Is Learning A New Language Worth It In Today’s World?

By Akande Aanuoluwapo

A good amount of people seem eager to learn a new language as there’s an increasing awareness about its importance, especially in Nigeria. But is learning a new language beneficial or is it a waste of time?

In the southwestern part of Nigeria, almost everyone knows that speaking Hausa to a Hausa seller while haggling prices with him will most likely make him sell his goods to you at a lower price. This demonstrates how powerful languages can be in social interactions. It is easier for people to warm up to you when you’re able to speak their language. But is learning a new language only beneficial for the possibility of buying goods at a lower price or is there more to benefit when it comes to language?

Learning other languages can help improve cognitive development. Have you ever wondered how you can improve your memory, your listening skill, your problem–solving and critical thinking skill, or your ability to concentrate and multitask? Learning a new language is one of the ways to do so, as these are the cognitive advantages of learning a new language.

If this seems plausible to you, then let’s take a look at the work of Thomas Bak, a lecturer at Thornburgh's school of philosophy, Psychology, and language sciences. He tested 853 young person’s in 1947 while they were 11 and then retested them in both 2008 and 2010 when they were already in their early 70s. He found out that those who were bilingual performed better than expected and the stronger effect was seen in general intelligence and reading. His study also shows that no age is too late to learn a new language.

Moreover, do you know that before you can work as a public permanent public servant in the UN, you need to be able to have an efficient use of at least two of the organization’s official languages? Several jobs will require the knowledge of a second language. Generally, learning a new language is one of the top skills that can give you an edge over your other monolingual counterparts in the labor market. Also, the world is changing fast, and more businesses in Nigeria want to have companies in several foreign countries therefore they would need to employ bilingual employees.

Learning a new language also allows you to connect with people. You can mingle and have a good relationship with people you will ordinarily not have met or connected with on a deep level if you had not learned the language. This skill is especially useful when traveling to a foreign country where they speak whatever language you learned. You’re able to, better understand their culture, interact with people, and, who knows, you might meet the love of your life.

The problem is many think that learning a new language is hard and rigorous. Yes, learning a new language might require some hard work and consistency but you can also enjoy learning a language. Technology has made it easy to learn languages these days. There are apps like Duolingo, and Memrise, which make it easier for anybody and everyone to learn new words and build consistency.

Some minutes on these apps are all the steps you might need to take. You’re unlikely to learn a new language and put it to good use if you don’t enjoy it, therefore look for interesting and flexible ways to learn a new language. You can watch movies where the language is spoken without the translated subtitle, or you can listen to radio stations or podcasts where the language is spoken and, you can also read books and watch YouTube videos. Once you enjoy learning a language, you’re on your way to improving your cognitive abilities, increasing your chances of getting an international job or perhaps, a foreign partner.