Why Learning A New Language Can Benefit Your Resume
by Kym Farris
Over the past few weeks, I have been touching base on a couple of subjects that I hope have helped you. This week I’d like to address how knowing more than one language can broaden your mind and strengthen your resume. Let me explain.
I belong to a writing group and in that group I see a lot of posts asking for specific writing languages. I’m kind of envious of this as I only know English. Recently I have been trying to learn basic Chinese, as where I live, it is predominant. Most of the stores are operated by them. I thought it would be cool to be able to say ‘hi’ and ‘thank you.’ The response sometimes is funny as they look at me as confused as I probably look at them but hey I’m trying. So this is what made me think about writing novels, blogs or even being able to do an audiobook in another language.
To understand any language you must understand the culture
Learn the meaning behind the words. Learn how they pronounce their words. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to say something in Spanish and just want to hide after. It’s the roll of the tongue I can’t get. But imagine if I kept trying. Imagine the jobs, papers, or even the companies I could have worked for. With a little help, I believe you can!
Being a writer knowing another language shows a potential client that you are flexible. That you are willing to go above and beyond to get a project done. That you are not limiting yourself to just one subject or technique. That you are open to new and exciting ideas. That you can move out of your comfort zone. I think it could also boost your confidence.
Audiobooks are taking over slowly which means clients are going to be looking to translate their books from paper to audio. Only knowing one language limits you to doing only the one you know. Learning another language or even two can open up new job opportunities for you. You could even at that point advertise yourself on different countries' workforce boards.
I have found there are many ways to learn a new language
Tutors seem to be the most efficient. The next is self-learning books. Then apps. As much as I’m an app person, that route doesn't seem like it would work for me. I don’t sound like them and as much as I yell at my phone it doesn't change the fact I can’t learn that way.
Tutors are the most efficient as they are there when you are doing the work. They can help with pronunciation and any questions you have. Although they can be a little pricey when you think of the outcome, the money you could make from learning then the price isn’t as bad as it seems.
If you are a reader like me then some of the books could benefit you. Plus with a book, you can go as slow or quick as you want. If you go this way you might want to have someone that knows the language handy to be able to run some things as you go by them.
I am going to post a few links to get you started. The first is tutors and directly under those are some books I found that could be beneficial.
That’s all of it! If you have other services you’d recommend, be sure to let us know in the comments. And while you’re here - subscribe to our mailing list, so you don’t miss any ghostwriting tips and best practices that we’ll be sharing here each week.
