Benefits of Learning the English Language

In today’s globalised world, English is a language that connects people across cultures despite which country they are from. Even if English is not one’s first language, it is common for people to know basic English in order to communicate with others across borders. Even in our motherland, Singapore, English is our official language which we use to communicate with one another even though we each have different mother tongues. It is also a subject that is important in schools all over the world. Having a good grasp of English could help students improve in several areas such as PSLE English composition writing and grammar. Parents also often seek English tutors in Singapore  to help their children excel in English as subject.

This raises the question of why exactly it’s so important for students to learn the English language. Let’s take a look at the top 3 reasons why learning English is applicable to the world at large.

1. Improving Communication in the Future Workplace

Workplaces in Singapore and around the world often have a diverse pool of people who may come from different cultures. When students join the workforce in the future, they might meet colleagues from different countries. They might also find themselves working in multinational companies with colleagues from native English countries such as the USA and Australia. In these organisations, English is often the main mode of communication, so being able to speak and write English well is definitely an asset to have. In fact, whether an individual wants to work in Singapore or overseas, excelling in English as a subject could prepare them for effective communication in their future workplaces.

According to a survey by Fierce, Inc., 86 percent of workers said that workplace failures happened due to ineffective communication and a lack of collaboration. It is thus important for students to have a good grasp of English so that they will understand how to communicate effectively across cultures, and perform outstandingly in their future workplaces.

2. Making Friends Beyond Barriers

English is the most widely spoken language in the world. According to Statista, in 2022, there were around 1.5 billion people around the world who speak English either as a native or second language. In Singapore, it is common for students to embark on exchange programmes overseas when they further their studies at the tertiary level. Even at the primary and secondary levels, many Singaporean schools have students who are either Permanent Residents or originally from a different country.

Since English is a language that most people speak globally, excelling in English helps students make friends with those from different countries. This also creates an opportunity for them to get to know other cultures better. In fact, the paper “Birds of a Feather: Homophily in Social Networks” written by University of Arizona sociologist, Miller McPherson, discusses the concept of homophily — people’s natural affinity to gravitate to other people who are like themselves. McPherson states, “Homophily limits people’s social worlds in a way that has powerful implications for the information they receive, the attitudes they form, and the interactions they experience.” Knowing English well thus allows students to diversify their friend groups through the most commonly spoken language in the world. By doing this, they also gain the advantage of being more open-minded to new notions and viewpoints, and widen their perspectives of the world.

3. Improving Well-being through Writing

Learning English is not just something that encompasses the verbal aspect, but also the written aspect. In Singaporean schools, English composition writing is one of the components tested in the exams. Students may sometimes wonder why they have to do it. Apart from helping students practise their ability to write coherently with an organised structure, writing also benefits one’s well-being in several ways.

A research paper by M Cecil Smith states that writing activities yield a number of intellectual, physiological, and emotional benefits to individuals, such as improved memory function and greater feelings of happiness. Writing also serves as a way for students to develop their imagination by coming up with creative ideas.

Even creative writing and journal writing are helpful ways for a student to practise their English. By learning how to express their ideas, thoughts and emotions through these outlets, students can develop a more positive outlook on life and destress after an exhausting day. Learning how to write is thus a good way for students to improve on both their English aptitude and overall welfare.

Lil’ but Mighty has a variety of nurturing English tutors who are familiar with Singapore’s examination curriculum. Not only will your child be able to improve their English as a subject, but they will also learn how to communicate effectively with others. Additionally, they will learn English through both creative and exam-structured practices. If you are looking for skilled and personable English tutors in Singapore for your child, we could be the right fit for you.