benefits of learning a new language essay

Benefits of Knowing a Foreign Language

There are numerous advantages of learning a foreign language. Essay sample is focused on social, health, and other foreign language benefits, as well as reasons to learn another language.

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language Essay Introduction

Benefits of learning a second language essay body, benefits of learning foreign language essay conclusion, works cited.

Why are foreign languages in demand and popularity? Not everyone probably thinks about it until they face a particular situation. Let us consider several reasons for bilingualism, such as advantages in career, travel, unlimited communication, cultural content, and the fact that knowing at least one foreign language makes the person smarter.

The first cause of foreign language usefulness is professional opportunities. You need to know a foreign language to increase your employability, work in a prestigious fast-growing company, and get the appropriate payment. It also applies to study and internships in foreign countries because plenty of companies are trying to learn from the experience of their foreign colleagues. In the case you know the foreign language, you can help in the translation of texts, preparation of documents, or during negotiations with foreign partners. Besides, you can learn some interesting and helpful information by reading foreign professional literature.

The second reason concerns traveling. Knowing the foreign language, you will be happy to listen to guided tours in original, chat with people with great ease and pleasure, and, who knows, maybe the foreign language you can speak will save the life of someone. Traveling around the world, you can always find your way, talk to the locals, learn about their lives and culture, and perhaps, receive a useful lesson (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 8). In other words, knowing the foreign language allows penetrating the traditions of the other culture.

The third reason in favor of knowledge of a foreign language is communication. Usually, to learn a foreign language well enough, it is necessary to plunge into the environment of living in that particular culture. In turn, such a dive does not pass entirely but forms certain personal qualities. For example, some studies have shown that people, who know more than one language, expand their horizons and are more likely to empathize taking the first steps in communication. Communication in a foreign language with native speakers will significantly strengthen your communication skills and develop life-long friendships (“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language,” par. 14).

Moreover, a foreign language helps you to enrich yourself culturally by watching movies in their original, listening to the voice and intonations of actors, and avoiding translators. You can listen to your favorite songs of foreign singers and understand their meaning with great pleasure. Despite the considerable amount of translated literature, the knowledge of a foreign language opens the door to the world of original literature. It is also essential to point out that by learning a foreign language, you can improve your native language as well. When people start to talk in a foreign language, which has its grammar, logic, and exceptions, they choose words and phrases in the native language to translate, which helps to increase the speech culture and vocabulary of the native language.

Besides, if you are interested in the events taking place in the world, the knowledge of the foreign language would be your advantage. You can easily understand the news as many world newspapers and Internet posts are published in a foreign language. Consequently, you will be able to understand the meaning of the above, taking into account all the details. It is much more objective than hearing a translation, where a lot can be unsaid or translated inappropriately. Thus, knowledge of a foreign language provides access to information, while it is commonly considered that he who owns the information – owns the world.

Finally, the last but not the least reason is probably, the most important. Knowledge of a foreign language expands consciousness. According to Merritt, “speaking a foreign language improves the functionality of your brain by challenging it to recognize, negotiate meaning, and communicate in different language systems” (par. 3). Your mind will be reconstructed to understand completely new concepts. In this sense, learning foreign languages is highly efficient due to switching codes. Switching from one language to another is a challenging job for the brain that is undoubtedly useful. Several studies have shown that among patients with dementia, symptoms began four years later in people who know two languages than in people who know one language (Merritt par. 6). In other words, the brain of bilinguals was struck but continued to operate at a higher level for a longer time.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that people are blacksmiths of their happiness, and a lot in life depends on them. Knowledge of foreign languages gives people plenty of advantages. It is the opportunity to travel around the world without an interpreter, to read foreign literature, to watch foreign films in the original, and to have friends from different countries. If you are willing to change something in your life for the better, then learn a foreign language, and maybe somewhere, there is a pleasant surprise waiting for you, such as an exciting journey or attractive employment.

Merritt, Anne. “ Why Learn a Foreign Language? Benefits of Bilingualism. ” The Telegraph . Telegraph Media Group, 2013.

“Ten Amazing Reasons Why You Should Learn a Foreign Language.” Lingholic . n.p., 2014.

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• April 8, 2024
• Education Advice

9 Benefits of Learning a Second Language

UOTP Marketing

With the English language being the world’s lingua franca, many English speakers may think it’s not necessary to learn a new one. They aren’t necessarily right. Learning a language never goes to waste. You can use it while in a new country to communicate with the locals so they can help you find your destination or to maybe feel at home after you moved there to teach English to non-English speakers . It can even help you in your job, and your business travels.

Knowing a second language means a whole new literature is in your hands. However, these aren’t the only benefits of learning a second language . There are many more. Here’s our list of nine of them.

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Why Is Learning a Second Language Important?

In today’s increasingly interdependent world, speaking a second language is an essential skill that gives you the ability to communicate and connect with people from all over the world in a quicker and more meaningful way. Connections are now more important than ever, considering the continual globalization of the world’s economy, and knowing a foreign language will always give you a significant advantage.

There are tangible benefits to being bilingual—it can improve your brain and memory functions, boost your creativity and self-esteem,  help in your career opportunities, as well as increase your understanding of the language you already speak. Read on to find out more about the benefits of learning a foreign language.

1. It Stimulates Your Brain

Learning a new language undoubtedly helps your gray matter grow . Acquiring a new language means that you’re going to learn a whole new set of rules of grammar and lexis (whether you find this part amusing or not). While your brain is trying to keep up with the new language’s complexities and take in the new patterns, new developments are happening in the brain. Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger and bigger the more you put it to use.

Nothing challenges the brain like learning a language does. Scientists have established that we use the left side of the brain when speaking our native language. Whereas, second language usage isn’t limited to a specific hemisphere. It uses both of them, increasing the size of the white and grey matter of the brain.

