Communication is one of the fundamental pillars of human evolution, and the ability to speak different languages allows us to communicate with one another more effectively. Nowadays, we live in a totally globalised world, which is why learning other languages is essential. Language knowledge is also a skill that is very much in demand in terms of competition in the job market.

The study of different languages not only helps us in our professional life, but it also has a very positive influence on our personal life and health. Some studies show that learning a language different from your mother tongue stimulates the cognitive part of the brain that relates to receiving and storing information. For this reason, being able to speak several languages benefits us enormously in our studies, as it improves concentration and exercises the memory. It also contributes to the delay of the possible onset of degenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.

Whether we wish to study or perfect languages to improve our CV, want to pursue it professionally or simply want to communicate

In the end, what we need is just next door

We don’t need to go far from home to learn some of the most important languages. Without even leaving Europe, here we have some of the most spoken languages in the world. English, the most common language for international business and the official language of some of the most powerful countries in the world. French, spoken on all 5 continents and estimated to have more than 200 million speakers all over the world. And Spanish, the second most spoken language in the world after Mandarin Chinese.

Every country and education system have their own methods for teaching languages, however living in the country of the language you are studying is a key factor. The need to communicate and get by creates lots of small daily actions that turn into a new lesson; going to the supermarket, travelling on the underground or bus, ordering in a restaurant or simply chatting to native people. This is the best way to learn vocabulary, expressions and in general, gain fluency.

A suggestion

To put all of this into practice, the Erasmus+ programme is a very attractive option for many of those potentially interested. This programme, from the European Union, is intended to further education and teaching. It is aimed at people of all ages including students, teaching and information staff, students partaking in professional internships and children’s entertainers. The admission criteria varies from country to country and those participating in the programme are divided into Programme Countries (EU member and non-member states) and Partner Countries (Australia, Japan, China, Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Chile, Argentina among many others)

Participating in this programme can open many doors when entering the job market. And without a doubt, detailed knowledge of another culture is a highly valued aspect when sending your CV to apply for a job. It’s all gain!

 

Header image: katie manning on Unsplash