It’s Olympics Season! Here’s Why You Should Explore a New Language!
Since its inception, the Olympics has been a grand stage where athletes from around the world showcase their talents. But with participants from over 200 nations, it’s also a hub of communication. This summer, as we gear up for another Olympic spectacle, it’s the perfect time to dive into (finally!) learning a new language.
Why should you learn a new language?
Language learning grants you the ability to build deeper relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds, widens your communication skills, and prevents cognitive decline. Not enough to convince you? Consider this finding from The Hanen Centre, explaining how bilingual children have been shown to have improved cognitive flexibility and selective attention skills.
Take a look at some of these other benefits of being bilingual. The English language is amazing, but it's only one of thousands in the world!
Enhanced Travel Experiences
Planning to take advantage of recent low airfare rates and get some traveling under your belt? Understanding the native language can make your travel experience more immersive and enjoyable. Showing the locals you speak more than one language is a great way to make a good first impression, too.
Cultural Appreciation
Language is a gateway to understanding a culture and its history. By learning these languages, you can appreciate the rich cultural tapestries each language has sprung from. Native speakers might even respect you a bit more knowing you took the time to understand their official language.
Career Advancement
In today’s globalized world, being bilingual is more valuable than ever in the job market. It can set you apart from other candidates who only speak one language and open the door to international opportunities. Learning other languages also helps sharpen problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity.
Which languages can you expect to hear most often at the 2024 Summer Olympics? They may not be the languages you'd expect. Let's discuss three of the most commonly spoken languages at the modern Olympic games.
The Language Lineup at the Olympic Games
1. French
We’ll start with the native language of the host country – French. Alongside English, French is one of the official languages of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Historically, French was the dominant diplomatic language, and it remains influential in many parts of the world. Why learn it? Mastering French can enhance your appreciation of art, culture, and history, especially if you’re keen on exploring the rich heritage of Francophone countries. It’s also the official language of the UN!
Resources We Love: If you’re looking to learn French, we have several options, from courses specific to travel, conversation, and even Canadian citizenship!
2. Spanish
With a vast number of Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America participating in the Olympics, Spanish is another key language to master for good business communication. It’s the second most spoken language in the world by native speakers. Learning Spanish can make traveling to Spain, Mexico, and much of South America more enriching and enjoyable. Plus, it’s a gateway to understanding diverse cultures and vibrant traditions.
Resources We Love: At VT, we offer several different Spanish courses, including courses specific to Travel and to Business.
3. German
The third most common language at the Olympics, after English, French, and Spanish, is typically German. German is widely spoken in Europe and is the official language of Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland. It also has significant numbers of speakers in other countries. Germany has one of the world's largest economies, and knowing German can be a significant asset in the business world, particularly in engineering, automotive, and finance sectors.
Resources We Love: Deutsch sprechen lernen with our German courses!
As the world comes together for the Olympics, there’s no better time to start learning a new language. As we mentioned earlier, language learning does more than just help you communicate; it sets you up for unique career opportunities and meaningful life connections. This summer, embrace the spirit of the Olympics by connecting with the world through language!
