Can speaking English or another language really change your life?

Short answer: Yes. And today's research shows it's even more important than ever before.

In 2005, a major study from the U.S. Census Bureau made one thing clear: "English-speaking ability influences a worker's ability to succeed, regardless of the particular language spoken at home." People who spoke English "very well" earned nearly as much as native English speakers, while those with lower English skills faced big disadvantages.

Fast forward to today. New data from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (2024) and insights from Forbes (2023) show that language skills not only boost your income but also help you build wealth, own a home, retire comfortably, and connect better with people.

Let's break it down.

Why English Skills Mattered in 2005

In 2005, researchers Jennifer Day and Hyon Shin found that those who struggled with English were less likely to be employed, less likely to work full-time, and earned thousands of dollars less per year.

"Workers who spoke only English earned $5,600 more than people who spoke another language," they wrote.

They even showed that small improvements in English skills led to big jumps in employment and earnings. The gap between someone speaking "very well" and "well" was about $7,000 per year.

Their conclusion? If you wanted a stable job and better pay, you needed to speak English well.

What's Different in 2024

Today, the story has expanded.

• It's not just about getting a job — it's about owning a home, saving for retirement, and building real financial security.
• Multilingual skills (not just English) are huge career boosters.
• Citizenship, age, and financial literacy now play bigger roles.

The 2024 EBRI report found that those who speak English "not well or not at all" had a median income of only $15,043, compared to $36,689 for English-only speakers. They also were much less likely to own checking accounts, retirement savings, stocks, or homes.

"Only 62% of people in the 'not well — not at all' group owned a checking account," EBRI reported. That means 1 in 3 people without strong English skills may pay higher fees or miss credit-building chances.

Top 4 Gaps for Non-English Speakers Today:

• Lower incomes
• Less home ownership
• Less retirement savings
• Fewer investment assets (like stocks)

But It's Not Just About English Anymore

Forbes (2023) highlights something exciting: speaking any second or third language can supercharge your career.

"Fully 40% of multilingual employees said language skills helped them land a job, and they earned 19% more than single-language speakers," according to a Preply analysis.

It’s not just about being functional. It's about standing out, connecting with diverse teams, working internationally, and even boosting your creativity and mental sharpness.

Top languages linked to higher pay: Portuguese, Russian, Vietnamese, French, and Mandarin.

Cities with biggest boosts for multilingual workers: San Francisco, San Jose, Fremont, Newark (NJ), and Reno.

Don't Ignore the Bigger Picture

Both the 2005 and 2024 data tell a deeper story:

• English skills still open doors — in the workplace and beyond.
• Multilingualism is now an asset that helps you build wealth faster.
• Community support matters: EBRI pointed out that neighborhoods with more language resources (like bilingual financial services) help close the gap.
• Employers care more than ever about communication, cultural fluency, and emotional intelligence.

As Forbes put it:

"The evidence is clear that speaking more than one language has huge payoffs, not only in pay or performance, but also in your esteem, relationships, and personal fulfillment."

So What Can You Do?

1. Start now. Don't wait for the "perfect" time to improve your English or learn a new language. Every step forward counts.

2. Stay consistent. The biggest gains come from regular practice, even 10 minutes a day.

3. Immerse yourself. Movies, books, podcasts, conversations. Surround yourself with the language.

4. Keep your "why" clear. Higher pay? A better job? Financial freedom? Travel? Connection? Remember it when learning gets tough.

Where Pronounce AI Fits In

Don’t just dream about better English. Build it — fast.

Pronounce AI is your shortcut. It gives instant feedback on your speaking — pronunciation, grammar, and fluency — no embarrassment, no waiting. You talk, it listens, it coaches you in real time. Miss a sound? It shows you. Say it better? It cheers you on. Whether you’re fixing your accent, practicing for work, or just trying to sound more natural, Pronounce AI makes it simple. Daily practice turns into real progress. In a world where better language skills mean better jobs and better pay, why leave it to chance?

Can language really change your future? Absolutely.

In 2005, it gave you a better shot at a job. In 2024, it can help you build a better life.

And the best time to start? Today. Start talking. Start winning.