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Out of the 6 500 spoken languages in the world today, why choose to learn English? As the third most widely spoken language in the world, English is widely spoken and taught in over 118 countries and is commonly used around the world as a trade language or diplomatic language. It is the language of science, aviation, computers, diplomacy and tourism. Last but not least, it is the language of international communication, the media and the internet.
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Whether it is for professional or personal reasons, understanding the importance of English will help you reach your goals. English is the language of science, of aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism. Knowing English increases your chances of getting a good job in a multinational company within your home country or for finding work abroad. It’s also the language of international communication, the media and the internet, so learning English is important for socialising and entertainment as well as work!
The Importance of Learning English Language
Although learning English can be challenging and time-consuming, we can see that it is also very valuable to learn and can create many opportunities!
- English is the Language of International Communication
Although English is not the most spoken language in the world, it is the official language in 53 countries and is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people worldwide. But that’s not all, it is also the most common second language in the world. According to the British Council, by 2020 about two billion people in the world will be studying English.
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Therefore, it is highly likely that if you meet someone from another country, you will both be able to speak English. It gives you an open door to the world and helps you communicate with global citizens.
- English gives access to more entertainment and more access to the Internet
Nowadays, many films, TV shows, books and music are published and produced in English. By understanding English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore. By accessing these media, you will also continuously improve your English listening and reading skills.
English is currently the language of the internet. An estimated of 565 million people use the internet every day and about 52% of the world’s most visited websites are displayed in English. Therefore, learning this language gives access to over half the content of the internet, which might not be available otherwise. Whether it is for fun or for work, if you understand English, you will be able to exchange information with more people online and use many more materials.
- English makes it easier to travel
As highlighted before, since English is spoken as a first language in 53 countries and as a second language in over 118 countries, learning the language makes it much easier to travel anywhere. Indeed, airport announcements, train timetables, emergency information and street signs are often available in English, including in countries where the native language uses a different type of alphabet. It goes without saying that, when travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, you are practically guaranteed to find someone who understands at least some English.
- English can make you ‘smarter’
Learning a foreign language enhances your cognitive and analytical abilities. Learning a new language can be difficult and it involves a lot of mental exercises. Research from a 2012 Swiss Study shows that learning a new language changes the brain structures, impacting the parts of the brain responsible for memory, conscious thought and it can make you more creative. In the long term, bilingualism can keep the brain strong and healthy into old age and supports concentration and memory skills. On an individual level, it improves personality and increases sense of self-worth. In simple words, learning a foreign language makes the brain stronger and more versatile.
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Importance of listening skills in English Language
Listening is one of the skills which enable complete communication. In fact it is the 1st essential language skill because learning a language usually begins when we learn to listen first, then to speak, then to read, and finally to write.
As it is the 1st language skill, it is perhaps the most important skill of all as it is the basis for the other three skills i.e. Speaking, Reading and Writing.
It is also important as all the language skills are interdependent on each other. This can be seen from the below:
- The direction of communication (in or out).
- The method of communication (spoken or written).
Listening skills are of great importance in the workplace, the family and in the society at large. Careers in communications, management, planning, sales, and fundraising etc. rely on good listening skills.
All in all, Listening skills are necessary to improve communication, interpersonal relations, emotional intelligence and self-analysis.
Benefits of English Language
- Memory Improvement
It is a fact that no matter what age one is, that learning a second language improves brain functionality. Every single brain changes with age, but case studies executed show results that people who know more than one language have a longer attention span and perform better on attention tests.
- Improves listening skills
Because learning English keeps your brain activity functioning, especially when teachers use rhyming games in the classroom.
- Education enhancement
Many of the world’s prestigious universities are situated in countries such as United States, England and Australia. To earn a position at one of these prestigious universities it is paramount to be able to read, write, and listen in English.
- Better employment opportunities,
Watch employment opportunity doors open for you once you have learnt the English language. The better employment opportunities in turn have a knock on effect of higher salaries. English speaking people are in high demand at corporate global companies. It may likely also increase opportunities within your existing company. Approximately half of the world’s business websites are also written in the English language. English is the language of science, of aviation, computers, diplomacy, and tourism.
- Increases travel opportunities
Once you can speak English, your travel opportunities won’t only become easier as you become more confident, but you will find you can travel more. And this in turn broadens the mind! Understanding and respecting different cultures also becomes more apparent. Even if you are in a country where English is not the official language, chances are that English will still be used as a tool for communication.
- Broaden entertainment opportunities
Generally speaking, English is the official language of the art, and media world. The largest film industry in the world, Hollywood produces films in English. It is always best to appreciate an international work of art in its original language. Learning English will enable you to do away with subtitles.
- Assists in learning other languages
English is one of the easiest languages to learn with its simple alphabet. And once English is mastered you will have developed abilities and practices that you did not have before. These skills will transfer to any other language that you learn.
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