I was fortunate enough to have my mom know Spanish and begin teaching me at a young age. That, along with taking classes in high school and college, I can now speak Spanish conversationally.

I also just signed up for a Sign Language course at the community college in my town. This one has been on the bucket list for years!

Languages are a beautiful thing. They are artistic, they bring us closer together, they allow us to open our eyes new new worlds.

However, learning new languages can be daunting. I hear often:

“I’m not good at learning languages,”

“It’s too hard,”

“I’m not very creative,”

“I can’t remember all the words.”

These are common misconceptions about learning languages.

The truth is: ANYONE can learn a new language! It just takes a little time, patience, and excitement.

I’m here to help with the excitement aspect. So, here are 5 reasons why you SHOULD (and can) learn a new language!

#1 It will connect you to your creative side.

Everyone has a creative side! Sometimes it just takes a little time to expose itself.

Giving yourself the opportunity for that side of you to show is one of the kindest things you can do for yourself. It will open up a whole new world and new opportunities.

#2 It will allow you to communicate with a wider variety of people.

Languages bring people closer together.

They allow you to share emotion: happiness, sadness, frustration, joy, thanks.

Millions of people (depending on the language you choose) speak this language, and you now have the opportunity to learn from them!

#3 It will CHALLENGE you.

Challenges are so good for you! They give your brain a boost and wake it up.

Once you’ve started to learn the language, you will feel so accomplished in the midst of this challenge.

Challenges give people motivation and excitement for life. Let that fuel you!

#4 It will give you a wider perspective on your own and others’ cultures.

Language and culture are deeply linked. Learning another language will give you insight to that culture. It will allow you to see life through different eyes.

It will also have you looking at your own culture differently. Understanding another person’s perspective on our culture will give you growth, confidence, and a new outlook on life. It is truly life-altering.

#5 It will open up more job opportunities.

There, I said it. Everybody knows it, and it’s true. Employers LOVE employees who speak another language.

This goes back to that communication piece. Being able to communicate with more people means that you are a huge asset to a company. You will be invaluable to them.

The world is moving so fast, and in order for companies to keep up, they need to expand and be open to a broader population. This means globally. Learning another language will open doors for you to travel for work, communicate to help a business, and make you an irreplaceable team member.

What are you waiting for?!

Head to the library, a local community college, or find a tutor online to help you begin.

Remember to stay patient with the process; good things take time.

Best of luck!

Rachel