A social studies teacher explores what writing obituaries of “overlooked” relatives can teach students about contributing meaningfully to society.
The 52 Best Breakup Lines (Said in Real Life)
To mark the winter holidays — an especially popular time to break up — we asked people around the world for their most striking parting words to each other.
Bests, Worsts and Mosts: What Are Your 2025 Superlatives?
Get inspiration from year-end roundups by Times critics and readers. Then, make your own lists of recommendations and reflections for the end of the year.
The 52 Best Breakup Lines(Said in Real Life)
To mark the winter holidays — an especially popular time to break up — we asked people around the world for their most striking parting words to each other.
Word of the Day: anachronism
This word has appeared in 33 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
Reading Rates Among American Adults
The paper gives a number of fascinating insights. People who are more likely to read tend to be older, women, white, have postgraduate degrees, and make more than $100k. However, the trends change a little when it’s broken down by time spent reading by those who read. Older adults do spend more time reading than other age groups, but all the other differences between groups are slight. There is very little difference between men and women in how much time they spend reading. The race data looks noisy – varying quite a bit year to year. The level of degree attainment does not seem to change the amount of time spent reading. And finally, there is a small, but consistent, difference between how much time people at different income levels spend reading. Those who make less than $30k spend the most time reading and those who make $100k or more spend the least time reading.
The authors speculated as to why reading rates have decreased. They present some evidence that suggests that time for reading has simply been replaced by other forms of media. This has been debated, but by and large declines in reading are correlated with a rise in use of digital media (1). They note that even if people are not consciously choosing to replace reading with other forms of media (i.e. social media, tv, movies, etc.), the presence of digital devices presents many opportunities for distraction from reading (6).
It was also interesting to learn that the impacts of reading may depend on the type of reading you are engaging in. Previous studies have found differences in the benefits for reading fiction, non-fiction, and news. Reading fiction compared to non-fiction may provide more opportunities to develop linguistic skills, creativity, imagination, theory of mind, and/or emotion regulation (1). Whereas reading the news may increase stress (7). However, the survey did not distinguish between these different types of reading so all were counted in the reading rates presented above.
As Bone and colleagues (2025) point out, the rates and time spent reading by adult readers can have major impacts on rates of depression, stress (2,3), and can affect sleep (4). In this light, addressing low reading rates can be framed as a public health initiative. These factors contributed to the Biden administration releasing an executive order on promoting the arts, humanities, museum, and library services in America (5). These initiatives have largely been reversed in 2025.
After looking through this paper I am even more inclined to pick up a book in the evenings. Reading for just 20 minutes would put me well above the average (16 minutes a day in 2023, down from a little over 20 in 2024)(1). I tend to read fiction anyways, but now I have another reason to avoid the news, particularly before bed. I hope you are also able to pick up a book to light you through the dark nights ahead.
References
Bone, J. K., Bu, Feifei, Sonke, J. K., & Fancourt, D. (2025). The decline in reading for pleasure over 20 years of the American Time Use Survey. iScience, 28(9), 113288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.113288
Dowrick, C., Billington, J., Robinson, J., Harmer, A., & Williams, C. (2012). Get into reading as an intervention for common mental health problems: exploring catalysts for change. Medical Humanities, 38, 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1136/medhum-2011-010083
Carney J, Robertson C (2022) Five studies evaluating the impact on mental health and mood of recalling, reading, and discussing fiction. PLoS ONE 17(4): e0266323. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0266323
Finucane, E., O’Brien, A., Treweek, S. et al. Does reading a book in bed make a difference to sleep in comparison to not reading a book in bed? The People’s Trial—an online, pragmatic, randomised trial. Trials 22, 873 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05831-3
Biden, J. R. (2022) Executive order on promoting the arts, humanities, museum, and library services in American. The White House, 2022 https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/09/30/executive-order-on-promoting-the-arts-the-humanities-and-museum-and-library-services/
OECD (2023), PISA 2022 Results (Volume I): The State of Learning and Equity in Education, PISA, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/53f23881-en
De Hoog, N. & Verboon, P. (2020). Is the news making us unhappy? The influence of daily news exposure on emotional states. British Journal of Psychology, 111, 157-173. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12389
Under the Covers, Reaching for the Alarm
Tell us a story, real or made up, that is inspired by this image.
Are the Snacks at Your School Healthy?
A guest essayist says it’s time to get rid of the Doritos and other unhealthy, ultraprocessed offerings at schools. Do you agree?
