Why is it so hard for English speakers to learn another language?

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it’s hard because it challenges both your mind (your brain has to construct new cognitive frameworks) and time (it requires sustained, consistent practice). But there’s more to it than that.

Why it’s important to learn another language?

Besides having more chances of landing a good job or advancing in your career, learning a second language can also give you an insight into other cultures. Learning a second language opens up the opportunity for being part of a community with a different culture, and learning more about the world around us.

Why should native English speakers learn a second language?

Here are 10 reasons why native English speakers should also learn a second language: A map of the world with pinned destinations. Photo by Poolie, 2012. 1. Learning a second language is essential to be competitive in the job market. Applicants who can speak more than one language are the preferred candidates for most jobs.

How many native English speakers are there in the world?

1.2 Number of native and non-native English speakers There are 378 million native speakers (those who speak English as their first language) and 743 million non-native speakers (those who speak English as their second language) in the world. Source: Ethnologue, 21 st edition 1.3 What \% of English conversations involve only native speakers?

Are native speakers at a disadvantage in a lingua franca situation?

“Native speakers are at a disadvantage when you are in a lingua franca situation,” where English is being used as a common denominator, says Jennifer Jenkins, professor of global Englishes at the UK’s University of Southampton. “It’s the native English speakers that are having difficulty understanding and making themselves understood.”

Do non-native speakers have any chance of understanding?

In a room full of non-native speakers, ‘there isn’t any chance of understanding’. It might be their language, but the message is often lost. I It was just one word in one email, but it triggered huge financial losses for a multinational company.