It goes without saying that knowing languages is a real asset in our daily lives. Learning them allows us to discover other cultures and develop a more open-minded approach to the world. It's a true source of opportunities, particularly in terms of job searching, facilitating communication with colleagues or clients, for example. Are we all capable of learning languages? How can we encourage this learning? What about professions where language proficiency is essential?
We often hear that the younger we are, the faster we learn. It's true that young children have a capacity to absorb a large amount of information. However, a 15-year-old teenager will have just as much capacity to retain material because they are independent and have access to multiple sources of information to guide them.
To promote the learning of a second language.
Generally speaking, it is always more advantageous, and even advisable, to master at least two languages. This is why we are very quickly confronted with learning a second language, which is taught at our school.
To perfect this learning, the best way is to live in total immersion and get used to practicing the language. However, it is entirely possible to learn a language on your own:
– Set learning objectives. There's no need to set the bar too high, especially at the beginning of your learning journey A study has been conducted which claims that we are capable of assimilating 200 words per weekThis figure varies depending on the proximity between the language being learned and our mother tongue.
– Try watching films with subtitles in the same language if necessary. This way, you can hear the word you're reading and improve your pronunciation. Visualizing dialogue through film scenes will accelerate your learning.
– Build a circle of friends, or meet people with whom you can speak another language and thus discuss a wide range of topics. This is yet another opportunity to enrich your vocabulary and use as many words as possible. Being surrounded by loved ones will give you more confidence. You will therefore feel more comfortable expressing yourself.
– Cultivate a curious mind by looking up words you don't know or understand. These days, there are countless resources available to help us learn: bilingual dictionaries, various search engines, apps, and more. Making a habit of researching and gathering information is an excellent reflex when you want to learn!
Developing these kinds of automatic responses will improve your motivation to master a second language. Keep in mind that everyone has different intellectual abilities. Don't get discouraged if it takes you longer than others.
Talk, talk and talk, there's really no secret to it!
What about jobs where language proficiency is essential?
Speaking two or more languages is often a considerable advantage in our professional lives. You then become a formidable competitor for other job seekers (provided, of course, that you have a reasonably detailed CV).
But some professions require much more than just fluency in a language. It's beneficial for you to understand the culture associated with that language.
Understanding a culture is an essential and required skill in all employment sectors. Take translators and language teachers, for example. These professions require total immersion, facilitated by a language immersion program in the chosen second language. Both professions demand a perfect grasp of linguistic nuances. To truly distinguish between them, only total immersion can help.
Here are some examples of professions where learning one or more languages is essential:
Journalist : The role of a journalist is to gather information, process it, and disseminate it. This involves communicating with a large number of people through interviews and may be sent abroad as a correspondent. Language skills are therefore essential.
Tourism : Hospitality jobs, such as hotel receptionist or travel agency advisor, require not only language skills but also an understanding of cultural norms. You wouldn't greet a Japanese person the same way you would a Belgian.
International business : this type of profession will require you to travel and work with other businesspeople who don't share your cultural background. There's nothing better than building trust with your colleagues by demonstrating your linguistic and cultural skills.
It's never too late to start learning a new language. These days, there are many ways to study and absorb it. For example, you could stay with a private tutor's family or take language courses at an international school . Keep in mind that speaking languages is becoming increasingly essential if you want to pursue a professional career. Furthermore, understanding cultural norms is certainly not insignificant.
We recommend you read the following articles: