The Psychology of Language Learning: How English Unlocks Confidence, Cognition, and Growth for Individuals and Businesses
- Yana Lahoda
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Language learning goes beyond grammar drills or Quizlet flashcards. For today’s business leaders and Ukraine’s global market integration, it goes as far as unlocking teams’ cognitive abilities and potential. This leads to collaboration across borders for employees, customers, and next business partners.
At ENGin, we’ve spent years working with thousands of Ukrainians to improve their English as well as self-belief and professional confidence. Our unique model connects Ukrainians with English-speaking volunteers from around the world, offering personalized, consistent, and emotionally engaging practice.
ENGin’s student Vladyslav shares,
“What started as language practice quickly turned into meaningful conversations about life, culture, and personal growth… I feel more prepared to chase my academic and personal goals, and I’m no longer afraid to express myself in English.”
Students often come to ENGin looking for help with conversation skills, but what they get is so much more; as many students often feed back, the language learning effectiveness lies in emotional engagement, which impacts their confidence, cognition, and personal growth.
Let’s take a closer look at why this works, and what it means for Ukraine’s business community.
Reasons for committing to learning a language include personal growth
Studies show that initially, motivation for studying a foreign language is tied to career aspirations, a crucial part of personal development.
Natalia Saienko, a scientist at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute dealing with the methodology of teaching foreign languages, wrote a paper that meticulously investigated cognitive traits that support language acquisition. This research first identifies wealth and career advancement as motivators among students studying foreign languages. [1]
When it comes to the cognitive abilities that support this process, personal traits and nervous system types become the key ingredients to learning acquisition.
Cognitive processing style and individual character traits affect language learning style
There are two main language learning types: intuitive-sensitive type (who learns best through speaking and writing) and rational-logical type (who learns best through reading and listening).
The communicative type learns better through interaction; has more flexible nervous responses. The non-communicative type learns slower due to mental inertia; needs more support. [2] Different learning styles impact emotional attitudes, which drive a specific level of engagement. The sense of progress during the consistency of this engagement affects self-esteem.
At ENGin, video projects, mock interviews, and presentations that students work on during their sessions, are activity-based learning methods, centered on students’ cultural identity and personal experiences. These are different methods of learning that drive different engagement levels, progress, and self-esteem.
If you're part of the Ukrainian business community, this isn’t just an academic insight – it’s a competitive advantage.
Investing in English learning through emotionally intelligent and practical programs like ENGin means investing in people who are:
More confident in meetings and negotiations;
Better prepared for international partnerships;
Stronger at cross-cultural communication;
More empowered to lead, innovate, and grow.
Consistency in language learning affects self-esteem
A study by the Bukovinian State Medical University, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University, and Chernivtsi National University combined investigations from three language departments to analyze teaching and communication and understand how people from different countries respond to learning.
The study found that “... the natural feeling of the slightest progress in learning a language generates emotions of satisfaction, and increases the self-esteem of a student.” [3]
Continuous language development creates a sense of shared success between teachers and students, not only developing communicative skills but also fostering confidence, which impacts decision-making.
One of ENGin’s students Yuliia says,
“Regular meetings with my language partner boosted my confidence in speaking English and led me to apply for a semester abroad in the United States.”
Another ENGin student Oksana notes,
“... our meetings are really interesting, cognitive and easy going. One topic changed with another, we sang songs and played games. And it is the most effective way to improve my speaking skills and have fun. My match… helps to turn my challenges into small victories.”
It is important for both students and teachers to approach language acquisition from the lens of students’ cognitive abilities with activity-based approaches. They are keys to a supportive language learning environment where impact extends beyond the learning of the foreign language.
Language is more than a tool — it's a bridge. At ENGin, we believe that helping Ukrainians speak English fluently is a step toward a more connected, economically resilient Ukraine. That includes preparing the next generation of professionals, engineers, scientists, and leaders to represent Ukraine on the global stage.
If you’re a business leader, HR manager, or team lead, you can play a part. Partner with ENGin, support English training for your team, or become a volunteer yourself.
Let’s invest not only in better English, but in a more confident, communicative, and competitive Ukraine.
