The unexpected benefits of advanced English

3 ways English can change your everyday life

Hey here!

How are you doing? I was watching the other day the show I’m currently obsessed with (The Crown - I highly recommend it!!) and realised that it would be so different to watch it dubbed in a different language. Not because of the language being different (duh), but more because certain things cannot be translated, and it would lose that particular meaning. This made me think of all the ‘perks’ you have when you work on improving your English.

Many people think of proficiency only in terms of exams and certificates, or using ‘perfect grammar’... However, in reality, fluent English has numerous real-life effects that extend far beyond the classroom. Today, I want to share some ways your life can be better with proficient English (and there are many).

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More than words: What proficient English really gives you

Thinking differently

Have you ever heard people who speak more than one language say, ‘My personality changes depending on what language I’m speaking’? Well, it’s true…

Maybe your personality doesn’t change, per se, but you do start to think differently in each language. There is an interesting term for that called Language-Dependent Personality. 

There is scientific evidence that speaking a different language can change how you think, feel, and even behave! This is not because your core personality is changing, but more because language is deeply intertwined with cognition, emotion, and culture. Think of languages being connected to specific cultural backgrounds, but also to how people think, communicate and interact with each other. This ‘personality shift’ usually happens without people even realising it, as when we speak a certain language, we mirror the cultural values, social habits and even ways of thinking linked to that language. 

Freedom to enjoy content

Around half of the content found on the internet is in English. English is also the universal language of science, so the vast majority of scientific papers are published in English. Moreover, many, many, many books and movies on the market are in drumroll please English. 

Now, imagine being able to consume any type of content in English without needing subtitles and just ‘getting’ the humour, sarcasm, or wordplay. English proficiency allows you to enjoy content in its original form, which, oftentimes, can have a completely different impact. It also helps you to expand your worldview and make it easier for you to ‘think’ in English.

Make genuine connections

English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the modern world, making it the language to connect with people from all over the world. With a higher level of English, you gain the ability to connect with people on more than just surface topics (e.g. simple small talk). 

Just take a look at how international and globalised our lives have become. It has never been this common for children to have such mixed backgrounds, with both parents being from completely different parts of the world. Proficient English is opening the doors to building international relationships - and I’m not just talking about romantic ones, but also friendship, business, family… You name it!

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If I had to choose one thing for you to take away today, it would probably be that English proficiency is not just about ‘being fluent’... It’s about freedom, confidence and creating deeper connections.

By the way, if you’ve been thinking about joining The English Life Academy, now’s a good time. Anyone who signs up before the 3rd of October gets 2 bonus classes in their first month! (a little extra to get you started 😉)

Remember… your goals are within reach!! You just have to take ACTION

Reply to this email if you’re interested in joining.

Until next time!

Camila