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Learning a foreign language is one of the best decisions you can make. There are many benefits to learning a second language, such as having access to more job opportunities, connecting with more people, and more. The only real question is: which foreign language should you study?
Many language centers, like The Study, offer a wide variety of foreign language classes to choose from. This can make it difficult to choose which course to take. If you find yourself in this situation, follow these tips below to help you narrow down your choices.
Ask yourself
The first step to learning a new language is to ask yourself: what language am I interested in learning? There is no objective answer to what is the “best” language to learn because the world has so much to offer. No doubt that learning a new language can enrich your personal, professional, and geographic life. You should first consider what your mother language is and what other languages you are familiar with.
For example, if you are a native English speaker, then you may consider taking Spanish classes or German classes in Manila which have similar characters to the English language. Learning a language closest to your native tongue can make the journey less terrifying.
Know your learning style
The next step is to know your learning style. We are all unique individuals and there is no one-size-fits-all learning style. If you are an aural learner, then you may want to learn a tonal language such as Polish. If you are a verbal learner, then taking Mandarin classes in Manila might be easier as this has fewer grammatical categories compared to other languages.
Determine your access to language resources
Choosing to study a popular language can give you a wider access to resources compared to less commonly studied ones such as Aymara or Saari. Know if you can access online courses, native speakers, and language-enriching travel programs.
Identify your present and future goals
Part and parcel of learning a new language is your motivation behind it. Perhaps you’ve been eyeing a career as a marketer in France so taking French classes in Manila would be beneficial for this goal. You may be in a long-distance relationship with a romantic partner and want to connect deeper with him/her. Whatever your motivation, know that learning a new language will have an impact on your career and life goals. It also takes a lot of commitment and time to master the language so ask yourself if you are ready to make that investment.
Match your chosen language with your intended opportunity
There is also an economic benefit to learning a new language such as having a stronger resume and getting access to a select pool of language-specific jobs. If you see yourself living in a certain country in the long-term, then learning the native language is crucial. Consider learning lucrative languages such as Spanish, German, French, and Mandarin.
Like any skill, it takes practice and commitment to learn a new language. Take your first step in being multilingual through a reputable language-learning school such as The Study by Enderun Colleges.