Benefits of language study (2024)

Learning a language is more than just an enjoyable pursuit - it can improve your future employability.

Benefits of language study (1)

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Knowing a foreign language will help to improve your cultural awareness, increase your adaptability, and make you a more confident and effective communicator.

If you speak a second (or third or fourth...) language, you may be way ahead in terms of your cognition and your career. And if you don’t, it may be an especially good investment of your time and effort—because the payoffs for being bi-lingual or multi-lingual are significant in terms of everything from pay and performance to your thinking and your relationships. In a competitive job market, it makes sense toset yourself apart—and being multi-lingual may be exactly what you need to enhance your value to your current employer or a potential employer.

Forbes

2023

Read the full report

Your language skills can increase your job opportunities. You could be in Sheffield liaising with international clients for an engineering company, in Brussels interpreting for the European Commission, or in Seoul at an international bank - your multilingual skills will help you on your way.

Languages give you a window into different cultures

Language study is not just about translating words. It gives you a better insight into people and their different cultures, and helps you to learn about a country’s past and present, and give you insight into cultural differences and similarities.

Expand your horizons

Every year, many of our undergraduate students choose to spend time studying abroad, either as part of their degree or as an elective option. It's an exciting opportunity to experience another culture, while you further develop an existing language or learn a new one.

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A global reputation

Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.

Benefits of language study (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of language study? ›

Foreign language study grows your brain

What are the benefits of learning a language study? ›

Improves memory and brain function Learning a language strengthens the area of the brain which is responsible for memory, speech and sensory perception. Bilingual people are better at retaining lists, sequences, names and directions. They are also more creative, perceptive and can concentrate for longer.

What are the benefits of language answer? ›

Research indicates that people who speak more than one language develop a better memory, talent for problem-solving, ability to concentrate, and tendency to be creative than people who speak only one language. Knowing at least a second language also reduces the chances of cognitive decline as you age.

Why is the study of language important? ›

The importance of language is underscored by its role in bridging cultural gaps and enabling effective communication, while the importance of studying English cannot be overstated in today's interconnected world, providing individuals access to a wealth of information, opportunities, and global conversations.

What are the benefits of learning a foreign language answer? ›

Foreign language study enhances one's opportunities in government, business, medicine, law, technology, military, industry, marketing, etc. A second language improves your skills and grades in math and English and on the SAT and GRE. Analytical skills improve when students study a foreign language.

What are the three reasons for studying language? ›

Why Study Language?
  • Fine tune analytical skills, multi-tasking capabilities and enhance creativity.
  • Improve communication and listening skills.
  • Enhance academic program (more advanced study of politics, history and culture of a country requires proficiency in the language)

What is the main importance of language learning? ›

Language learning contributes an important means to communicate and interact in order to participate in multilingual communities at home and around the world. This interaction develops the disposition to explore the perspectives behind the products and practices of a culture and to value such intercultural experiences.

Why is the study of language essential? ›

Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do. Linguistics scholars seek to determine what is unique and universal about the language we use, how it is acquired and the ways it changes over time.

What are 4 reasons why language is important? ›

Here are ten reasons:
  • #1. Language is the primary method for human communication. ...
  • #2. Language encompasses the range of humanity. ...
  • #3. Language and culture are closely linked. ...
  • #4. Language can be weaponized. ...
  • #5. Language can reveal significant differences in people. ...
  • #6. Learning another language can make you smarter. ...
  • #7. ...
  • #8.
May 22, 2022

Why is it important to study language development? ›

Language development is an important part of child development. It supports the child's ability to communicate. It also supports the child's ability to express and understand feelings. It also supports the child's thinking ability and helps them develop and maintain relationships.

How does learning a language help your brain? ›

Research shows that people who speak more than one language have better attention spans and an increased ability to switch tasks successfully. This is because switching between languages exercises your brain, making it more flexible and better at finding solutions.

Has learning a language improved your life? ›

Studying languages has been proven to be incredibly beneficial - it can improve general intelligence, decision-making skills, increase empathy, among others.

What two benefits does studying a foreign language bring people? ›

Learning a second language has numerous benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities, enhancing communication skills, broadening career opportunities, facilitating travel and cultural exchange, and even delaying the onset of age-related mental decline.

What are the benefits of language research? ›

Languages give you a window into different cultures

Language study is not just about translating words. It gives you a better insight into people and their different cultures, and helps you to learn about a country's past and present, and give you insight into cultural differences and similarities.

Why is it important to study a foreign language? ›

Learning a new language encourages individuals to learn about associated histories, politics, and cultures. Language study also encourages individuals to becme engaged in activities they might otherwise never discover.

Why should we study language language in daily life? ›

Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.

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