Are there any compelling reasons to Learn English as a second or foreign language? I believe so.
You’re asking the right question if you find yourself thinking of how to learn English as a second language.
The simple truth is this. More and more people in places like China, Japan, Germany, Brazil and Spain have found the need to learn English as a foreign language.
The above trend is no different in places like Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and South Africa, where English is already an official medium of communication and instruction in schools.
If you’re still looking for the reasons to learn English as a way of motivating yourself to get started, then this post is for you.
Below are the key reasons to learn English. They are for you wherever you are – France, Togo, Algeria, or Cote d’voire. It does not matter if you’re from Portugal, Finland, Angola, Mozambique or Rwanda.
1. It has become the norm.
People who have had some form of formal education in English still want to improve their English speaking, reading and writing. And those who have never stepped into the classroom are scrambling to acquire some basic skills in the speaking, writing and reading of English.This is the reason why you’re not alone in your desire to learn English.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR SUCCESS IN AN EXAMINATION
REASONS TO START LEARNING ONLINE
2. English is an international language of choice.
You simply need to be able to communicate intelligently in English if you love to travel across international borders. Because when you cannot express yourself properly in the first language of your host country, people would expect you to be able to communicate in English.
3. English dominates the internet.
Forget about the fact that Mandarin or Chinese Language has more native speakers as compared to English.
When we are looking at the most popular language everyone would love to use online, there is no doubt in my mind that it will be English. And, as you’re aware, the internet is becoming the basic platform for social, economic and political discourse.
This is just one more of the reasons to learn English.
Pro Tip. Looking for a completely free online English course with a certificate? Thousands of people are taking free online diploma courses with Alison. Visit the Alison website to find out about how to begin your free online course today.
Another place to enrol for a popular online Course is Coursera. And if you prefer to take an IT course, Udacity is an equally good place to start studying online.
4. English is the language of science and technology.
Yes, the other major world languages are there. But English just happens to be the language that comes first when scientists, researchers and inventors speak and write about their ideas and findings.
Because they expect most of the people they communicate with to have learnt and acquired a certain level of proficiency in English. So, if you wish to learn more about science and technology, my advice is try to learn English a bit more.
5. The entertainment industry depends heavily on English.
You’re better placed to access and enjoy much of the world’s films and music if you learn to read and understand English, wherever you may be.
When a movie’s primary language is French or Japanese, for example, expect the producers to have subtitles in English. This is for the easy understanding and enjoyment of millions of viewers who may not be native English speakers but can read and understand English.
You don’t expect me or someone from Haiti to understand Chinese subtitles for a Portuguese film. There is a greater likelihood that I or my Haitian friend might be able to read some English. That’s my point.
6. English has become a status symbol.
Well, this may not be one of those strong reasons to learn English. Especially for people who are not keen on acquiring status symbols for whatever reason.
But, who knows, you might just happen to be the person who wants to boost your self-confidence with a good knowledge of English.
You want people to hear you speak English and quickly give you some respect. Yeah? Okay, I urge you to consider the other reasons to learn English too.
Can you now see how learning how to use good English will boost your prestige among your peers?
Wrapping up
Clearly, the central role English plays in the lives of individuals and nations across the globe is not going to vanish anytime soon. You’ve just been reading the reasons to learn English. They are the same everywher. It is true when you’re in a country where English is used as a second language. And it stays the same for places where English is a foreign language. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and start learning English today.
Did you find this information helpful? Then share it on your favourite social media platform for the benefit of others you care about. Thank you!
Ralph Nyadzi is the Director of Studies at Cegast Academy. He is a qualified English tutor with decades of experience behind him. Since 2001, he has successfully coached thousands of High School General Arts WASSCE candidates in English, Literature and related subjects. He combines his expertise with a passion for lifelong learning to guide learners from varying backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. Ralph shares lessons from his blogging journey on BloggingtotheMax. He lives with River, his pet cat, in the Central Region of Ghana.
