Get All Access for $5/mo

Why Learning a New Language Now Could Make You a More Successful Entrepreneur And how to learn a new one fast.

By Entrepreneur Store Edited by Jason Fell

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you'll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

bongkarn thanyakij

The world is flattening (figuratively) as international trade is easier than ever and more people speak English than ever. But just because doing business in English is widely possible, doesn't mean you shouldn't learn a new language. There are a number of reasons why entrepreneurs owe it to themselves to learn a new language.

Plus, with your social calendar nonexistent for the time being and great deals on language learning software and apps popping up (like this lifetime subscription to Babbel for 60 percent off), there's never been a better time to try it out.

It rewires your brain.

When you learn a new language, your brain actually rewires itself. The human brain is incredibly plastic, changing and creating new connections whenever newer, less-used portions of the brain are used. That can actually make you feel smarter in the long run.

See a different perspective.

Language and culture aren't just opposite sides of the same coin — they blend together in the edge. When you learn a new language, you get a unique look into the culture that speaks and thrives on that language. With that perspective, you may find yourself thinking of things in new, innovative ways.

Improves listening skills.

Listening is vital for any successful negotiation, be it in the board room or in the living room. Learning a new language—because you're forced to listen closely—helps improve your listening skills over time.

Creates new opportunities.

Yes, English is a useful skill. But when you learn a new language, you can also communicate with all of those people who don't speak English. That may present opportunities you never knew were there.

Ready to learn? Good, because right now you can subscribe to the world's top-grossing language learning program, Babbel for an unbeatable price. For $159, you'll get lifetime access to all of the languages in Babbel's library. That's a $250 savings.

Entrepreneur Store

Entrepreneur Store

Your one-stop shop for the latest technology, online courses and productivity tools to help your business and personal growth. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Business News

'I'm Not Trying to Land on Mars': Mark Cuban Takes Dig at Elon Musk to Explain Why His Online Pharmacy Isn't Trying to Make More Money

Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Co. is an online pharmacy co-founded by Cuban and radiologist Alex Oshmyansky.

Business News

Meta Makes $1 Million Dollar Donation to Donald Trump's Inaugural Fund

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg also reportedly gave Trump a pair of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

'It's Not About You': How to Fire Someone Effectively, According to Kevin O'Leary

O'Leary says that if you can't fire someone, you aren't the right leader for the organization.

Leadership

Should I Stay or Should I Go? 8 Key Points to Navigate the Founder's Dilemma

Here are eight key signs that help founders determine whether to persevere or let go.