If you’re reading this article, odds are you know quite a bit of English already.
Still, everyone hits that point while learning something new where they get tired and want to quit. If this sounds like you, you may be wondering: Why learn English? Is it really worth continuing?
The short answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ There are plenty of reasons why learning English is important. Today, I’m going to talk about the top ten.
Keep reading for the motivation you need to continue your studies and reach complete fluency!
Table of Contents
- English has immense worldwide popularity.
- The English language has far-reaching influence.
- Learning a second language is great for your brain.
- Learning English will make learning other languages easier.
- Learning English makes you more perceptive of other cultures.
- An aptitude for English offers higher education and career opportunities.
- Basic English knowledge will make traveling easier.
- Knowing English can improve your relationships.
- Studying a second language makes life more exciting.
- Today’s technology makes language learning easier.
- Why is English Easy to Learn?
- Final Thoughts
1. English has immense worldwide popularity.
Learning English can put the world in the palm of your hand.
Did you know that there are several countries around the world that have majority English-speaking populations? These include the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. In addition, you can find second-language English speakers in just about every other country in the world.
While English is only the third most-spoken language in terms of native speakers, it’s the most spoken when counting those who speak it as a second language. In fact, ESL learners (750 million) outnumber native English speakers (375 million)!
This means that by learning English, you’ll be able to communicate with people from all over the world!
2. The English language has far-reaching influence.
Disney is a great example…
In addition to being a widely spoken language, English influences aspects of daily life in nearly every corner of the world.
Many science and medical journals are published in English—even those written in countries where English is not the majority language. English is also used as a lingua franca in most parts of the world, and is considered the official language of aviation and a variety of other fields.
And, of course, you can’t forget all of the English-language media being released worldwide! Regardless of where you live, I’m guessing you’ve seen at least one Disney movie, either in English or dubbed in your native language. Add to that the sheer volume of other media released on a regular basis in English: video games, TV shows, movies, books, magazines, music…the list goes on.
- → Do you want a sample of the best English-language media? See my articles Learn English Easily with these USA TV Shows and Learn English with the Best Netflix Series and Movies.
3. Learning a second language is great for your brain.
Keep your mind sharp.
Learning a second language is fantastic for your brain!
Recent studies have shown that young adults who know two or more languages score better on “focus” tests than those who only know one language. Language learning is thought to improve one’s ability to concentrate, increase creativity, cause a greater volume of gray matter in the brain (responsible for making connections), and create new pathways (and strengthen existing ones). Oh, did I mention that learning a new language can even help you fight off Alzheimers? It can!
- → These cognitive benefits sound great, don’t they? To keep you going strong, here’s our list of Habits for Highly Effective Language Learners.
4. Learning English will make learning other languages easier.
Learn your next language with a smile on your face.
Because of the exercise and training your brain goes through while learning a second language, it becomes more flexible—this means you’ll be able to learn additional languages more easily!
While you’ll be able to pick up any language more easily, this will be especially true for languages that are similar or related to English. Some examples include German, Dutch, Afrikaans, and French!
If your native language is very different (like Japanese or Arabic), English will be a bit more difficult for you to pick up. But think of it this way: You’ll be taking the first step toward being able to learn many other major languages and reap the benefits of knowing English at the same time.
- → Do you need some more inspiration? Check out our list of the Top 10 Quotes About Language Learning.
5. Learning English makes you more perceptive of other cultures.
What does culture in the U.K. look like…?
When you learn a language, you’re not just learning words and grammar rules. You’re also getting a glimpse of the culture and history behind that language!
Learning English will introduce you to the cultures of the most prominent English-speaking countries. Whether you’re planning to work in the U.S., move to the U.K., or visit Australia next summer, this cultural awareness will greatly benefit you.
Better yet, once you open up to learning about English-speaking cultures, you’ll also be open to learning about all kinds of other cultures. The more you know, the more you’ll want to know.
In the same vein, when you learn English, you’ll constantly be comparing it to your own language—this is good! The connections and contrasts you draw up will not only reinforce the language you’re learning, but help you understand your own language better.
- → I discuss more about the link between language and culture in my article an English Learner’s Guide to American Culture. Check it out for more detailed information on this topic.
6. An aptitude for English offers higher education and career opportunities.
Learn English for better chances at getting into your dream school!
Yes, I’m talking about life! All those things you need or want to do may require a basic knowledge of English.
Many companies prefer hiring people who speak English, even in countries where English is not the official language. This is due to the language’s massive popularity; English is a major lingua franca and it’s preferred in the majority of business contexts, especially for trade or negotiation purposes.
Knowing some English is also a plus if you plan on going to a college or university in an English-speaking country. More and more people are traveling West for their higher education, and for good reasons: namely, schools in the U.S. and U.K. account for the vast majority of top-ranked colleges in the world.
- → Traveling abroad for college? See our list of Words and Phrases for Living on a School Campus.
→ Is your English ready for work in the U.S.? Check out my article on How to Find a Job in the USA!
7. Basic English knowledge will make traveling easier.
Want to travel? English will really get you places!
