Is It Still Relevant To Learn Languages In 2022? (5 reasons why)

Introduction

Translation technology is improving by the minute. English is increasingly becoming a global language. It's no wonder some people doubt that it's still worth learning a new language in this day and age. What do you think? Is learning a language still worth it? You probably know our answer to that. (Heck yeah!) We even believe that it's getting increasingly important to learn other languages in this connected world. In this post, we’ll take a look at 5 reasons why you should seriously consider learning a new language.

#1: Technology Will Never Replace Human Interactions.

I believe that's the number one reason some people wonder if it's still worth learning a new language. They believe that technology will become so advanced that you won't need to learn other languages anymore. You'll simply use your smartphone or other devices to translate everything on-the-go. Well, technology certainly helps with communication, but it will never replace interactions.

According to research, the actual words we speak are only 7% of communication. It is estimated that 38% of communication is in the tone of the voice and that 55% is nonverbal. Sarcasm, irony and humor make us human. That's why a computer will never be like us. You can't code emotions and spontaneity. Have you ever heard a computer telling a joke that's actually funny?

The truth is, technology is already pretty darn good as it is. But even though translation technology is impressive, using it is kind of a pain in the butt. You have to speak into a microphone, wait for the message to be translated, then the other person speaks in the microphone and you have to wait for the translated message. Arghh! It's pretty cool on paper, quite annoying in practice. Now, don't get me wrong, I think this technology is amazing for a quick travel tool. It will certainly help you ask questions, get around or check in at your hotel, but you will never establish a true human connection speaking this way. In the video above, I've included a clip from Friends that made me think about how it would be like to have a perfect translator.

No matter how good the technology gets, there will always be, at the very least, an important delay. Languages don’t have the same order of words, so the sentences need to be completed before it can be accurately translated. That delay makes it a horrible experience for anything longer than a few simple replies. Languages are not just about elementary communication, they are about connecting with other human beings.

#2: Languages Are About Connections.

The language you speak is a huge part of who you are as a person. It is your pride, your identity, your culture, your memories and your relationships. In the video above, Will Smith is a guest in a Spanish-speaking television show in the UK. Everyone in the audience is a Spanish speaker, but they're in London, so they probably all speak English a lot better than Will can speak Spanish. Yet, when he decides to make an effort to speak Spanish for them, the audience goes crazy.

This has nothing to do with being able to understand what Will Smith is saying. He only used Spanish to show them respect and to connect with them in a more personal way. And they absolutely love him for it. You can easily recreate this even if you are not a huge movie star doing interviews around the world. When you travel somewhere new, try learning simple words like “hello” and “thank you” in the local language and see what sort of response you get. People are incredibly grateful to see your efforts. It allows you to connect with them on a deeper, more personal level. And the higher your level in their language, the greater the connection you can have with them. And yes, even if they speak English.

#3: It Will Make You More Valuable in the Marketplace.

All things being equal, someone who speaks two or more languages will always be hired over someone who speaks only one language. Learning a new language is seen as a difficult task to accomplish and is therefore a great add-on to any resume. It will allow you to communicate with more clients and attend international meetings. It will open up doors for many jobs that require you to speak another language. It will make you a better prospect even if it's not required or even part of the job description. This is true for today’s current market and for the future.

As we discussed earlier, translation technology will never completely replace being able to actually speak another language. Building business relationships with a computerized interpreter is certainly not ideal.

#4: It's Healthy for the Brain.

Countless studies have been done on bilingualism and brain health. Research has found that bilingual people have a better working memory, have better attention, and better decision-making abilities. Other studies also found that bilingualism can even delay Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It can also improve the ability to recover from a stroke.

Brain scans have shown a greater density in gray matter in the cerebral cortex and a better maintenance of white matter during aging. Learning a new language will help your brain stay healthy. Isn't it worth learning a new language for this reason alone?

#5: It Will Open Your World & Broaden Your Horizons.

Learning a new language changes how you view the world. You get access to a new culture, different works of art and people who are completely different from yourself. This lets you view the world from their point of view and it gives you a different perspective on things. When you get out of your own bubble, you will gain awareness on many aspects of life. It will help you see what you like and dislike about your own culture. A new language will even help you understand your own native language better. You’ll see how the grammar differs, you’ll discover sayings and expressions that make no sense, and understand language concepts you never knew existed. A language is a lot more than just a bunch of words. You’ll learn an entire new way of life. It'll will open up your world in ways you can’t even imagine. But yeah, I'm a bit of a language geek.

Conclusion.

Yes, learning a new language is a challenge. It is a big project to tackle. But if you can get in the right state of mind and you're not looking for overnight fluency, the progress you make will make you feel incredibly proud. Yes, you will have to remain consistent for a few months to see steady progress. You will have to get out of your comfort zone and talk to strangers in a new language. You will have to get over your fear of not being perfect or looking stupid. But all these challenges will make you a better person in the end.

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