A recent article posted on the BBC website shared some interesting information and experiences related to a sudden rise in the number of people studying a new language.

This, it would seem, is either despite the crazy and unprecedented challenges of 2020, or because of them.

It really is an interesting turn of events, when you think about it. After all, we’re living in a time when travel is highly restricted if not outright banned. Why would people find this the perfect time to dive into a new language?

Is it just because people are looking for something new to do while they’re in lockdown? When someone is stuck at home and the same old TV/video games/books start looking a little, well, same-y, are they just looking for a new experience?

Possibly.

However, while that may be a common reason to jump into a new language, it usually isn’t enough motivation for a person to stick with it long enough to really master the fundamentals and start experiencing the benefits of a second language.

And yet, that’s exactly what this BBC article suggests is going on – people are finally taking the time to get into a new language. And they’re sticking to it.

Feeling Connected

Learning a new language can help us feel connected to others in many different ways.

For some, it could be about connecting or reconnecting with family members in another country. For others, it might be about discovering a new culture and broadening their horizons. Then again, it may be an opportunity to do something together as a family. Then again, many people are simply taking the opportunity to improve their resumes while they have a little extra time.

Let’s take a closer look at all these potential motivations and why they seem to be coming to the forefront this year.

Your Global Family

The world is your playground, and it has been for generations.

Of course, this may mean that over the generations, your family could have spread so far around the world that you may have grown up speaking a different language than your grandparents or other relatives.

Learning a new language will help you connect with these family members and create new opportunities to speak together and discover new things about your roots.

Experiencing a New Culture

This one may seem a little counterintuitive, given that it’s very possible that you won’t be able to travel to a specific country to use your new language for quite some time. Travel restrictions are keeping everyone at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the culture through the language itself.

Learning a new language is an adventure, and you will find that the Arabic language is tied very closely to the culture from which it came.

As you continue to acquire more vocabulary and grammar, you’ll also start to pick up on some of the intricacies of the culture and history.

Family Activities

Over the past year, puzzles, board games, and video games all had a huge boost in sales as families were looking for new things to do together.

Many of these families found that one of the best ways to grow closer was to learn something new together. Diving into a language as a family offered a structured activity that helped improve everyone’s mental acuity, creativity, and more.

Getting Back Out There

It’s no secret that 2020 was extremely difficult on a lot of people, leaving many without work or even employment possibilities.

Learning a new language has the potential to really boost a resume’s power and help it stand out from the crowds of new jobseekers.

The marketplace has gone global, and even smaller companies are regularly looking at international opportunities. So, anyone who wants to get ahead in a difficult job market can really give their resume a shot in the arm with this very important skill.

Connections that Last

There is no doubt that 2020 changed a lot of things in the world. For some people, though, they have tried to take this time to strengthen their connections with family and friends or to begin building opportunities for the new year.

Have you always wanted to learn a new language? Maybe there is no better time than the present to start learning Arabic.

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How Learning a Language Helps Us Stay Connected in a Distant World | Arab Academy