A key element of success in the modern world is proficiency with the English language. With English being one of the few universal languages, being able to communicate in English will benefit you with people all over the world throughout your life. Read on for more benefits of being able to communicate in English.
1. It Is Preferred in Business Communication.
English is the lingua franca, or preferred language, among international businesses. Over 1.35 billion people speak English worldwide. Being able to speak it allows you to connect with businesses, organizations, and potential employers worldwide.
English proficiency gives you access to more job opportunities worldwide than any other skill set. You can work as a marketer, editor, journalist, or researcher with advanced communication skills. The possibilities are endless.
2. It Enhances Learning Opportunities
English is the preferred language for many online courses and tutorials available online. You will have more access to free or affordable education if you can communicate and understand the language.
Another benefit of learning English is the availability of learning materials provided by massive open online courses (MOOCs). These courses are in high demand and can be crucial for developing the skills of professionals today.
Additionally, MOOC courses are created in affiliation with some of the world’s top universities, allowing you to access relevant and competitive learning materials. This opportunity requires already-developed proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English so that you can study these materials and advance professionally and personally.
3. It Facilitates Travel Opportunities
The capability to speak English enables you to study or work abroad. Working or studying abroad can help you learn about foreign cultures and help you build a better résumé that could open up more career opportunities in the future.
English proficiency also shows employers that you’re a creative problem-solver who isn’t afraid of taking risks. In today’s highly competitive job market, employers value your efforts to upskill and become more adaptable. Additionally, you get to meet different people and have experiences that expand your horizons and make you a better person when you travel.
4. It Enhances Your Creativity
Studies show that learning English increases creativity and problem-solving skills. This is because you are exposed to more ideas than you would normally encounter if you only spoke your native language. Research has also shown that second-language learners are better at finding solutions to problems and coming up with new ideas than monolingual speakers.
Understanding a second language can also help you learn even more about your first language. Studies found that individuals who spoke two languages had a larger hippocampus—the part of our brain responsible for memory—than those who spoke just one. It also showed they had greater activity in their prefrontal cortex—the part of our brain associated with higher reasoning and decision-making.
How to Become a Better English Speaker
It can be challenging to learn English, especially if you are a second-language speaker, but it is well worth the effort. These tips can help you become an excellent English speaker.
Find Inspiration
Inspiration plays a role in language learning. Whether you’re watching a movie, listening to music, or reading a book, your mind will absorb and retain information that it can use later on.
Continuous exposure to materials in your target language will help reinforce your learning. It helps to imitate the best speaker you can find. Look for someone who speaks English well and try to mimic their speech patterns as closely as possible.
You can find inspiration to learn better English by watching feature documentaries, talk shows, and news stories available for free online. Pick up some useful phrases and expressions that you can incorporate into your daily conversations.
Online English Language Classes
With online English courses, you can learn anywhere at your own pace. There are hundreds of courses that allow you to start with little or no experience. MOOCs are an excellent place to start.
Most of them are free and can be completed at your convenience. You can even learn using a mobile device. Additionally, it’s easy to fit these lessons into your schedule if you have a job or other obligations that keep you busy during regular business hours.
The more structured lesson plan of MOOCs will help you learn faster and more effectively. Once you’ve completed a course successfully, MOOCs offer certification at an affordable price. You can use this certification to prove to employers that you are competitive and have the credentials to support it.
Takeaways
Being proficient in English is professionally valuable, as it is a skill that transcends borders and cultures. Getting proficient in English can be challenging, but there are many resources you can use. Learn the language online by taking advantage of high-quality resources from massive open online courses. Keep learning, because English proficiency will open up a world of opportunities for you.