But that is not all; acquiring a new language also helps to stave off cognitive decline and mental aging. Recent research shows that multilingual adults experienced the first signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia at a later age compared to monolinguals. They also researched other variables like health, economic status, educational level, and gender, but none of them contributed as much as the number of languages that person spoke.

2. It Improves Your Attention Span

With the human attention span seemingly narrowing more and more every day, according to many studies, deciding to learn a new language may be the antidote to this situation.  Recent studies show that the average attention span of a person has reduced from twelve to eight seconds. Researchers suggest that learning a new language helps the brain maintain focus and block distractions . This is a result of regularly switching between languages.

When speaking, bilinguals or multilinguals are constantly switching between two or more languages in their head, and this juggling improves the brain’s ability to concentrate on one thing while ignoring other irrelevant information. As one study notes:

“The need to constantly control two languages confers advantages in the executive system, the system that directs cognitive processing. These effects have been demonstrated primarily using visual stimuli and are heightened in children and older adults. Specifically, bilinguals, relative to monolinguals, are better able to monitor conflicting sensory information and tune into a relevant stimulus or stimulus features amid irrelevant information, via a process known as inhibitory control.”

3. More Career Options to Choose From

We are living in a multicultural world; many companies are opening offices overseas to extend their market. So the need for bilingual candidates is greater than ever. By acquiring a foreign language, you will double the number of available jobs for you and climb the career ladder much faster.

In the highly competitive job market , employers are looking to hire someone who stands out from the rest of the candidates. Knowing a foreign language could help you be chosen among many other job applicants. Having a foreign language listed in your CV might be what a potential employer is looking for.

Also, nowadays, people who are proficient in more than one language are high in demand in the job market in all sectors and industries, as the employers consider them to be better communicators and problem solvers. Skills that one master by acquiring a second language.

4. It Boosts Your Creativity

Knowing a foreign language isn’t beneficial only to the brain; it also influences your level of creativity. As a person starts to learn a language, they get familiar with the culture of the place where that language is spoken. The more you learn about new cultures, the more you’ll look at the world around you from different perspectives. The change of views will make you more original, elaborate, and flexible—all qualities of being a creative person.

In addition, learning a new language forces your brain to put words together in creative ways, which stimulates your brain and boosts your creativity. This creativity will spill over into other aspects of your life too. Plus, experts say that being creative improves your well-being , And who are we to argue with experts?

5. It Improves Your First Language

One learns the mother tongue intuitively and without any formal education. Being raised in a society where a particular language is spoken, children start to pick up the language they hear.

However, learning another language is a whole different deal. From the beginning, you’ll get introduced to grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structure. As you learn more about the second language, you become more conscious of what you know in the first language. While before you couldn’t quite explain the abstract rules and language structure, learning a new language helps you put names to what you learned instinctively in the first language.

Furthermore, you become aware of the differences in structure, vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and sentence structure between the two languages. All of these factors improve comprehension and conversation and can make you better at your first language.

6. You Build Multitasking Skills

Not many people are good at multitasking. However, this often doesn’t apply to bilingual people. They are some of the most experienced when it comes to multitasking. Their brain has been practicing in switching from one language to the other daily. When the brain gets used to this demanding job of switching from one language to another, it isn’t difficult for them to use this skill in other tasks, too.

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A study done by the National Institutes of Health concluded that bilinguals switch tasks faster than monolinguals. They found that bilingual children in their research responded quite well to their multiple computer tasks in comparison to their monolingual fellows.

Other research also found that bilinguals demonstrate more efficient brain functioning than non-bilinguals, and a bilingual person’s brain maintains better task-switching even as they get older.

7. It Slows Down Cognitive Decline

If you still haven’t started and needed another incentive to start learning a new language, here’s one. Learning a language may reduce your chances of getting early onset of cognitive impairments. More than 16 million people in the United States live with cognitive impairment , be it Alzheimer’s, Dementia, or any other disorder. The latest study on the effect of bilingualism in cognitive aging found that people who spoke more than one language regardless of their gender, ethnicity, and occupation experience the onset of cognitive decline four years and a half later than the ones who spoke only one.

While knowing a second language is not exactly the fountain of youth, it definitely helps keep your brain younger.

8. It Improves Your Memory

The brain is compared to muscles for one reason. Seeing that the more physical exercises you do, the more the muscles strengthen and get larger. This aspect applies to the brain too. The more you challenge it, the more the brain expands, and the better it functions.

You can think of learning a language as an exercise for the brain. Having first to understand and then later recall multiple grammar rules and vocabulary, strengthens the memory muscle. That’s why people who know more than one language are more likely to retain information. They’re way better at remembering lists, names, cell phone numbers, and directions than monolinguals.

Don’t believe that? There is actual evidence that learning vocabulary boosts memory . So, delve into another language and give your brain a good workout to strengthen your memory.

9. It Boosts Your Self-Esteem

No one wants to be put in the spotlight, especially when talking in a foreign language when the chances of making mistakes are quite high. Yet, this is what characterizes language learning. It breaks you out of your shell again and again that eventually, you’ll feel comfortable in every situation regardless of whether you’re making mistakes or not.

Nothing beats the confidence you feel when talking to a native speaker in their language. That’s when your self-esteem will sky-rocket. Becoming proficient in a language is like mastering any other skill. Once you’re there, you’ll feel confident and nice about yourself.

The benefits of learning another language are innumerable. Those that we mentioned in our list are just a part of them. Yet, no matter how many lists are out there, no one can convince you of the benefits as much as your own language learning experience will. With that in mind, choose a language that you find exciting and appealing and open the door to the many benefits that come with language proficiency.

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The Bottom Line

Learning a second language is a valuable investment in yourself that can provide numerous benefits, from enhancing cognitive abilities to broadening career opportunities and facilitating cultural exchange. By exploring the world through language, you can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for different perspectives and cultures. 

