Page 4 - ELC 550

Looking for Motivation? 6 Benefits of Learning English
Already know why you want to learn English but don’t know where to start? The answer’s always
FluentU! FluentU immerses you in the language through countless exciting videos and audio. Plus,
you can practice vocabulary with interactive subtitles, customized flashcards and vocabulary lists.
Test your knowledge with quizzes, and track your learning progress with vocabulary fluency bars
and daily goals with FluentU! And if you don’t know why you should study English, we’ve broken
the benefits down into six great reasons. You can think of them as “the five C’s (and one S!)” for
learning English. Let’s take a look at them below!

1. Cognitive Flexibility or Stretching Your Brain

One of the greatest benefits of learning any second language is cognitive flexibility or, in other
words, how stretchy your brain is. People who speak two languages must learn to identify which
language they need to speak and when they should speak it. They must be able to easily switch
between the two languages. MindShift, a site that explores the world of learning, published an
article entitled “What’s Going on Inside the Brain of a Bilingual Child?” which states that bilingual
children show better attention skills and have a greater ability to switch between tasks. In another
article, posted by the Michigan State University Extension, author Tracy Trautner writes that
“Bilingual children may have a superior ability to focus on one thing and change their response,
easily indicating cognitive flexibility.” In adults, cognitive flexibility shows itself when we try to
describe objects. When you learn a language, you are learning more words and making more
associations between words. This is helpful when communicating in English, but it can also be
helpful for communicating in your native language. In his paper on cognitive flexibility and
language, author Gedeon O. Deák explains that for adult learners, flexibility displays itself in the
associations we make with words. Understanding a joke or choosing a descriptive word can both
be signs of cognitive flexibility. So, pick up your textbook or open those English-learning apps
and get studying. Not only will you learn English but you will also improve your brain’s flexibility
in other areas.

2. Cultural Awareness and Traveling the World
Learning a second language can also teach you about a second culture, as language is a key aspect
of culture. When you begin learning English, you will immerse yourself in the culture of English-
speaking countries. In order to learn English, you may start to watch movies or shows made in
America, England and other countries. Or, you may practice English by speaking to a native
speaker, which will help you begin to understand their culture. In their book, “Attitudes and
Motivation in Second-Language Learning,” Robert C. Gardner and Wallace E. Lambert write that
“The successful learner of a second language must be prepared to adopt various aspects of another
linguistic and cultural group.” You may also learn about other cultures through travel. Learning
English allows you to travel to countries across the globe and interact with the people and the
cultures there. As you do, you will also learn more about what makes your culture unique. The