Best Free Online Language Courses For Career Growth
These days, with remote and hybrid work becoming the norm, teams span multiple countries and time zones, and clients can be located anywhere in the world. In this kind of workplace, learning a new language isn’t just a nice extra – it can genuinely shape your career.
It’s not only about understanding colleagues or clients better. Learning a language builds adaptability, patience, cultural awareness, and clearer communication – soft skills that stand out on a CV and matter to recruiters. And the advantages don’t end at job opportunities. Language skills can also influence earning potential. According to Salary.com, bilingual professionals often earn 5–20% more than those who speak only one language.
The good news is that you don’t need to enrol in an expensive course or relocate to learn a new language. Free online language courses make it easier to get started, because you don’t have to worry about the cost and can learn from anywhere, at your own pace. Online language courses remove financial barriers to learning, allowing you to build in-demand skills from anywhere.
Why Millions Choose to Learn a New Language for Free on Alison
Alison offers a dedicated online Language Learning Hub where you can explore a wide range of free courses. You’ll find widely spoken languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, Russian, Korean, and Sign Language, with more being added over time.
You can start as a complete beginner or build on existing skills, learning at your own pace as new courses are continually added.
Here are a few reasons Learners choose Alison’s language courses:
- You can choose from 92 free Language courses, so it’s easy to find one that fits your goals and level.
- More than 2.5 million Learners are already studying Languages on Alison, so you’re joining a truly global community.
- Over 329,000 Language Certificates have already been earned, giving you a clear way to show your progress and skills.
- Many courses are created in collaboration with top partners, including the University of Texas, the University of Pennsylvania, and Lund University, ensuring high-quality content.
- You can learn anytime, anywhere with mobile learning on the Alison App, making it simple to fit Language study around your work and life.
Together, these factors make Alison the obvious choice if you are looking for structured, career-oriented free online Language courses.
How To Choose The Right Language Course For Your Career Goals
The languages that matter most to your career depend on what you do every day. A software developer or researcher may prioritise English or German, while a hotel receptionist, tour guide, NGO worker or sales professional might benefit more from Spanish, French or Italian. Below, you’ll find key career paths and the languages that are most valuable for success in each.
English Courses: Global Business, Tech, and International Work
English remains the primary language of global business, tech, and research. Alison’s free online English Language courses cover general conversation, grammar, exam preparation, and industry-specific English (for example, Hospitality and Tourism).
Alison’s free Online English Language Courses are helpful if you plan to work in:
- International business and trade
- Technology and software development
- Academic or research roles that publish in English
- Remote or multinational teams
With Alison’s English Vertical, you can build your English language skills step-by-step. It brings together all our free English courses in one place, organised by level and goal. This means you can start with beginner-level content (such as the Diploma in English – A1 Level), then move into everyday conversation, exam preparation, and workplace English as your confidence and skills grow.
Spanish Courses: Hospitality, Tourism, and Global Communication
Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world and is essential across various fields, including hospitality, tourism, customer support, and international NGOs. Alison’s Spanish Language courses focus on practical conversation, from beginner pronunciation and grammar to restaurant and travel scenarios.
If your career involves working with clients or colleagues across Europe, Latin America, or the United States, free online language courses in Spanish can significantly expand your communication reach.
German Courses: Engineering, Tech, and Academic Opportunities
Germany is a global hub for engineering, manufacturing, the automotive industry, and research. Alison’s German courses help Learners build everyday communication skills and understand basic German grammar, with courses like German for Beginners designed for quick, practical progress.
German can be a strategic choice if you are interested in:
- Engineering and manufacturing
- Automotive and industrial companies
- Academic or research roles in German-speaking countries
French Courses: NGOs, Diplomacy, and International Organisations
French is the official language of many international organisations and is widely spoken across Europe, Africa, and parts of Canada. Alison’s French Language courses include introductions to conversational French, covering greetings and everyday phrases.
French is particularly relevant if you are interested in:
- International NGOs and humanitarian work
- Diplomacy and international relations
- Tourism and hospitality in French-speaking regions
Italian Courses: Culture, Tourism, and Creative Industries
Italian is closely linked with art, design, fashion, and tourism. With Alison’s range of Italian Language courses, you can start building essential grammar and vocabulary and get a first taste of the language in its cultural context.
Alison’s free online Italian Language courses are a great way to introduce you to the language.
Chinese / Mandarin Courses: Global Business and Trade
Mandarin Chinese is one of the world’s most widely spoken languages and is increasingly important in global trade and supply chains. Alison’s Chinese Language courses introduce written and spoken Mandarin, including phrases for transport, food, and social activities, as well as specialised courses on pronunciation and tones.