If you’re interested in pursuing language learning, the University of Potomac offers a range of courses and programs to help you achieve your goals. Don’t hesitate to explore your options and take the first step towards expanding your horizons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the benefit of learning a second language.

Learning a second language has numerous benefits, such as improving cognitive abilities, enhancing communication skills, broadening career opportunities, facilitating travel and cultural exchange, and even delaying the onset of age-related mental decline.

How can I learn a second language?

There are several ways to learn a second language, such as taking classes, using language learning software or apps, practicing with native speakers, watching movies or TV shows with subtitles, listening to music or podcasts, and reading books or news articles in the target language.

What is the most useful 2nd language to learn?

The most useful second language to learn depends on your personal goals and interests and the cultural and economic context you are in. However, some of the world’s most widely spoken and influential languages are English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, Arabic, German, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese.

What are the two hardest languages to learn?

Mandarin Chinese and Arabic are often considered the two hardest languages for English speakers to learn due to their complex writing systems, tonal pronunciation, and grammatical structures that differ significantly from English.

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The benefits of learning a second language

by Jennifer Smith

Learning a new language takes time and dedication. Once you do, being fluent in a second language offers numerous benefits and opportunities. Learning a second language is exciting and beneficial at all ages. It offers practical, intellectual and many aspirational benefits

In today's world, there are over 7,000 languages, and learning at least one will help you in life massively. Although it has been proven that it is easier for children to learn a second language, it is certainly never too late to learn, and the benefits definitely reward the effort and dedication.

Whatever your age, being bilingual certainly has its advantages, especially in today's global society. Here are the top benefits of learning a second language:

Better job prospects

In today's business dominated society, being bilingual can only be an advantage and gives you a competitive edge when searching for jobs, or maintaining your current employment.

Companies who plan to expand into overseas market are constantly looking for bilingual staff, who of which are well-paid and receive excellent benefits, as they will ultiamtely give the company a huge competitive advantage.

By learning a second language, you will be indispensable at your place of work as you can easily bridge the cultural gap between the two countries, and those with the ability to speak a second language are more likely to find a job.

Brain health

Medical studies has shown the positive effects learning a second language has on the brain.

Studies showed that learning a second language significantly delayed the onset of many brain related diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia, compared to those who can only speak their native tongue.

Travel and leisure

Learning a new language opens up a world of new opportunities. If you choose to learn a commonly spoken language, such as Spanish, French or German, you can travel practically anywhere in the world and not have trouble with translations.

You can confidently go about your business and in another country and speak freely to locals and other travellers. You will have a much better experience as you can effectively communicate with much more people, which will ultimately open up your mind and put things into different perspectives regarding the different cultures of the world.

Improved first language

As we go about our everyday lives, we rarely give a second thought to our own grammatical structure and vocabulary. However, when learning a new language, many people find they have a greater understanding of their first language.

Learning a second language focuses your attention on the grammatical rules constructions of that language. This experience gives people a new insight into their own language and ultimately leads to them improving their mother tongue, which will improve their everyday lives.

Improved understanding of the world

Learning a new language gives you a greater global understanding of the world we live in. Even by learning a few phrases, never mind a whole language, you will access many fascinating cultures around the world and understand the differences between the two countries.

You will have access to a whole new array of film, music and literature, and a greater understanding of the history and culture of the nation and ultimately a better understanding of the way the world works, including politics and security.

Experience new cultures

The world is a cauldron of rich and interesting cultures. Learning a new language allows you to access many different cultures across the world.

You will have the chance to see fascinating new things from a new perspective, which not many people can, and connect with the new people all over the world.

Different culture has its own music, style, history, literature and many more interesting things which you will be able to enjoy and understand. You will be able to connect through books, TV, the internet and converse with a whole countries worth of people, ultimately broadening your horizons, interests and views. A whole new world will be open to you.

Achievement

Learning a new language is a an achievement anyone can be proud of and is extremely satisfying. Once the hard work and effort has paid off, you will experience the many benefits associated with learning a new language and you will have a new found confidence.

Learning a new language will open up our world in ways a monoglot would never have the chance of experiencing. Your mind will be constantly be engaged and you will gain an insight into many different cultures. Learning a second language also makes it easier to learn a third, which will certainly broaden your horizons.

Written by Jennifer Smith on behalf of Kwintessential , the translation specialists.

More information about how to improve brain function https://www.themanlyzone.com/naturally-improve-brain-function/

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12 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

In today’s hyper-connected, fast-paced world, there are  many reasons to learn another language.

Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who grew up speaking two languages as a native bilingual. If so, you have some unique advantages compared to the rest of us.

However, if you’re looking to become bilingual, you’ve got good things going for you too.

Below are 12 awesome side effects of becoming bilingual — or multilingual !

Why Learn a Second Language?

1. you can talk with more people., 2. it’s a major advantage in the workforce., 3. traveling is easier and more fulfilling., 4. you gain cultural knowledge and perspective., 5. you have access to more information and entertainment., 6. it improves your communication skills., 7. it makes other languages easier too., 8. you can help more people., 9. it improves a ton of cognitive functions., 10. it delays the effects of aging., 11. it boosts your creativity., 12. your self-confidence will soar., which language should i learn, how do i get started.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

What’s the fastest way to make 1.2 billion friends?

Learn Chinese !

But seriously—learning another language gives you uncountable opportunities to meet and connect with others due to the simple fact that you can talk to more people.

Of course, learning another language allows you to meet people who already speak that language, too.  For one, you can connect with fellow language learners .  Another way is to find a language exchange partner .

Or chat with your taxi driver. Make small talk with the store clerk. Get to know the man who sits next to you on a long bus ride.

