So, you know “Hola, ¿cómo estás?” and “¿Puedo ir al baño?”, but that’s all the high school Spanish you can muster. Now what? It’s about time you brushed up on your second language. By 2050, the United States will have more Spanish speakers than any other country, according to a Cervantes Institute report. Reality check: that’s in our lifetime!

Your second language doesn’t have to be Spanish because learning any new language can give you a rush for expanding your horizons. Without further ado, take hold of your wanderlust and scroll through the top five reasons for mastering a second, or third language:

A Better Memory

Not only does learning a new language expand your vocabulary in your native language, but it enhances your memorization capabilities. Your brain is fueled with new waves of information, and it can’t help but want to crave to know more. Bonus: your brainpower sharpens the more you practice.

A New Cultural Perspective

What better way to learn about a country than by practicing the language spoken there? Better yet, envision booking a trip to a country where you won’t need a translator. As you learn, a natural tendency is to compare your own culture with the one you’re learning. You’ll discover more about yourself and how others live on the daily. This can broaden your worldview and make you a more well-rounded person.

Meet New People

Maybe you’re an introvert, and that initial conversation with a native speaker triggers your nerves. No need to worry. Not only do most native speakers appreciate those who express interest in their language, but they may love to coach you too. Conversations only get easier over time, and new people are just around the corner, waiting to help you practice.

Easily Accessible

You may recall that iconic green owl popping up on your screen once or twice. Well, language learning apps like Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Mango are here to stay and may be more attractive than your typical textbook. Additionally, many universities are expanding their foreign language curriculum beyond Spanish, so sign up for Mandarin or Russian 101 courses and give the traditional format a try. Pro tip: some apps are offering free one to three-month trials during the pandemic.

Employers Love Bilingual Speakers

Last on the list (but not last in benefits) is the ability to become more employable. Walking into a job interview with another language in your back pocket, you have the upper hand and can separate yourself from other candidates. Almost every work environment involves an overflow of communication, and the opportunity to communicate with co-workers in a different language can be a gamechanger.

Now that you know that learning more than “nĭ hăo” can change your life, take action! An underrated but great app to download now is Mango. Sign up with your school email and get it for free today. ¡Adiós!

Article Written by Gretchen Evans, Photos by Laura Ashley Hartline and Dasom Lee, Graphic Design by Jacqueline Barnes, Media by Leila Kaissi

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