Mandarin is beneficial if you work with:
- International trade and logistics
- Manufacturing or sourcing from East Asia
- Business development in Chinese-speaking markets
Japanese Courses: Technology, Culture, and Creative Fields
Japan is a key player in technology, gaming, animation, and advanced manufacturing. Alison’s Japanese Language courses combine language learning with cultural context, covering topics such as history, martial arts, entertainment, and fashion.
Japanese can support careers in:
- Technology and electronics
- Gaming and animation
- Cultural exchange, tourism, and creative industries
Sign Language Courses: Accessibility, Education, and High-Demand Roles
Alison offers free online Sign Language courses, such as American Sign Language – Fundamental Concepts, which introduce key vocabulary, the alphabet, and essential communication skills.
Demand for sign language interpreters is high. Studies indicate a growing job market for American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreters in the United States and ongoing shortages of qualified British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters in the UK, especially in Healthcare, Education, and Legal settings.
If you are considering a career in accessibility, education, social services, or healthcare, online Sign Language courses, such as those offered by Alison, are a strong starting point.
Top Careers You Can Pursue After Learning A New Language
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
What the Role Involves
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers support non-native speakers to build confidence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Day-to-day, this often includes planning lessons, assessing progress, creating learning materials, and supporting learners in both classroom and online settings.
Why Are ESL Teacher Jobs in High Demand?
Global mobility, migration, and international study continue to drive strong demand for ESL teaching. Many sources point to a positive job outlook for ESL teachers over the coming years, especially for those who can teach online or work with adult learners.
How Free English Courses Help
Alison’s free online English and teaching-focused courses, including TEFL and grammar, help aspiring ESL teachers strengthen both their language skills and teaching foundations before moving into formal qualifications or roles.
What Does the Job Really Look Like?
To get a real feel for the role, read our blog interview, “A Day in the Life of an English as a Second Language Teacher: Justine Dalke.” Justine, who is also part of Alison’s Publishing team, shares how she plans lessons, supports learners from different backgrounds, and helps students build confidence. As she puts it, “Before I became an ESL teacher, I had many different jobs, but none of them felt like a career.” You can read Justine’s full story on our blog.
Language Interpreter
What the Role Involves
Interpreters convert spoken or signed communication from one language into another in real time, working in settings such as hospitals, courts, conferences, education, and corporate meetings.
Demand and Salary Range for Interpreters
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reports a median annual wage of $59,440 for interpreters and translators in 2024, with thousands of job openings projected each year. Separate salary guides estimate interpreter earnings ranging from around $40,000 at the entry level to $70,000 or more mid-career, depending on specialisation and country.
Specialisations such as medical, legal, and sign language interpreting often exhibit robust demand, with evidence of shortages of qualified interpreters in several markets.
How Alison Supports Entry
Alison’s free online language courses in spoken and sign languages can be combined with more advanced interpretation training and professional certifications to build a career pathway as an interpreter.
Translator / Freelance Translator
What the Role Involves
Translators convert written content from one language into another for various sectors, including publishing, international business, law, healthcare, and technology. Freelance translators often enjoy flexible schedules and the freedom of remote work.
Expected Earnings
Recent salary data suggests:
- The median annual wage for interpreters and translators in the U.S. is approximately $59,440.
- Freelance translators in the U.S. typically earn between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on their experience and niche.
- Typical hourly rates for translators range from $20 to $25, according to platforms like Upwork and broader market data.
How Free Online Language Learning Courses Help
Alison’s free online language learning courses enable aspiring translators to deepen their language skills in one or more languages without incurring upfront tuition fees. Combined with writing practice and a small portfolio (for example, volunteer translations for NGOs or community organisations), these courses can form the foundation for a freelance translation career.
Start Your Language Learning Journey
Learning languages is one of the most effective ways to enhance your employability, increase your earning potential, and boost your confidence in a global job market. Evidence shows that bilingual professionals often command higher salaries, enjoy broader job opportunities, and are particularly valued in fields such as Hospitality, Healthcare, Business, and international NGOs.
With Alison, you can explore free online Language courses in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Korean, and Sign Language, at your own pace and without tuition fees. Optional Certificates and Diplomas are available to formally showcase your skills to employers once you complete a course.
If you are ready to align your skills with your professional ambitions, now is the time to choose a Language, enrol in Alison’s free online Language courses, and take the next step in your career journey.
Word of the Day: compensation
This word has appeared in 1,406 articles on NYTimes.com in the past year. Can you use it in a sentence?