These people might have the potential to become your new business partner, best friend or soul mate. That’s pretty thrilling!

You don’t even need to be fluent to get started.

When I traveled around Myanmar, I spent a couple weeks in a city called Yangon. I only knew the basics of the Burmese language, but I was determined to practice those few phrases at every opportunity.

One street vendor was so taken with my efforts that he spent 30 minutes trying to communicate with me about his family, work and life philosophy. Not only did I leave that conversation with new language skills, but also with a free bag of food and a hug!

But the conversations are just the beginning.

Communicating in someone’s native language  also shows respect, and it allows you to connect on a deeper level. You might be surprised how open people are when you speak their mother tongue.

Adding a second (or third, or fourth) language to your CV gives you an unparalleled advantage in today’s global economy.

More and more employers are looking for people who speak multiple languages . This is especially true for fields like customer service, hospitality, health care, information technology and administrative work.

Multilingual people can communicate and interact with diverse communities. This is a valuable asset in an employee’s skill set.

You definitely up your professional value if you can negotiate with manufacturers in another country or communicate with customers who don’t speak your native language.

Plus, fluency in a foreign language opens up opportunities abroad which simply are not available to monolingual job hunters.

Your ability to speak another language also conveys that you’re motivated and driven to learn new skills.

It’s possible that you could be compensated for maintaining your language skills through foreign proficiency bonus pay, too—take the US military for example.

Which language is best? Try learning Spanish, Arabic or Mandarin Chinese to give yourself an edge !

Traveling—whether for business, vacation or visiting family or friends—is much easier if you speak the language of your destination:

• Restaurants. Most non-speaking travelers resort to the “point and hope” method of ordering food. But when you know the local language, you can order specific foods you know you like or want to try. 
• Transportation. If you’re in a big city, you might hear some English translations. But the farther away you get from the capital, the less likely you are to hear any familiar words. Where you are, where you’re going and how you get there is all going to be communicated in the country’s native language.
• Signs.  If every sign you see is just random squiggles, there are bound to be problems. Where’s the bathroom? Which way is the subway? What’s the name of this road? Which side of the road should I be driving on? Signs are everywhere, and they’re often important.
• Avoid miscommunication.  Most visitors who don’t speak the language struggle to communicate even the simplest things to locals. Suddenly, trying to buy a shirt or deposit money at the bank becomes lost in translation.

Language helps you understand the world.

Learning another language isn’t just about words and grammar. Knowledge of the society and culture behind that language is necessary to achieve any degree of fluency.  The history and  culture  of a people are reflected in the language,  and vice versa.

It’s important to remember that languages aren’t simply different sets of words to express the same ideas—they’re entirely different outlooks on the world.

Linguistic relativity  is the concept that  language dramatically shapes the way we think about, perceive and interact with the world around us.  Most people who speak multiple languages will tell you there’s a profound spiritual and emotional element to it.

Allow this to open you up to the world, broaden your horizons and bring you closer to people of all races and nationalities.

You may develop a deep appreciation for another culture, fall in love with a native speaker or become unlikely friends with someone totally different from you.

Perhaps the most fun perk to learning another language is consuming native media .

You’ll have access to a whole new selection of music, movies, TV shows, books, news programs, podcasts, websites and more.

Of course, it takes time and effort to reach a level where this is comfortable. But there’s plenty of multilingual content to get you started!

For example, people who speak Spanish and English can understand every word of the songs of Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, Pitbull and other internationally-successful Latin pop stars.

Japanese and English speakers hold claim to some mind-blowing “Kill Bill” scenes and the cultural miscommunication in “Lost in Translation.”

It may take a while, but try not to get frustrated on your path to understanding— consistency is key.

One day you’ll be reading or listening to something in your target language and suddenly realize that you understood it with no extra effort at all.

Of course, learning a second language improves your listening and speaking skills.

You’ll learn to listen more effectively and to be as clear as possible when you’re talking. The ability to clarify intended meanings will benefit you in any situation and any tongue.

You’ll likely gain reading and writing skills as well. You’ll think more carefully about the words you use and the meaning you’re expressing in your non-native language.

In fact, your acquired language literally helps you think more logically, process information and speak more evenly .

Learning another language will also make you more adept at piecing together information and interpreting context, whether it’s an unclear situation or cross-cultural communication.

The ability to look at things from various angles and understand someone else’s perspective means you’ll be able to communicate more respectfully and more effectively in any language.

Learning your first language happens naturally through observation, so many people don’t explicitly know the underlying rules or logic of it.

To learn a second language, though, you pretty much have to learn the rules .

Many people who learn another language discover that they also gain unanticipated benefits in their first language, like becoming more conscious of and knowledgeable about their native grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

If you learn another Indo-European language (such as French ) as a native English speaker, you’ll likely discover significant amounts of borrowed vocabulary, which will help you better understand how English became English .

What’s more, the acquisition techniques you use to learn your second language can be applied to subsequent languages too.

Learning a language trains your brain to analyze and process various linguistic structures. Your brain learns to identify language-learning techniques and break them into steps—and will do the same with other foreign languages!

So, studying your second language increases your ability to replicate this “metalinguistic awareness” process later. Your brain’s increased knowledge of syntax, grammar and sentence structure will give you a head start on learning your third language.

Studying a foreign language doesn’t have to be all about you!

Perhaps it’s obvious, but speaking another language allows you to help more people.

For example, if you’re a certified teacher with multilingual abilities, consider using your unique language skills to teach others. You could help out refugees in your home country, tutor students while living abroad or simply teach your friends and family the language(s) you speak.

If you can’t or don’t want to teach, there’s volunteer programs around the world where multilingual speakers are a particularly valuable asset to the team. Medical assistance programs, educational consultancies and cultural events are good places to find volunteer opportunities.

