend and online options.
- Affordability — can’t pay all in one go? Don’t let your budget stop you from learning, as it’s now possible to opt for interest-free instalments via PayPal’s Pay In 3.
- Progression opportunities — some learning providers don’t offer anything past beginner or intermediate, making it tough to progress. City Lit offers a wide range of intermediate and advanced language courses, meaning you can go on a long-term learning journey with us.
- 1:1 support — we want students to get the most from their courses and don’t believe any learner should be left behind. That’s why City Lit is pretty unique in offering individual support sessions for anyone who is struggling — it’s like having your own personal tutor.
- Vertical learning — we also offer courses that explore the art and culture behind languages, such as Spanish for Flamenco Lovers or Singing in French. This way, you can learn more about the people who speak the language, immerse yourself in it more fully, and study something that interests you.
Edited by Deborah Martin
Deborah Martin has been a content writer and communications specialist for 15 years. She has written for global brands, national publications and marketing agencies across the world. She is also a qualified further education lecturer and has an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, University of London. Her short stories, poetry and essays have been featured in various collections. She was a finalist in both the Fish Short Memoir Prize 2018 and Poetry Rivals 2016.
Study Languages at City Lit
Take the leap into learning a language at City Lit. Get started on a beginner, intermediate or advanced course, either in London or online.
