Learning a Language

Funny how every time I end up writing a post it's either close to midnight or way past midnight. It might be because that's when all the kiddos are asleep and I can get some work done.

I've been thinking a lot recently about the benefits of learning a language. Forget "looking smarter", once the talent of speaking a foreign language is mastered you'll "BE smarter."

In Europe, 54% of people can speak more than one language and a solid 10% of Europeans speak 3-4 languages. However, in the United States we only speak English. I argue here that the ability to speak another language not only opens your mind to another culture and the wonderful things they contribute to our world, but also it can improve the job market for the individual who is fluent. Simply put, opportunities are opened.

"Yes, yes Ingrid. I hear you, but I'm busy. Life is crazy."

I spoke with a friend some time ago and she had a great outlook on "busy." She said, she was "over being busy" and if she genuinely wanted something to happen, whether in business or her personal life, she would find a way to get it done.

Talk about a game changer. I was quiet for a moment on the other end of the phone, it took a moment to process it, but it made perfect PERFECT sense.

I unconsciously had said "busy" because I guess that's what everyone in our culture has said for the last half century. "I'm busy, I'm busy, I'm busy." The phrase had unknowingly become my catch-all phrase. It was now code for "Ah, it's not really a priority, or I'm too lazy to get off the couch and try that. My shows on!" I say this half smiling, but how many times do we do this to ourselves?

There are 24 hours in a day. Minus a good 8 for sleeping, we are left with 16 hours to do something great with. Do we start a new business? Do we learn a new sport? Do we spend every cent in our possession at the slot machines (definitely not). Or, one of my favorites, do we learn a language?

The great thing about the internet is so much knowledge is FREE. Incredible.

If only our ancestors could have understood the concept of Google, and YouTube, life would have been so much easier.

Visit YouTube, take endless courses, and when you are ready to immerse yourself in the culture, virtually if you're in the season of raising kids like I am and we can't just up and move to say France, then consider italki.com.

Italki is a platform where you can "video chat" with a native speaker. So if you are trying to learn Spanish, it can connect you with someone in Paraguay or Bolivia. If you're trying to learn French it can connect you with someone in France. You pick your tutor and get to learn the correct pronunciation. It's a win-win.

AND for my blog readers and followers on YouTube, if you decide it's right for you, yes time to put the baby down for a nap, there is a Free $10 credit when you spend $20 dollars on learning a language. Yay!

https://www.italki.com/affshare?ref=af19252507

P.S. You can switch your tutor if you favor another at any given time. Try a few out!