Why do you study English? With more than 7000 languages in the world, have you ever wondered about the reasons behind your choice to pursue English?
People like English, or are inclined to learn English, due to the following reasons.
- Career opportunities
- Travel and study abroad
- Meet new people
- Media language
- Language of business
- Language of Science and Technology
- Easy to learn
The importance of learning English is further discussed below. So, read on and learn the benefits you can reap when you study this language.
A brief history of the universal language
The English language has its roots in a Proto-Indo-European language spoken by nomads in Europe 5,000 years ago. It shares this origin with German. The Jutes, Saxons, and Angles introduced Old English to the British Isles beginning in 449. The establishment of educational centers in Winchester, the creation of historical records, and the translation of Latin texts into the West Saxon dialect during the 800s resulted in this dialect becoming known as “Old English” and saw the adoption of words from Scandinavian languages.
The term “English” originates from “Anglisc,” the language spoken by the Angles, a Germanic tribe that settled in England during the 5th century. Today, English is the main language of countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US, and it is also a widely spoken second language in places like India, Singapore, and the Philippines.
English as a dominant language
It is widely recognized as the “common language” globally. Most (80%) of English speakers worldwide are not native speakers, with a total of 1.5 billion English speakers worldwide. English is the official language in 67 countries and a secondary official language in 27 other countries. English was also greatly recognized in the fields such as business, commerce, science, medicine, and more. It has surpassed French as the dominant language in diplomacy and is widely used in many regions worldwide. It’s widely spoken, making it easy to find someone to practice with no matter where you go.
Why Do You Study English? Top Reasons
1. Career opportunities
The internet has connected countries and people, making the world more globalized. It allows individuals from one country to seek employment in another country where English is the primary language, offering better pay and benefits. Proficiency in English allows one to work abroad and enhance one’s standard of living compared to staying in their home country without speaking the language.
English proficiency also enables individuals to work online, as many companies outsource jobs to English-speaking freelancers in countries with lower labor costs. It benefits the employer with lower costs and the worker, who earns a better salary while enjoying the flexibility of remote work.
By embracing these awesome opportunities offered by the internet and making the most of their English skills, individuals can unlock a whole world of career possibilities and actively pursue career advancement. Having to effectively communicate in English becomes a real game-changer, giving individuals the tools they need to thrive in a global job market and take their careers to epic new levels.
2. Travel and study abroad
Studying English opens up a world of opportunities, particularly in the field of travel and tourism, including work opportunities abroad. English is a valuable language to know when traveling, especially in countries such as the United States, England, and Australia, where it is widely spoken. Additionally, English is often used as a secondary language in other countries, making it useful for global travel. Knowing basic English can greatly benefit a traveler as it is widely used worldwide.
Speaking English can facilitate communication while traveling abroad, especially in situations where you do not speak the local language and they do not speak your native language. For example, a Chinese traveler in Spain who does not speak Spanish and vendors in Spain who do not speak Chinese can still communicate in English. Basic tasks such as checking into a hotel, ordering food, or asking for directions are much easier when speaking English. Additionally, many signs, maps, and ticket machines were written in English.
When you’re on a trip, it’s advisable to refresh your memory on common phrases, questions, and greetings in the local language as a sign of respect for the destination country. Even if you travel to a nation where English is not the official language, English will still be utilized to communicate.
Now, let’s delve into the question “Why do you study English?” As an international student with dreams of studying abroad, acquiring proficiency in the English language becomes a crucial step in pursuing your academic goals and laying the groundwork for your future career beyond graduation. There are many benefits when you enroll in English learning courses. Such courses typically cover the fundamental aspects of English, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while also working to increase your confidence in using English in daily life, work, and future studies.
3. Meet new people
Higher English fluency can broaden your opportunities for personal growth and interaction with people from different countries. It allows you to have face-to-face meetings and virtual calls via Skype or phone while traveling the world at a low cost, which can greatly benefit you by expanding your social network while still staying connected to your existing social circle. Not everyone may be interested in meeting people from different backgrounds, but if you are, learning English can make this journey even smoother.
The advantages of learning English are evident when it comes to guiding others based on language proficiency. For instance, you could interpret technical data written in English for coworkers who don’t speak the language. Similarly, you could also advise English speakers on subjects that require understanding your first language.
Practicing the language with friends not only offers convenience but also leads to embracing cultural enrichment and strengthening global communication. They will support and inspire you to use English as much as possible. Learning English with friends boosts your motivation as you can keep each other motivated to improve and speak more. Motivation is a crucial factor in language learning and requires a constant drive to practice. Studying with friends will help you comprehend English better as they listen to you. Furthermore, learning English with friends is more enjoyable as they constantly strive to assist you.
4. Media language
Language barriers can be one reason, and experience makes these truths obvious, and we need no complicated reasoning process to establish them. Merely stating such questions illustrates the fact that the attainment of some truths presents many difficulties. To proceed safely and efficiently to solve intricate problems, we must resort to one common and widely spoken language, English. The whole world can use it. Through the medium of press and radio, in almost every newspaper, textbook, and monograph, they grasp the significance and full value of the material they want to convey to the public using English.
Many world’s leading movies, literature, and music are created and released in English. Hence, you will gain access to vast cultural offerings and broaden your cultural awareness by mastering the language. If you have mastery of English, you won’t need to rely on captions or translations to enjoy your favorite books, movies, TV shows, and music. Additionally, watching English-language movies and TV shows can be an entertaining and effective way to learn the language.