Being the bridge of communication between cultures is a great feeling, and the joy you’ll get from helping someone in need will make all the hard work of learning the language worth it.

Learning another language makes you smarter—and not just because you’ll know more words and grammar structures.

Acquiring a second language improves memory, increases attention span and strengthens problem-solving abilities.

Check out this video by the British Broadcasting Corporation that breaks down the advantages of learning new languages.

In fact, studies have shown that multilingual people:

• are more logical
• use more of their brains
• have better working memories
• can switch between tasks more quickly
• have greater self-control
• are more focused
• make better financial decisions

All of these executive function benefits are likely the result of the bilingual brain’s constant need to choose the correct language and words to speak at any given moment, as well as its ability to detect which language it’s hearing.

Of course, the younger you are when you begin learning a second language, the easier it will be and the quicker you’ll see the effects. And for children especially, learning another language can help build social, cognitive and emotional intelligence,  as well as lead to higher standardized test scores .

Learning a foreign language may also teach children to be more culturally accepting—just as it helps adults broaden their perspective and cultural knowledge.

Further, not only do these advantages make it easier to learn more languages, as mentioned above, they make it easier to learn anything .

It’s thought that all this is because learning languages helps your brain exercise, sort of like how bodybuilders grow and tone their muscles . And who wouldn’t love to be strong?

If picking up a language as an adult looks good, doing it as a senior is even more impressive!

Having multiple languages under your belt as you age can also have major advantages.

In particular, research has shown that knowing more than one language can potentially reduce the risk of dementia and delay Alzheimer’s Disease.

Regardless of education level, gender or occupation, multilingual subjects in this study experienced the onset of Alzheimer’s about four and a half years later than monolingual subjects.

Study results also show that speaking more than one language increases the amount of neural pathways in the brain.

This allows information to be processed through a greater variety of channels and can keep your brain sharp as you age.

Anyone learning a language has experienced moments of serious linguistic problem solving.

You know what you want to say, but not in the language you’re currently speaking. You can’t move forward without the word, so you have to get creative.

Using your second language requires you to learn how to give clues, context, explanations and/or gestures to get your point across. It improves your skills in divergent thinking—the ability to identify multiple solutions to a single problem.

Because, on top of your limited language and mental roadblocks, you usually need to consider different linguistic and cultural nuances too.

All of this helps you think outside the box.

As a matter of fact, researchers are also concluding that multilingual speakers are more creative than monolingual speakers. This is likely because learning a foreign language gives you leeway to experiment with new words and phrases.

So, every time you stumble over those words and phrases, remember that you’re actually training your brain and developing skills that benefit every aspect of your life.

Confidence increases as you learn a new skill—like speaking a foreign language!

Some of this may come from learning something you enjoy, but language instruction also relies heavily on social interaction. Conversations with native speakers are essential to mastering your target language.

At first, speaking can definitely cause some anxiety . But don’t be afraid to let your conversation partners know that you want to practice. It’s a great way to break the ice and start making new friends.

Because English is such a global language, native English speakers who make the effort to learn a foreign tongue are often received with gratitude and curiosity. You might be surprised how many people will want to help you practice!

And remember that practice itself can be a confidence builder.

As you learn and get better at the language, you’ll find that you have increased self-awareness and more confidence wielding your second language… which can also make you more attractive to others!

Truly, people will respect the fact that you’re learning another language. Native speakers will be impressed with your dedication, friends and family will be proud of your motivation and strangers will be interested in your story.

So get learning and build up that confidence!

While there’s advantages for learning any language, some are inevitably more useful than others .

You can check out this post for a more detailed guide to answering this question, but if you’re really not sure where to start, check out the benefits of the languages below to see if any strike your fancy:

• Spanish : As one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, Spanish comes with plenty of benefits.
• French : Learning French has many pros—like becoming fluent in the language of romance.
• German : If you’re interested in central Europe at all, German is a great way to get familiar with the area and culture.
• Japanese : Learning Japanese is likely an opportunity to discover a completely different culture and way of thinking.

Gone are the days when the only way to learn a second language was becoming stranded in a foreign country or going back to high school language classes.

These days, there are many ways to learn online to become proficient in the language of your choice.

For example, maybe you plan to study on your own . Set yourself up for success by setting goals, being consistent and making sure you get lots of language input.

Depending on the language you choose, you may need to learn a new alphabet system . You’ll definitely need to learn a lot of vocab .

Just because you have to learn grammar doesn’t mean you can’t have fun though! You can absolutely make your studying as enjoyable as possible — try watching movies , for example!

If you don’t feel ready to watch full-length movies in your target language, don’t worry. Try shorter ones first, like Disney movies dubbed in your preferred language.

You can also prepare with FluentU.

FluentU takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news and inspiring talks—and turns them into personalized language learning lessons .

With FluentU, you hear languages in real-world contexts —the way that native speakers actually use them. Just a quick look will give you an idea of the variety of FluentU videos on offer:

FluentU really takes the grunt work out of learning languages, leaving you with nothing but engaging, effective and efficient learning. It’s already hand-picked the best videos for you and organized them by level and topic. All you have to do is choose any video that strikes your fancy to get started!

Access a complete interactive transcript of every video under the Dialogue tab, and easily review words and phrases from the video under Vocab.

You can use FluentU’s unique adaptive quizzes to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions and exercises. Just swipe left or right to see more examples of the word you're studying.

The program even keeps track of what you’re learning and tells you exactly when it’s time for review, giving you a 100% personalized experience.

Start using the FluentU website on your computer or tablet or, better yet, download the FluentU app from the iTunes or Google Play store. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)

Obviously, there’s many benefits of learning a second language. So no matter which tools you use to learn it, you won’t regret doing it!

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Why should you learn a new language?