As if you needed any more reasons to learn English, this language is great for travel! Like I mentioned earlier, English is a lingua franca and is spoken as a first or second language in most countries.
Wherever you’re traveling, there’s a very good chance that the people you run into will speak at least a little English—regardless of what their native language is! A basic knowledge of English can really be useful in a stressful situation (like needing to find a bathroom or asking for directions).
- → What are you waiting for? Study our list of the Top 30 Travel Phrases You Should Know, and head out for your dream adventure!
8. Knowing English can improve your relationships.
Give the gift of learning their mother tongue.
Does it ever feel like you and your significant other are speaking different languages?
Jokes aside, there are many good reasons for learning English when it comes to relationships:
- It gives you more dating options. Considering the fact that so many people around the world know English, and that the majority of dating websites are in English, it just makes sense to learn the language if you’re currently looking for that special someone. 😉
- It opens the door to new friendships. Imagine making a new friend during your vacation in an English-speaking country, or finding a penpal who speaks English. Sometimes, these are the friendships that mean the most, so don’t miss your chance to make it happen.
- It can strengthen your current relationships. Do you have a spouse or close friend who speaks English? They’ll appreciate your efforts toward mastering English, and they’ll know that you seriously care for them and your relationship.
Oh, and do you know how romantic it would be to propose to your special someone in their native tongue? (Very romantic!) Check out our list of Marriage Proposal Lines in English, pick your favorites, and know that we’re wishing the best for you. <3
9. Studying a second language makes life more exciting.
Bring back that spark of childlike wonder.
Do you remember the sheer joy and excitement from your childhood when you discovered something new? The first time you saw it snow? The first time you remembered a dream? The first time you found out how something works?
You can bring that kind of excitement back into your life when you start learning a new language. Here are just a few ways that learning English can make your life more exciting:
- It challenges you and stretches your limits.
- It provides you with new perspectives.
- It shows you language patterns you may not have thought about before.
The best part is that there’s something in English for everyone!
Like I mentioned earlier, tons of media around the world is produced in English, so you can find TV shows, movies, music, YouTube videos, and books in English in a variety of genres. If you’re not really a media-guru, you can always look at language-learning as a simple pleasure in itself, or as a means to forge new relationships with people around the world.
- → Check out our list of the Top 20 Words for Positive Emotions. You’ll need them once you see how much learning English improves your life. 😉
10. Today’s technology makes language learning easier.
Hey, I said easier, not easy…
Why not learn English?
It’s one of the most useful second languages to pick up and today’s technology makes it easier than ever before. You’ve already come a long way. By using today’s technology to your advantage, you can reach full mastery of English faster than English learners of the past.
There are tons of apps, websites, and online courses dedicated to language learning, and even a few that are designed solely for English learners. In addition, with social media and other forms of long-distance communication, you can find an English teacher online from anywhere in the world and learn even faster. Let’s not forget the power of friendship either: If you have online friends or visit English-learning forums, you have the added benefit of a large English-speaking community, no matter where you are.
- → Here are our Simple Strategies for Learning Comfortably at Home.
11. Why is English Easy to Learn?
Join a diverse community of English learners.
Now you know the importance of learning English. If you’re still not sure about whether to continue your studies, you’re probably wondering how hard it will be to reach mastery and if it’s worth it.
I won’t lie to you: English is complex and sometimes difficult. But you’re reading this article; you obviously have a strong determination and are looking for reasons to keep learning. Believe it or not, there are plenty of things about English that really aren’t so hard.
- The alphabet. English uses the Latin alphabet, consisting of twenty-six letters (each one having an uppercase and lowercase form). If you speak a language that uses the same alphabet (or one that’s similar), this will be second nature to you.
- Articles. An article is a small word that comes in front of nouns. In English, there are two indefinite articles (“a” / “an”) and one definite article (“the”). Our articles do not change for number or gender, as they do in languages like Spanish (el, la, los, las).
- Gender. In English, the vast majority of our nouns do not have gender. The only exceptions are words that relate to certain professions (waiter vs. waitress / actor vs. actress), and pronouns (he / she / his / hers). Otherwise, our nouns are gender-neutral and therefore don’t need to be conjugated for gender.
Other things that make English easy to learn include the convenience of learning with today’s technology, the easy access to the language through media, and the huge community of other English learners out there.
- → See my article Is English Hard to Learn? for more details about what you might struggle with while continuing your studies.
12. Final Thoughts
There’s power in numbers – find your English learning community today!
Which of these ten reasons did you find most relevant, and why? What are your reasons for learning English? We would love to hear from you in the comments!
If you’ve made it this far in your English studies, we want to congratulate you. Not everyone has the courage or determination to study a second language this extensively, so keep up the good work.
There may be challenges ahead as you keep learning, but know that EnglishClass101.com will be here with useful resources and encouragement on every step of your journey. If you’re feeling alone in your studies, we highly recommend you check out our Facebook page to connect with fellow English learners who may be facing the same struggles that you are. As they say, there’s power in numbers.
We’re wishing you the best. Until next time, happy English learning!
