Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language (and How to Choose the Right One)
- Joon
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
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For many people, language learning is only seen as something you do out of necessity like for school, work, or moving abroad. But the truth is, you don’t need a “valid” reason to start. Any reason is valid, even if it’s as simple as being curious about how a language sounds.
At its core, language learning is about connection, curiosity, and growth. And no matter your motivation, it’s one of the most rewarding skills you can ever develop.
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Finding Your “Why”
Before you choose a language to learn, take a moment to ask yourself the most important question:
Why am I learning this language?
It might seem like a small thing, but knowing your “why” will guide every part of your learning journey: from how you study to how you stay motivated. It also gives you something to come back to when progress feels slow or when you start to lose focus.
Here are some common reasons people decide to learn a new language:
To explore a new culture
To prepare for work or study abroad
For a significant other, family member, or friend
To reconnect with their heritage
For travel
Out of personal interest or curiosity
To access books, shows, or music in another language
To help preserve or revitalize a language
Whatever your reason, make it personal. Think about what drew you to the language in the first place. Was it a movie, a trip, or maybe a song that stuck in your head? Write that reason down and keep it somewhere visible as it’ll remind you why you started whenever your motivation dips.
The Benefits of Learning a Language
The benefits of learning a new language go far beyond communication. Scientifically, it has been shown to improve memory, multitasking, and problem-solving skills. It can even delay cognitive decline later in life.
But beyond the mental benefits, learning a language also deepens your empathy and understanding of the world. It opens doors to new friendships, new cultures, and even new career opportunities.
And perhaps most importantly, you can start at any age. It’s never too late to begin.
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How to Choose Which Language to Learn
Once you’ve figured out your “why,” the next question is: Which language should I learn?
The good news is, there’s no wrong answer. You can choose a language for any reason. Perhaps you love the sound of it, your favorite media is in that language, or you want to expand your career options.
If your reason feels “silly” or “not practical,” that’s okay. Passion is one of the strongest motivators you can have when learning something new. When the process feels tedious (and it will at times), that initial spark of interest will help keep you going.
Here are some of the most common reasons people choose their target language:
They love the media or culture associated with it.
They want better job prospects or plan to move abroad.
A friend or family member speaks the language.
Whatever your reason is, use it to your advantage. If you love K-dramas, use them for listening practice. If your partner speaks Spanish, practice with them. Your motivation can become one of your best learning tools.
Learning One Language vs. Multiple Languages
Sometimes learners are interested in studying several languages at once. That’s completely fine, but it’s important to be realistic.
If you’re a beginner, it’s usually best to start with one language at a time. Focusing on one will help you progress faster and avoid confusing vocabulary or grammar between languages.
If you do decide to learn multiple languages, try to keep your number small and your schedule balanced. Be intentional about your study time and avoid what’s known as dabbling (jumping between languages without consistency). Dabbling can be fun at first but rarely leads to lasting progress.
To keep your languages separate, try these strategies:
Learn languages from different families. For example, French and Spanish are both Romance languages and share similar vocabulary, which can make them easy to mix up. Pairing Spanish with Japanese, for instance, makes confusion less likely.
Wait until you’re proficient in one language before starting another. Once you’ve reached an intermediate level (like B1 or B2 on the CEFR scale), it becomes much easier to balance learning a second language.
Use different learning methods. Study one through a class and another through self-study or online resources to help your brain separate them.
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If You Can’t Decide Which Language to Start With
Still not sure which language to pick? Try this simple exercise.
Make a short list of the languages that interest you and the reasons why. Then, spend about a week exploring each one. Watch videos, learn basic phrases, and pay attention to how each language makes you feel. Which one excites you the most? Which one do you find yourself coming back to naturally?
Once you’ve found the language that holds your interest, commit to it and start gathering resources.
Final Thoughts
Learning a foreign language is one of the most enriching journeys you can take. It challenges your mind, connects you with people and cultures around the world, and gives you new ways to express yourself.
No matter your reason or which language you choose, the most important thing is to start and to keep going.
