Why studying languages will give you the edge...

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It is common knowledge that students in the UK are worse speakers of diferrent languages than the rest of European students. Evidently, English is the most commonly spoken second language in 19 out of 25 European Union countries (excluding the UK and Ireland), with 38% of the EU having a working knowledge of English. Because English is so frequently spoken, there is often little need for British people to have a working knowledge of any other language, as the Lingua Franca for most people is English. This can't be helped, but it should not discourage students from studying new languages. An increasing number of UK companies are international and an increasing number of international companies have offices in the UK. The rapidly growing technology industry is a main factor for this globalisation. After all, Languages have a monetary value, allowing companies to communicate and establish themselves in new markets. Therefore, polyglots are really vital to UK commerce. Proving that those who study languages or who are thinking about it, have a considerable advantage compared to monolinguists. I want to talk about why a language student is more employable and why a language degree is more beneficial compared to other subjects...

1. Interesting learning format

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The learning process involved in learning languages is so much more varied than other subjects. The classes are diverse from each other since you are practising your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. You are not just having to study text books and try to memorise endless information about a certain topic- you are learning how to master a skill, that you will be able to use for the rest of your life. Learning about the culture of the language is also incorporated into the lessons, which means you are not solely learning the active part of the language, but also its historical and social background.

2. Enhanced skills

The four main skills involved in learning a language result in a higher competence in other expertise. Understanding complex concepts of grammar shows attention to detail, learning a language is a long process therefore perseverance is key, jumping from one class to another- e. g. a French listening class to a Spanish culture class, a huge amount of flexibility and multitasking is required.

3. You improve your English

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One is automatically more aware of the usage of their own language, and generally, students become better writers, speakers and conversationalists. You draw focus to the mechanics of your own language; grammar, conjugations, sentence structures... Language speakers also develop a better ear for listening, since they’re skilled at distinguishing meaning from discreet sounds.

4. Year Abroad

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Completing a Year Abroad is a huge achievement for language students. It is often a time of stress and complications. Being able to handle such situations and come out on top of it, especially with the administrative frustrations shows great patience and belief. Adapting to a wholly different way of life and being away from home for such a long period of time shows tenacity and adaptation. Such skills that can only really be mastered from being truly out of your comfort zone.

5. Confidence

Being able to communicate in an other language automatically improves your confidence in any situation, especially your own language. If you feel competent enough to independently hold a conversation in a foreign language, then you will feel ebullient to continue and challenge yourself by talking about new things. Ultimately, this means that you will easily be able to talk to new people in your own language as it will be a piece of cake. You will have more confidence in business situations, in interviews and any other formal affair that previously would have made you apprehensive.

6. Networking

Having lived in another country, I can truthfully say that the networking opportunities are endless. Talking to people about your future helps you open doors and gives you ideas about career prospects, broadening your horizons to see what is possible outside of the UK after your degree. Who knows what is possible through meeting and getting to know young professionals in a foreign country.

7. Substantial skill

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You might think that you are lacking business experience through only studying a language degree. But in the business world, speaking more than one language deepens cultural understanding and opens business access to new markets. This is a skill business graduates don't possess. Furthermore, you can train in certain business areas such as sales and marketing in 6 weeks, but you can't become fluent in a language in 6 weeks. In addition to this, you have all the skills that you get from a humanities degree: analysing complex material, classifying, comparing different arguments and composing coherent text etc. All of these are not just academic skills but skills that are vital in the workplace.

8. Maturity

After living away from home and from your friends for a year, it is quite common for students to return with their outlook on life considerably changed and with a more mature approach to their future. Coming back to university and coping with your final year, you will tend to find yourself working in a totally adult manner. You will be more prepared when it comes to leaving university and facing the real world after having experienced time away from everything to think about your potential prospects and find your feet in the world.

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