The Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language
Posted August 22nd, 2016
Have you ever thought about learning a foreign language? In the United States, learning a foreign language is not seen as very important. Compared to other countries, fewer people in the United States speak a second language.
Enhancing Job Opportunities
But learning a foreign language is something to seriously consider because it can have big career benefits. In addition, learning a second language has been shown to improve our cognitive skills as well, such as improving decision making ability.
Knowing another language will improve your chances of finding a job and also increase your earning potential. Between two equally qualified job candidates, half of all companies would choose the one who could speak a second language. Studies have shown that knowing another language can add 10 to 15 percent to your annual salary.
Knowledge of some languages pays better than others. Knowing German, for example, pays a higher bonus than knowing French or Spanish.
But knowing another language can help increase your job opportunities, especially when globalization drives the business world. Interpreters and translators are among the five fastest growing jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth in these two occupations alone is expected to increase almost 50 percent between 2012 and 2022,
Which Languages?
What are the best languages to learn? Certain ones, such as Mandarin and Arabic, you may expect. But the best language to learn may come as a surprise. It is German. Why? It is because Germany is such an economic power in Europe.
After German, the best language to learn is French. This is simply because so many people speak the language. It is the most widely spoken language after English. It is spoken on all five continents.
After French, the best language to learn is Spanish, again because of its range and the number of people who speak it.
Number four on the list is probably one you would expect – Mandarin. It is spoken by more than a billion people in China, which is quickly becoming one of the big economic powers on the world stage.
And number five is Arabic. This is a good language to know simply because of the oil industry. Arabic speakers are in very high demand by businesses, but there are very few speakers. If you can speak Arabic, it could open up many different career doors.
Learning a foreign language can boost your career and so can Bayside Solutions. If you work in a technology-related field, Bayside can help you find work that fits your skills and experience. Give Bayside a call today.