Learning a new language is a complex task, but the benefits of language learning include social and cultural connections, as well as health and cognitive advantages. Research shows that it's never too early or too late to start learning a new language -- our brains are far more adaptive and flexible than previously thought, and our brains are built for language learning! Whether you are 8 or 80, learning French or Korean, studying a new language for the first time ever or for the first time in 50 years, there's never been more reason and more support for learning a new language.

Connect to people and cultures

Language is all about communication and connection, and studying a new language brings people and cultures closer to us. At the beginning, learning a language might feel like all vocabulary and grammar, but it doesn't take long to build up the skills to make meaningful connections in the new language. In fact, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or CEFR ) prioritizes personal, family, and descriptive language for beginners.

Learners today have more access to more languages -- Duolingo has courses in 40 languages -- and so the importance of personal and cultural reasons for language study is becoming clearer. A recent report shows that interest in culture drives learners to Korean, and this trend is likely linked to the rise of Korean entertainment and media, including K-pop and Korean dramas. The study also shows that family reasons are especially important for those choosing to study Chinese. Language is such a strong link to heritage that in some places we see the local language has become more popular on Duolingo than languages like Spanish and French: Hawaiian and Japanese are now the second and third most popular languages to study in Hawaii, and Irish has overtaken Spanish as the most popular language to study in Ireland.

Challenge your brain

Adults' brains may not be quite as flexible as children's, but they are still really adaptable and ready to learn! Most learners can reach their communication goals without striving for the vaguely-defined concept of "fluency," and your adult brain is definitely equipped for that kind of language learning. Even after just a few months of language study, adult learners' brains show changes and even some processing patterns like those of native speakers. And after a year of learning, adults show improvements in the kind of cognitive adaptations that make bilinguals successful in switching between their languages.

Being bilingual trains your brain to perform a cognitively complex task: turning one language "down" while turning the other "up," in every interaction, for every word! Bilinguals' brains treat languages like a seesaw, raising one up higher when it's needed, and pushing lower the one not being used. This push-and-pull in their brains gets bilinguals practicing a specific kind of attention and control .

Bilinguals who codeswitch , or use both their languages in the same conversation, are getting another kind of cognitive workout by keeping their language seesaw balanced: they might move from all one language, to all another language, and then to really sophisticated systems of mixing that use both languages at once!

Support healthy aging

For older adults, language learning can serve as an engaging activity that promotes problem solving and strategizing, which research shows can improve cognitive functioning .

Languages provide new ways of interacting with people in our communities and around the world. While students may have the option of learning a new language in school, technology makes it easier than ever before for older adults to learn, too. Apps, virtual language meet-ups like Duolingo Events , and online forums give adults ways to engage directly with language practice partners and native speakers. Exploring new cultures, travel, and making new social connections with people around the world can also have a positive impact on older adults. For example, research shows that interacting more regularly with more people has benefits for older adults' health and quality of life .

Bilingual adults who use their languages regularly may even show a delayed onset of dementia symptoms compared to monolinguals -- bilingual brains are better able to resist the disease and function healthily for longer!

It's never too early or too late to start learning!

From your brain's perspective, people of any age can learn new languages -- but it's typically harder for adults to find the time and resources to get the learning to stick. Language learning takes time and patience, and it should also be enjoyable.

The best way to learn a language is whatever method motivates you to keep at it! Here are some ways to start your learning journey today:

• Use free tools and resources to try different things and discover what works for you.
• Find ways to practice a little bit at a time, every day. It's better to study 5 minutes every day than an hour one day a week!
• Link your study time with other parts of your schedule to help you remember and fit in language practice. You could do lessons with your morning coffee, read a bit on your afternoon commute, or listen to music in the language while working out.
• Label household objects with stickers of the words in the new language. You can go room-by-room or focus on the objects that you interact with the most.
• Watch shows on your favorite streaming service with audio in the new language and captions in your own language. This will help train your ear, and it won't even feel like studying!
• Find or create a playlist with songs in the language you're studying. This is a great way to get used to common phrases, and the repetition in songs is great for learning. The language will really get into your head!
• Follow social media accounts that post in the language you're learning, enabling you to see posts about your favorite topics in the language as you scroll.
• For languages you have some experience with, change your phone's interface to the language. You'll learn tons of useful vocabulary really quickly.

For more tips and learning ideas, check out the rest of the Duolingo Blog ! You'll find posts with activities for kids and the young at heart , ideas for staying motivated , and ways to improve specific skills, like speaking and reading !

Español: ¿Por qué deberías aprender un nuevo idioma?

Aprender un nuevo idioma es una tarea difícil, pero hacerlo trae beneficios como aumentar tus conexiones sociales y culturales, además de numerosas ventajas para tu mente y tu salud. Según estudios, nunca es demasiado tarde o demasiado temprano para empezar a aprender un nuevo idioma: nuestros cerebros son mucho más flexibles y pueden adaptarse más de lo que solía creerse, ¡y además están hechos para aprender idiomas! Ya sea que tengas 8 u 80 años, que estés aprendiendo francés o coreano, o que estés aprendiendo un nuevo idioma por primera vez o desde hace 50 años, nunca ha habido más razones para aprender y más formas de respaldar tu aprendizaje de un nuevo idioma.

Conéctate con personas y culturas

Lo esencial en los idiomas son la comunicación y el conectarnos, y aprender un nuevo idioma nos acerca más a otras personas y culturas. Al principio, aprender un idioma puede sentirse como solamente una repetición de vocabulario y gramática, pero no tardamos mucho en desarrollar las habilidades necesarias para formar una conexión importante con el nuevo idioma. De hecho, el Marco Común Europeo de Referencia ( MCER, o CEFR , en inglés) da prioridad a un lenguaje más personal, familiar y descriptivo para los principiantes.

