From broadening horizons and helping communicate as well as connect effectively with other people to opening a world of new opportunities, foreign languages do it all.
No wonder so many people worldwide make it a point to learn foreign languages in the quest to elevate their personal and professional lives.
But that’s not all.
Foreign languages do much (much) more than that.
They can also inspire you to start a new business. Yes, that’s right!
A Story On How A Foreign Language Inspired A Business
Did you know that the name of Etsy – the global online artisanal marketplace for all things unique, handmade, and vintage – was inspired by an Italian word?
Let this sink in for a moment.
In January 2010, the founder Rob Kalin was watching the surrealist comedy-drama film 8½ directed by Federico Fellini, and as he was writing down what he was listening to, he came across a word being repeatedly used “Eh, sì, eh sì”, which in Italian means “Oh yes.”
Just like that, a light bulb went on Kalin’s head, and he thought, why not use it as the brand name. After all, it’s cool, unique, and in line with the requirements for a creative name that epitomizes building the brand from the ground up.
Cut to today, the company is a force to be reckoned with. Hard to believe that it all began with a word from a foreign language that made no sense, right?
Parting Thoughts
In an increasingly globalized world where borders have become non-existent, learning foreign languages can really help you transform your life for the better.
Who knows what might end up inspiring you and switching the light bulb on in your head, too, making you launch maybe the next unicorn?
So, go ahead and explore foreign languages. Ohh, and don’t forget to buckle up and brace yourself for the waves of inspiration about to follow.
