The importance of English: 7 great reasons to learn English today!
We know that learning to speak English can be tough. It takes time and effort to learn to speak fluently. However, we can clearly see the importance of English when we look at our global economy and the key role that English plays in almost every part of your global society.
So, in the past people used to ask each other “why are you learning English?”. Today, a better question to ask is” Why are you not learning English?
In this article we’ve put together the top reasons to learn English so that you can remember why you started learning English and also find some inspiration to continue:
1. English is the global language
English is the lingua franca of business, politics and science. If you want to understand these fields, or even work in one of them, you’ll need to speak English. English is by far the most popular language to learn as a second language and is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. This map shows the percentages of English speakers in various countries:
2. Learning English increases job prospects
Being able to speak English will open up many employment opportunities for you. You are more likely to be able to work in a global company (Facebook, Google, Microsoft) if you speak English. There are jobs that require the applicant to speak at least the local language and English. Obviously, if your English isn’t good enough – you won’t get these jobs!
Being fluent in English could also mean that you are more likely to be chosen to attend corporate events abroad. If you work in a local company that doesn’t require English and they want to send someone to a conference internationally, you are the person that they will chose. This might even lead to a promotion.
3. Increased salary for English speakers
Speaking English is a skill that might set you apart from the other applicants and this means that you can ask for a higher salary. As mentioned above, you can also apply for global companies if you speak English and the wages are usually higher at these companies. Check out this table that shows the hourly wages for fluent English speakers in India, for example:
Source: https://voxeu.org/article/it-pays-speak-english
4. More friendship and dating opportunities
If you speak one language, you can find friends or a boyfriend/girlfriend from the pool of people who speak that language. If you speak English as well, the pool of people gets a lot bigger! If you want to make friends from other countries, including expats in your own country, it is important for you to learn to speak English.
There is research that suggests that apps like Tinder and OKCupid are increasing the number of intercultural relationships. So, if you’ve been unlucky in love or friendship in your native language – learning English might be just what you need to meet people who are interesting to you.
5. Better cultural understanding
Learning about another culture is inevitable when you learn English. Many aspects of the English speaking countries culture are unique, interesting and beautiful and can only be discovered if you speak English. You can also understand reactions to your culture a little better if you can see the perspective of people from other cultures. Understanding different cultures can prevent arguments and confusion when you interact with people from these cultures, which is a big benefit.
6. Travel is so much easier with English!
English is the language of travel too. In most places around the world, you’ll be able to book hotels, tours, guides, and find restaurants if you speak English. If you go backpacking and stay in hostels you’ll be able to meet other travelers and make friends in English too.
English is the language that people most often use if they are in a foreign place and they don’t know the local language. This means that you’ll be able to help tourists in your home country and ask for help when you’re abroad too.
7. Freedom of movement
If you speak English, you can study, work and live comfortably in other countries. It isn’t always easy to get a long term visa for countries like the US, Ireland, the UK or Australia. If you speak English, you can apply for University in these countries and get your visa that way. This is true for a lot of European countries also where a lot of universities offer their Master programmes in English. So, it is important for you to learn to speak English if you want to live and study abroad and take advantage of the opportunities in other countries.
As you can see, there are plenty of reasons that learning to speak English is important and valuable. You can get a better job and higher salary at home if you learn English and you have thousands of opportunities to not only see, but be a part of, other cultures around the world. If those reasons aren’t enough to help you realize the importance of English, just imagine meeting your future best friend or partner and finding out that they don’t know your native language!