Hoy, las personas que aprenden idiomas tienen un mayor acceso a más idiomas (Duolingo ofrece cursos en 40 idiomas), por lo que cada vez es más clara la importancia de los motivos personales y culturales para aprender idiomas. En un reporte reciente vimos que el interés en la cultura coreana conduce a las personas a aprender coreano, lo cual está seguramente ligado con el ascenso de los medios y entretenimiento coreanos, entre los que están el k-pop y los dramas coreanos. El estudio también demostró que los lazos familiares son uno de los factores más importantes a la hora de optar por aprender chino. El idioma tiene una conexión tan fuerte con la herencia que vemos que en algunos países es más común que las personas aprendan el idioma local en Duolingo que otro idioma como el español o el francés: el hawaiano y el japonés son ahora el segundo y el tercer idioma más popular para aprender en Hawái y el irlandés superó al español como el idioma más popular para aprender en Irlanda.

Desafía a tu mente

Quizás los cerebros de los adultos no sean tan flexibles como los de los niños y niñas, ¡pero aún así tienen una alta capacidad de adaptación y están listos para aprender! La mayoría de las personas que aprenden idiomas pueden alcanzar sus metas comunicativas * sin la necesidad de recurrir a un concepto tan vago como la “fluidez” y, además, el cerebro de los adultos tiene todo lo necesario * para ese tipo de aprendizaje de idiomas. Incluso después de unos pocos meses * de aprendizaje de idiomas, el cerebro de los adultos presenta cambios y hasta ciertos patrones de procesamiento comparables con los de un hablante nativo. Después de todo un año de aprendizaje, los adultos muestran el tipo de adaptación cognitiva que permite a los hablantes bilingües alternar entre sus idiomas.*

Ser bilingüe entrena a tu cerebro para realizar una tarea cognitiva compleja: “bajar” un idioma mientras el otro “sube”... ¡en cada interacción, para cada palabra! Los cerebros de las personas bilingües tratan a los idiomas como un sube y baja, donde uno queda en alto cuando es necesario y el otro queda debajo cuando no es utilizado. Este movimiento en sus cerebros permite que las personas bilingües practiquen un tipo específico de atención y control .*

Aquellas personas que pueden poner en práctica la alternancia de código ; es decir, usar ambos idiomas en una misma conversación, están realizando un ejercicio cognitivo * diferente, al mantener equilibrado ese sube y baja de idiomas: quizás no pasan completamente de un idioma al otro del todo ¡o quizás emplean un sistema sofisticado * donde mezclan ambos idiomas para utilizarlos al mismo tiempo!

Un envejecimiento lleno de vitalidad

En el caso de los adultos mayores, el aprendizaje puede servir como una actividad entretenida que promueva la resolución de problemas y el pensamiento estratégico, los cuales pueden mejorar el desempeño cognitivo ,* según indican los estudios.

Los idiomas nos proveen de nuevas formas de interactuar con los miembros de nuestras comunidades y con comunidades en todo el mundo. Aunque se puede elegir aprender un nuevo idioma en una escuela, la tecnología hace que aprender hoy sea más fácil que nunca, incluso para los adultos mayores. Las apps, las reuniones virtuales de idiomas como Duolingo Events * y los foros en línea dan a los adultos nuevas maneras de interactuar directamente con otras personas que aprenden idiomas y con hablantes nativos. Explorar nuevas culturas, viajar y establecer nuevos lazos sociales con personas en todo el mundo también puede tener un impacto positivo en la vida de los adultos mayores. Por ejemplo, los estudios demuestran que interactuar con una mayor regularidad con personas ha beneficiado la salud y calidad de vida de los adultos mayores .*

Los adultos bilingües que utilizan sus idiomas de forma regular incluso podrían retrasar el inicio de los síntomas de demencia , en comparación con los adultos monolingües: los cerebros de las personas bilingües son mejores al momento de resistir la enfermedad y funcionan de forma sana por más tiempo.

¡Nunca es muy tarde o muy temprano para empezar a aprender!

Si pensamos desde tu cerebro, las personas de cualquier edad pueden aprender un nuevo idioma, pero en general es más difícil para los adultos hacerse del tiempo y los recursos para retener lo que aprendieron. Aprender idiomas lleva tiempo y paciencia, y también debería ser algo que disfrutar.

¡La mejor forma de aprender un idioma es utilizar el método que más te motive a seguir aprendiendo! Aquí hay algunas formas de empezar hoy tu nueva aventura de aprendizaje:

• Usa herramientas y recursos gratuitos para intentar diferentes cosas y descubrir qué funciona mejor para ti.
• Encuentra formas de practicar un poco cada vez y cada día. ¡Es mejor aprender durante 5 minutos cada día * que una hora por semana!
• Inserta tu tiempo de aprendizaje en otros momentos de tu día para recordar e incluir la práctica de idiomas en tu día a día. Podrías hacer lecciones mientras bebes tu café por la mañana, leer un poco mientras usas el transporte público por la tarde o escuchar música en el idioma que estás aprendiendo mientras estás ejercitándote.
• Etiqueta los objetos de tu casa con calcomanías que incluyan cómo se dicen esas palabras en tu nuevo idioma. Puedes ir cuarto por cuarto y enfocarte en los objetos que más utilizas.
• Ve programas en tu televisor o servicio de streaming favorito con el audio configurado en el idioma que estás aprendiendo y subtítulos en tu propio idioma. Esto te ayudará a entrenar tu oído... ¡y además no se sentirá como que estás estudiando!
• Busca o crea una lista de reproducción con canciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo. Es una gran forma de acostumbrarte a las frases más comunes. Por otra parte, la repetición en las canciones es genial para aprender. ¡El idioma realmente entrará en tu cabeza!
• Sigue cuentas en redes sociales que hagan publicaciones en el idioma que estás aprendiendo, de forma tal que veas publicaciones sobre tus temas favoritos en ese idioma mientras lees las publicaciones de tus contactos.
• Si ya tienes algunos conocimientos, cambia la interfaz de tu teléfono a ese idioma. Aprenderás una gran cantidad de vocabulario útil muy rápido.

