Today, more people than ever before are speaking English as a second or third language. English is the primary language of business, education, and science worldwide, making fluency in the language very important for personal and professional success.
English proficiency is especially important for those working in fields like sales, marketing, or hospitality that involve frequent contact with customers or colleagues who speak another language. It’s also helpful for those looking to advance their careers, get into college or university, travel, or simply have more options when it comes to finding jobs or dating.
However you intend to use your English skills, being able to read, write, listen to, and speak the language fluently can open up so many doors. Read on to learn why it’s so important to learn English well.
English is the Common Language of the 21st Century
English is spoken by roughly a third of the world’s population, making it the most common language in the world after Mandarin Chinese. This is particularly significant given that Mandarin Chinese is the official language of more than one billion people, making it the first language of more than half of the world’s population.
However, unlike Mandarin Chinese, English is also used as a secondary language by millions of others, making it the common language of the modern world. That means that if you’re travelling anywhere in the world where English is the most commonly spoken language, you can ask for directions, make friends, and find your way around thanks to your knowledge of the language.
This puts you in a very advantageous position, both professionally and personally. You’re able to communicate more easily with people from all walks of life, and you have the potential to make many more friends than someone who can only speak one language.
English Helps You Advance Your Career
If you’re working in a profession that requires a high level of English proficiency, you may have to take classes or exams to prove your level of English proficiency. Some fields, like translation, journalism, or writing, may even require you to be fluent in multiple languages, while other careers may only require a certain level of proficiency in the language.
A high level of English proficiency can advance your career in many ways. For example, if you work in sales, marketing, or business development for a company that does business with other countries, you’ll likely be required to use English in your daily work, even if you work at a Mexican restaurant in the United States.
If you want to be successful in your field, you’ll need to be able to communicate effectively and clearly, and you may even need to be able to speak to your customers in their own language.
A high level of English proficiency can help you advance your career by making you more efficient at work, improving your communication with colleagues and clients, and making you more attractive to employers.
English Helps You Network and Find Jobs
If you’re looking to find a new job, or if you want to make connections with people who might be able to help you advance in your field, a high level of English proficiency can be very helpful.
If you work in certain fields, you may be required to have a high level of English proficiency, or you may need to demonstrate that you have the potential to reach that level. This can help you network with other people in your field, making it easier for you to make connections and find jobs.
In fact, 94% of employers say that being fluent in English is important for job seekers, making it one of the most important skills to have on your resume.
English Helps You Travel
If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling the world, you may have been held back by language barriers. If you don’t speak the language of the country you want to visit, you may feel like you’re limited in your options.
A high level of English proficiency can help you overcome that barrier, making it easier for you to plan your trip and enjoy your travels.
You may even feel comfortable travelling to another country to work, if you know that English is the primary language of most countries. Using English to discover new places is a great way to expand your horizons and see more of the world.
English Helps You Date and Find Romantic Partners
If you’re single, learning English can help you to meet new people and expand your dating pool so you’re not limiting yourself to people who speak your language.
Most people who live in large cities, particularly in North America, Europe, and Australia, where many people speak English, are bilingual. That means that even if you live in a country where your language is not commonly spoken, you can still meet people who speak English.
A high level of English proficiency can help you to date and find romantic partners in many ways. You can use dating apps to communicate with potential dates in their language, making it easier for you to find love.
You can also talk to friends and co-workers, who may be able to introduce you to new people.