A report by Education First states that English is the primary language of the internet. Around 565 million people access the internet daily, and approximately 52% of the most frequently visited websites are displayed in English. Learning this language is crucial as it opens the door to over half of the internet’s content. It also grants you access to billions of pages of information that may not be accessible otherwise.
5. Language of business
Companies are taking significant actions to assist in propelling large numbers of people globally forward. Financial growth is at the heart of what we do. However, it is crucial to recognize the benefits of studying English as a means of effective communication. By using English, clarity and readily understandable messages can be conveyed to everyone, enabling individuals to indulge and discover self-enrichment tools to face everyday challenges.
We’re stressed out with the everyday grind of the big world, so we need to indulge in activities that offer getaways from many issues that, at times, are detrimental to our health. To be always successful in our daily tasks, especially in the business sector, effective communication using the universal language, English, comes to the fore. Our prime requirement is for people to get a better appreciation and explore the best that the business industry offers.
English is the leading language in the corporate world, and individuals must speak it to participate in a global job market. Studies from various countries have revealed that cross-border business dealings are predominantly conducted in English. Moreover, many multinational corporations expect their employees to have a strong command of the language. Recognizing and harnessing the benefits of studying English becomes imperative for individuals seeking to excel in international business and trade.
6. Language of Science and Technology
Over the past years, the natural sciences have experienced substantial growth and advancement, providing compelling reasons to study English. Humans have always supported responsible innovation because we view it as a way to increase efficiency in the financial system and drive financial growth. A history wall showed milestones in the development of science and technology; to say this is extraordinary is, to put it mildly. This upsurge had inspired many with constant reassuring, positive results in the changing fortunes of time.
It also aims to promote and build solidarity among neighboring countries from developed and developing countries. The potential risks associated with new technologies can be effectively controlled by enabling regulations that promote responsible usage and maximize the benefits of these advancements and cutting-edge technologies. In this regard, English is a widely known spoken language, and its remarkable value goes without saying.
7. Easy and fun to learn
One of the motivations for learning English is the main advantage it offers: it is easy to learn in a short amount of time. English is widely regarded as one of the simplest languages due to its relatively small alphabet of only 26 letters and straightforward grammar rules. The flexibility and enjoyment of the English language make it easy to learn with practice and exposure.
Playing With Words
Did you know that in the English language, the longest word ever recorded contains 45 letters? This word is ‘pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis.’ It is a type of inflammatory disease in the lungs due to inhaling fine silica dust. If you think that word is too amusing, search the term for fear of long words. You will find it ironic.
If long words are possible, combining two words is also doable. For example, by joining the words ‘hungry’ and ‘angry’ together, you will get the word ‘hangry.’ It is a feeling that describes your irritation due to hunger. This word was included in the records of the Oxford English Dictionary in 2018.
Some English words are so fun to use. Because of this reason, the English language continues to be fascinating as time goes by.
The following details are the words, phrases, and sentences that make learning English more enjoyable!
Palindrome
Some phrases and words in English use the same spelling whether you read them from left to right or right to left. They are called palindromes. For example, the words madam, kayak, and deed are all considered palindromes.
Ambigram
There are two kinds of ambigrams: rotational and mirror or bilateral ambigrams. When you capitalize all the letters in the word ‘SWIMS’ and turn it upside-down, it will be the same word. It is an example of a rotational ambigram. On the other hand, a mirror or bilateral ambigram is like palindromes. It is read the same way, forward or backward.
Isogram
They are called isograms for phrases or words that utilize the same number of letters. A great example of an isogram is the word dialogue, where you use each letter once. Other examples include atmospheric, documentary, and the word ‘isogram.’
Tautonym
There are instances where you have to repeat words to make a new word. This new word is called tautonym, which is also known as reduplication. It is usually used in informal speech. Some of its examples are the words so-so, bye-bye, and goody-goody.
Pangram
Did you know that it is possible to use every letter of the alphabet in a sentence? This sentence is called a pangram. The most well-known pangram is ‘the quick brown fox jumps over a lazy dog.’
To start learning English, set goals and a deadline to stay on track. The more you practice and engage with the language, the easier it will become. Learning English can be a personal accomplishment and an opportunity for personal growth and skill development. Moreover, you have many resources at your fingertips. You can even learn English online for free with Denwa Sensei!
Final Thoughts
As a universal language, the benefits of studying English have become phenomenal. This far-reaching spoken language was almost exclusively used in the business world. Using English removes the barrier we often encounter from other foreign languages, which hinder us from conveying our thoughts and ideas, especially to non-speaking countries. Effective communication skills are the key to opening many golden opportunities. It means English is equivalent to a perfect marriage of vision and values. The world can share a long-term outlook anchored on creating world-class developments that enrich people’s lives. So, why do you study English and what motivates you to pursue it?
The question “Why do you study English?” often arises when we reflect on the many mistakes made in daily life due to hasty conclusions drawn from incomplete or faulty knowledge. The remedy lies in the meticulous study of the nature and context of things. So, why do you have a fondness for English? These are not ideal questions. They are important, vital, all-embracing, and affect almost every walk of life. We all have the right and duty to find the answer using English, which is the purpose and function of this language to bring the whole world and its scattered data into a higher system of unity. The significance of mastering English in the global business world must be emphasized – acquiring proficiency in English can truly transform your life.