Contents
- Is studying for a language degree at university worth it?
- What careers can I pursue with a language degree
- What are different types of language degrees?
- Which language is easiest to learn?
Without languages, you wouldn’t be able to communicate. It wouldn’t be possible for you to understand the words on this page. Isn’t it amazing how the same set of letters and symbols can help millions of people worldwide with communication?
The languages you speak are an essential part of your identity. With so many countries and cultures across the world, we see thousands of different languages and dialects in books, shows, movies, and other forms of media.
English is the most widely spoken language in the world. But that’s just one out of thousands of languages. 7,151, in fact! Learning another language is a great skill to have, and it can help you in your career and social life. In essence, you are opening yourself up to a world full of new opportunities.
This article will talk about the benefits of learning another language and the potential career opportunities you could have if you pursue a degree in the language.
Is studying for a language degree at university worth it?
Short answer, yes! The largest and most obvious benefit of learning a new language is that it enables you to interact and communicate with many more people. It can also help you establish familiarity and connection with people who only speak their native language.
However, even if you’re not so interested in international trade and communication, there are plenty of opportunities. Learning a new language can help you work in different fields and industries worldwide.
Many universities will also help you pair a language degree with another mainstream degree. This combination allows you to work in another industry but yet benefits from your ability to speak a second language.
Here are a few reasons why studying a language degree at university is worth it:
You can study anywhere in the world
Studying another language can lead you to different colleges and universities abroad. Many language degrees require you to be in the country of origin. This way, you’re completely immersed in the language, the people, and the culture.
It helps you improve your first language
Learning a second language helps you improve your native language. Yes, learning a new language will not affect your first language. Instead, it will help you see things from another perspective.
Knowing a second language allows you to compare it with your first language and study the similarities and differences between the two. There’s a lot to learn and appreciate when you know two languages.
Communicate more effectively
Naturally, the more languages you know, the better you will be able to communicate. When pursuing a language degree, you will learn about other people, their culture, and their approach to life. For example, Indonesia is known as the “most chilled out” country.
If you’re studying away from home, you will have the opportunity to meet people from different countries and understand their cultures. You can learn so much about people from how they go about their daily lives.
Once you’ve completed your degree, you’re equipped to start a career related to your field of study. In a professional setting, you’ll be able to communicate with other people and discuss various areas of interest in another language!
It improves your brain
Learning new languages improves your cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that bilingual students have higher concentration levels and can avoid distractions.
Learning a second language can nurture the areas of your brain that help with communication, reading, and creativity.
There’s more to add to your resume
Having more than one language on your resume can really help you stand out from the crowd. With the world fast moving toward remote work, knowing another language can help you avoid language barriers and enjoy many more opportunities. Employers will always be impressed if you can speak multiple languages.
Increased employability
This is one of the most important reasons for pursuing a language degree. If you know another language and are familiar with the culture, you instantly become a candidate worth considering for many top jobs. According to a report published by the UK Parliament, around one-fifth to a quarter of jobs require an advanced level of foreign language skills.
Being able to communicate effectively with people from around the world is not only fun but also a great skill to have. The ability to switch between languages effortlessly will set you apart from other people vying for the same jobs.
Moreover, knowing different languages will help you find work in non-English speaking countries. This opens up an entirely new range of opportunities for you, and you’ll have tons of options to choose from when applying for jobs.
What careers can I pursue with a language degree?
As a language degree holder, you’ll find a host of job opportunities directly and indirectly related to your area of expertise.
|
Careers directly related to your field of study |
Careers where a degree in language is useful |
|
|
What are different types of language degrees?
Most of the 165 universities and higher education institutes in the UK offer one of the following language degrees:
Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. Linguistics studies the development, structure, and nature of language. It is the ‘systematic investigation’ of the properties and characteristics of language.
Language Studies
Language studies involve studying a language in-depth. The aim of language studies is to choose a language and get to the core of its people, culture, and community. Language degrees normally involve studying in foreign countries, usually in the country of origin of the language you are studying.
Language and International Studies
Language and international studies are some of the most versatile degrees you can study. If you’d like to explore different fields like political science, world history, art, or religion, then a degree in language and international studies could be the one for you.
Which language is the easiest to learn?
With so many options, deciding which language to learn can be confusing. However, some are easier than others.
Here are the top ten easiest languages you can learn as an English speaker:
- Norwegian
- Swedish
- Afrikaans
- Dutch
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Indonesian
- Swahili
- French
- Italian
Languages like Mandarin, German, Spanish, and French are considered the best languages to learn from a career perspective.
If you are excited by the many opportunities that language degrees allow you to pursue but aren’t sure where to get started, consider signing up for GoStudent. Our world-class tutors are equipped to teach you the most popular languages in the dialect and tone that will help you communicate like a local. Sign up now for a free trial lesson!
