How Learning English Transforms Your Thinking

Communicating in a foreign language helps you develop many valuable traits and even influences your behavior during conversations. Together with the online school Skyeng, we explore how your life can change when English becomes a part of it. Don’t miss the bonus at the end of the article.

1. You’ll Start Behaving Like an American or a British Aristocrat

Language is deeply intertwined with culture. When you speak a foreign language, you naturally adopt some behavioral traits of its native speakers. If your English exposure comes from American movies, series, and music, speaking English will make you more charming, approachable, and easygoing. If influenced by British culture, you’ll become more reserved, polite, and witty.

2. You’ll Gain Confidence to Discuss Sensitive Topics

Talking about equality, environmental issues, or musical preferences becomes easier in English. The language frees you to express opinions on controversial subjects, reflecting the liberal culture’s emphasis on fighting for rights and advocating equality for all.

This characteristic of English was demonstrated in 1968 by sociolinguist Susan Ervin. She conducted an experiment with women who emigrated from conservative Japan to the USA. Most were married to Americans and spoke Japanese only during visits home.

Ervin asked these women to complete simple tasks, like "Answer the question" or "Finish the sentence," first in Japanese, then in English. The responses differed significantly. For example, when asked to finish the sentence "I want to become...", many answered "a housewife" in Japanese but "a teacher" in English.

3. You’ll Become More Decisive

If you struggle to decide whether to buy a new phone, apply for a loan, or move to a new city, try thinking in English. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that people using a non-native language hesitate less and make more rational decisions.

Foreign vocabulary helps suppress emotions that often hold you back from taking bold steps and worrying about potential risks.

4. You’ll Improve Your Focus

People who know a foreign language are better at concentrating on details. Professor Viorica Marian from Northwestern University discovered this is because their brains keep both their native and learned languages active.

The brain acts like a traffic controller, giving the green light to one language while signaling red to the other. This constant exercise enhances concentration and speeds up information processing.

5. You’ll Boost Your Self-Esteem

Sometimes we hesitate or feel shy before speaking English. But once you start, your confidence grows. Native speakers appreciate any attempt to use their language—it’s seen as impressive and wonderful.

Conversations in English with French, Chinese, Swedish, or other foreigners also help. You’ll realize that making mistakes is normal for everyone, as you notice their puzzled expressions and exclamations like "Comment c’est?" or "Vad är det?"—these moments add to your confidence.

Your self-esteem also rises as you achieve language goals and make progress. Take tests and complete exercises to track what you’ve learned and identify areas for improvement.

6. You’ll Enhance Your Multitasking Abilities

Learning a foreign language keeps your brain youthful. Even in retirement, you’ll think as quickly as in your younger years.

Mental exercises help your brain stay active, making it easier to switch between tasks and even handle multiple activities simultaneously.

7. You’ll Develop Creative Skills

The more you use English in daily life, the more creative you become. Forming sentences in a foreign language requires mentally exploring various word combinations, which nurtures creativity. Frequent English use might even inspire you to become the next Warhol or Lennon.

8. You’ll Transform Yourself Forever

English helps you become the best version of yourself: broadening horizons, traveling more, and enjoying popular films and iconic books in their original language. You don’t need to dedicate excessive time; you can learn whenever convenient, without giving up evenings with friends or relaxing weekends.

At Skyeng online school, you can "attend" lessons anytime and anywhere—even on the beach during vacation or early in the morning before work. All you need is internet access and 50 minutes.

Lessons are conducted via video calls by teachers worldwide, carefully matched to each student’s preferences. With about 6,000 instructors at Skyeng, you’re sure to find the perfect fit.

Homework is completed on the website and checked automatically, so lesson time focuses entirely on learning new material. During lessons, you’ll speak twice as much as the teacher—about 60% of the time—quickly becoming proficient in conversational English.

Learning foreign languages not only changes your thinking but also sharpens your mind. It’s never too late to start—whether you’re 30, 50, or 70 years old. New Skyeng students receive three free lessons upon their first payment using promo code LIFEHACKER8. The promo code is valid until August 31, 2019.

Sign up for your free lesson today!

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