What are the Benefits of Learning English?

There are numerous benefits to learning English as a foreign language. English is now the language of global business, or the lingua franca. This means that in the international business community, English is used for communication by people who do not speak the same language. English is generally considered to be second only to Mandarin Chinese in the number of people who speak the language. It is, however, impossible to know at any given time how many English speakers there are in the world, or how many people are currently learning English. Estimates are quite high.

There are many classes offered in learning English as a second language at universities, schools and community learning centers. Some are even free, so it is a great idea to take advantage of the opportunity. Depending on where you live in the world, you may be educated in American English or British English. American English is the language spoken in the United States, whereas British English is the language spoken in the United Kingdom. The languages are quite similar, though there are naturally different words, dialects and accents found in each.

Learning English can broaden your employment opportunities. People who speak two or more languages are ideal candidates for jobs in travel, international business, or translation. People who work with the general public, such as those who work in hospitals or in law enforcement, are often encouraged to speak a second language to better improve communication when it is most vital.

Learning English can also help you to meet new people. You can practice your English with someone who is also learning. Another option is to do a sort of "trade-off" in your language practicing. For example, if you speak Spanish and are learning English, you might practice speaking with someone who speaks English and wants to learn Spanish. It can be a fun way to get practice and learn to speak in a more natural way.

There are also numerous opportunities to teach English as a second language, which can be a great way to travel and see the world. Traveling to a foreign country is another great way to practice your language skills, but it also makes for a less stressful experience when you have some knowledge of the spoken language.

Because English is a first language for many countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland, among others, many other foreign countries teach English as a requirement in schools. It is estimated that over a billion people in the world speak English on at least a basic level. Learning English presents many new opportunities that you may not have had before, so if you have the time and the motivation, it can be a very rewarding experience.