The benefits of learning English as a second language

In an increasingly globalized world made even more interconnected by advancements in internet technology and social media, the non-native English speaker should seriously consider learning the language. After all, English is the dominant language used in commerce and tourism. 

Image source: genlish.com

Although English is not necessarily the most spoken language worldwide (Chinese Mandarin and Spanish are), it is the globally accepted language for communication. Interacting across cultures has been best realized using the national language of the United Kingdom and the United States. People traveling the world, migrating, or visiting tourism sites would do well to have an ability to speak English as more and more infrastructures throughout the globe have been set up to accommodate the language. 

Aside from English being the international language of business, having a second language in the first place have benefits to our mental health. A second language improves brain function while likewise stimulating brain activity. As people go about translating things in their head, they get a better grasp of how language is different among cultures and people. They also get a better picture of what it is to look at things from another point of view. 

Today, more and more people speak English more than their own native language, a testimony to the importance of communicating better with others, regardless of race and countries of origin. If you want to participate in truly global conversations, then English is the lingua franca of choice. 

Image source: oxforddictionaries.com

Edgar Gonzalez is an entrepreneur currently living in Santa Ana, California. Hailing from Mexico, he moved to Orange County in 1993 and studied English as a second language, firm on chasing his dream of one day becoming an entrepreneur. Visit this Twitter accountfor similar updates.