Why foreign language skills will help you

We’re not a great nation of foreign language speakers. On holiday we might be able to dig up a phrase or two of rusty French, or order a beer in Spanish, but for anything more complicated we need a phrase book. Survey after survey paints a depressing picture of our lack of linguistic skills, especially when we’re compared to other Europeans. Almost two thirds of British people are unable to speak any other language than their first language, while this figure drops to 44% across Europe, and only 1% in Luxembourg.

In fact, with figures this low, you might be forgiven for thinking that
there’s no point in learning a language at all, given that the majority of
people in the EU speak English. But speaking a foreign language to some degree of fluency and accuracy is a real plus on your CV and could open more doors than you think.

Here are some of the benefits of learning a foreign language.

- it shows mental agility and flexibility

Languages are complex, with their own rules, exceptions, and
idiosyncracies. Learning and applying these rules often requires you to
think and analyse, as well as accept that languages are different from
each other. In turn, The sort of open-mindedness that langauge learning requires also makes you a more creative person, better able to solve problems and think laterally.

- it shows dedication and tenacity

Many people find they learn quite fast at the beginning stages when
everything is “new”. It’s relatively easy to see your progress, when you can compare to a few months before when you knew nothing at all. But moving beyond this stage requires real dedication. It takes months of hard work and practice to move up a level, so continuing to learn a language will show you as the sort of person who can put in the effort to achieve goals.

- it makes you a more culturally-aware and tolerant person

Language and culture are inextricably linked. It’s almost impossible to
learn a language without also learning something about the culture. Being able to have an appreciation for different cultures makes you a more tolerant and sensitive person, with a greater capacity to understand different points of view.

- it might be useful to you in your career

Not all jobs require ability in a foreign language, but if you’re hoping
to get an international transfer or collaborate with foreign partners
(especially for European-funded projects) some familiarity with a foreign language will be an advantage. Obviously, if you can wow overseas clients or suppliers in their own language, you will be a real asset to the company.

So how good are you at a foreign language?

The Council of Europe has developed a self-assessment grid which allows
you to decide what level you are in any particular foreign language. There are six levels: Basic User – A1 and A2; Independent User – B1 and B2; Proficient User – C1 and C2. For each level there’s a description of what people can typically do in the foreign language. These levels are widely recognised by educational institutions throughout Europe, but are also a useful indication of your abilities for potential employers. In the skills section of your CV, for example, you can indicate your level after the language:
Languages spoken – French (B1), German (A2).