Learning a new language can get you excited about travelling again: Babbel

While Canada’s strict travel restrictions may make getaways feel even more out of reach, new data from language app Babbel suggests that learning a new language can, in the meantime, help invigorate excitement for travelling again.

In a December 2020 study that surveyed 6,700 language learners who joined Babbel between March and August 2020, Babbel found that 73% of Canadian Babbel users are hoping to put their learned-language skills to the test via travel once restrictions ease.

The study found that wanderlust is at an all-time high, with 69% of Canadians saying travel is what they’re most looking forward to.

People are also thinking beyond quick getaways and planning for longer duration trips, with 42% of Canadians hoping to take an extended trip, either on a sabbatical or working remotely while abroad.

Furthermore, 23% of respondents said the disruption of travel plans in 2020 affected them the most.

Motivated to travel 

Learning a new language can be a terrific motivator to travel again, the company says.

According to Nelleke van Deusen-Scholl, Director of Yale University’s Center for Language Study, it can be motivating to set more long-term goals, such as being able to hold a basic conversation in the target language during a vacation (when vacations are possible) or connect with neighbours, relatives or friends.

 Participating countries in the research included Canada, Germany, Austria, the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, and Brazil.

Dynata Consumer Report's 2020 study for Babbel also involved surveying 8,700 consumers in December 2020.

For more on Babbel, click here.

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