Tip #2334 for ‘how to make more of your freelancing career’ is to learn a new language. Freelance article writers who can offer a kaleidoscope of services are at a much better advantage than those who are scraping the barrel of writing skills. As you look for ways to improve your odds at scoring better paying clients and assignments, consider learning a new language. If you are concerned that you won’t be able to learn a new language at your age, with your busy schedule, due to being broke, or because of your geographical location, I’ve got news for you. These are just excuses that you can overcome, and here’s how you can do it.
Branching Off of English
The first goal is to figure out what foreign language you should start learning first. While English is the most promising language, you most likely know that one. But do you know British English, Canadian English, or Australian English? Each of these forms of English feature most of the same words, meanings, and spellings. Most is key here, though, because there are spellings, key phrases, dialect, and cultural differences in meaning. If you are overwhelmed with learning, say, Mandarin Chinese, start with one of the many forms of English. Add this language skill to your resume and begin promoting your newly learned language skill to clients.
Top Languages for American Writers
As an American writer, you can bank on particular languages being more valuable than others. For example, Latin American Spanish and Canadian French are two of the top languages for clients in North America. Other languages that might benefit you as a writer include:
- French
- Mandarin Chinese
- Arabic
- Japanese
- Farsi
- German
- Italian
- Russian
- Portuguese
- Dutch
Some writers need to look at languages based on their niche. For example, if you are a travel writer, look at learning languages during your travels so that you can enrich your content. Additionally, you might be able to take on work that allows you to write about said countries or places in their home language for their newspapers, blogs, etc.
Where to Learn
The most popular software for learning languages is Rosetta Stone . However, you can now find language learning software in app form for your on-the-go convenience. Here are some of the most popular language learning software programs and apps:
- Fluenz software
- Mango Languages online
- Duolingo iPhone app
- Babbel online
- Living Language software and app
Pricing varies for these programs, but I have found language learning programs in the oddest of places. For example, here in South Dakota, our public libraries offer free use of databases for patrons. One of these databases is Mango, which I have used to learn some Dutch. So check around to see if you, too, can find free or cheap access to language programs that will help you move forward in your freelancing career. And if you do have to pay for a program, keep that receipt for tax time, when you can write it off as a self-employed freelancer.
Miranda B knows a few languages including American English, Spanish, and a bit of Dutch, adding to her writer’s box of fun tricks.
