10 surprising benefits of learning a new language in 2022

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Around 23 million Brits made New Year’s resolutions in 2021, however, only 1 in 4 (26%) managed to keep them.

Taking up a new hobby is one resolution that many people aim to achieve in the new year. One hobby that can be taken up in 2022 is language learning. Learning a new language has many benefits, including increasing your income by an average of 15%.

However, only 38% of Brits can speak a foreign language, compared to the European average of 56%.

With that being said, the team at the online language platform Preply have put together the 10 most surprising benefits of learning a second language.

Improved Memory Function

Learning a second language can improve memory abilities, as it develops areas in your brain and strengthens the brains memory function. Bilinguals are also said to have better concentration than those who only speak one language.

Boosts Creativity

Bilinguals are said to be more creative, according to a recent study. Those who speak more than one language are said to think more broadly, which allows new though, new visions and new experiences.

Earn more money

Learning a second language can increase your income by 15%, and there are thousands of career opportunities for second language speakers. Indeed currently having 2,700 job listings advertised for bilinguals in hundreds of different fields.

Improve your confidence

All language learners make mistakes when speaking in a new language. However, learning a new language takes many people out of their comfort zone, making them more confident speakers as they grow.

Improve your English skills

It may sound surprising, but learning a second language can actually improve your English skills. When you learn grammar in a foreign language, you’ll start to understand and challenge the grammar you use in your native language too.

Improve your communication skills

If you’re looking to improve your communication skills, learning a language may be beneficial to you. Bilinguals are said to be better communicators as language learning increases social interaction.

Understand other cultures

By learning a new language, you’ll also be learning about the cultures surrounding that language. Film, food, and music all play a part in a culture, and by learning a language you’ll open yourself up to a variety of new cultural experiences.

Surprising health benefits

Studies show that people who utilise their brains more through language learning tend to have lower rates of dementia and memory problems later in their life. The mean age for the first signs of dementia is 71.4, however, for a bilingual, this increases to 75.5.

Meet new people

When learning a second language, you’re likely to practice speaking the language with a range of people who you’ll never usually meet. This has many benefits as it allows you to practice your language skills, whilst also making new friends.

Better travelling experiences

There’s nothing more frustrating than visiting a foreign country and not being able to converse in the mother tongue. Language learning will enhance your travelling experiences as you’ll be able to order food in the native language and converse with the locals.

Top tips by Preply to learn a second language

Immerse yourself in the language

Become immersed in the language by listening to foreign films and music. As your language improves, start reading books in the language and use a dictionary to translate any words you don’t understand.

Make sure to study pronunciation

Many language learners can fixate on grammar and vocabulary, however, pronunciation is much more difficult to fix in the later stages of language learning. Make sure to practice pronunciation by impersonating other language speakers.

Practice speaking early

Many people fear speaking in another language due to embarrassment or saying something wrong, however, it’s easier to learn the language while you’re practising it. Try and have daily conversations in the language, or use speaking apps to help yourself learn.

Be consistent

One classic New Year’s resolution is learning a new language, however many of us don’t follow through with the goal. The key to language learning is to stay motivated and keep going. It will be challenging at times, but worth the effort in the long run.