Para más tips e ideas para aprender, ¡no dejes de leer el resto del blog de Duolingo ! Podrás encontrar publicaciones con actividades para niños y niñas y para todos aquellos que son jóvenes por dentro ,* ideas para que mantengas tu motivación y formas de mejorar habilidades específicas, como hablar y leer .

• Enlace en inglés.

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Knowing more than one language is fast becoming a requirement for anyone who wants to compete and thrive in a world where boundaries and barriers are becoming less relevant. In addition to the language itself, multilingual learners can take advantage of the full scope of accompanying cognitive and social skills—making them great employees, leaders in their communities, and true global citizens.

The U.S. Lags Behind in Language Education

Most students in the U.S. graduate high school knowing only one language—making it the only developed country in the world for which language learning is not a recognized priority.

In the United States, only one in five K-12 students 1 (and about one in 12 university students 2 ) is enrolled in a world language class. This is a woefully small number of students, especially when compared to other countries:

92% of students in Europe learn another language in school.

Nearly 1 in 4 Canadians can hold a conversation in both English and French.

Across Africa, more schools are teaching in both the student’s first language and English, French, Dutch, or Portuguese.

While precise measurements are difficult, many sources estimate that one out of every two people on the planet knows at least two languages.

There may have been a time in the U.S. when becoming multilingual was a luxury. But to thrive in an interconnected world—with its expanding population, evolving technologies, and growing emphasis on competing globally—it’s a requirement. And remember, three out of four humans don’t speak English.

Top 10 Benefits of Learning More Than One Language

1. improve your career & business.

When employers list the skills they most seek in a candidate, “knowing more than one language” is listed among the top eight—regardless of the job title, the economic sector, or the candidate’s experience. In other words, whether you’re an engineer, a restaurant server, a salesperson, or a small business owner—any role in any sector—multilingualism will serve your professional goals well.

And while knowing more than one language is a powerful way to distinguish yourself from your peers and colleagues, it’s becoming less of a nice-to-have and more of a job requirement. A full 90% of U.S. employers report relying on employees who speak more than one language—with one in three of these businesses reporting a significant “language skills gap.”

2. Build Deeper Connections With More People

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect. The entire experience of interacting with your fellow humans—getting to know them, working alongside them—is enriched by sharing their language. You will be shaped by communities. You will be humbled by the kindness of strangers. You will build lifelong friendships.

When you can communicate with someone in her language, you open up infinite ways to connect.

3. Sharpen Your Decision-Making

Decisions made in a second language are more reason-driven than decisions made in your first language. 3 When tackling a challenge in a second (or third or fourth) language, you gain the objectivity and emotional distance you need to properly assess the situation. The result? Clear-eyed choices made through sound, systematic thinking.

4. Feed Your Brain

Research indicates that people who speak more than one language develop a better memory, talent for problem-solving, ability to concentrate, and tendency to be creative than people who speak only one language. Knowing at least a second language also reduces the chances of cognitive decline as you age.

5. Treasure Other Cultures

Culture is the collection of a group’s traditions, arts, customs, social institutions, and achievements, passed from generation to generation. But the surest way to understand a culture—to know it, empathize with it, and come to adore it—is to know its language. In studies, children who have studied an additional language like and respect the culture associated with that language, as well as demonstrate higher levels of empathy and tolerance. Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

Language learning deepens and expands the way we move through the world.

6. See the World (More Fully)

When you travel somewhere and know the language, the entire experience transforms. Traveling becomes more dynamic—more full of nuance and opportunities. Knowing the language lets you escape the “tourist bubble” and to interact with people and places nobody else could. You can read the street signs to find amazing locales, engage in more meaningful conversation, and immerse yourself in local culture, food, and art.

7. Boost Your Confidence

As you’re learning a language, you’ll make plenty of mistakes—often in front of the audience of your teacher and classmates. But these “mistakes” are actually steps toward becoming a more proficient speaker and more resilient learner. Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature. And when you eventually find yourself conversing with someone in their language, your sense of accomplishment will be unparalleled.

Studying a language allows you to take risks and step into something new and slightly uncomfortable, offering a fantastic chance to grow and mature.

8. Expand Your Perspective

Learning another language means learning another culture. And learning another culture means drawing comparisons between it and your own culture. You naturally discover places—places both positive and negative—where the cultures diverge. Your understanding of the awesomeness of humanity’s diversity and ingenuity grows in a thousand new directions.

9. Experience Art in Its Original Form

Most of the world’s history and art—its books, news, films, music, essays, stories, and online experiences—are in a language you don’t (yet) know. With more than 7,000 spoken languages on Earth, you could spend countless lifetimes exploring the many source materials if only you knew the language . Reading a love poem by Neruda in its original Spanish, reciting Homer’s epics in their original Greek, or watching “Rashomon” in Kurosawa’s original Japanese—these are all profound experiences that only language learning can offer.

10. Become a Polyglot

When you learn a second language, two amazing things happen. First, you come to know and speak your first language better. Second, learning a third language is much easier than the second (especially for children). 4 Take a bold step toward communicating in as many languages as you choose!

The Benefits of Learning a New Language: An Essay

Learning a new language can bring a multitude of benefits to an individual’s life. Not only does it open doors to different cultures and experiences, but it also enhances cognitive abilities and provides a competitive edge in today’s globalized world. In this essay, we will explore the various advantages of learning a new language and delve into how it can positively impact someone’s personal, social, professional, and even their health.

Understanding the Importance of Multilingualism

Language is a powerful tool that bridges gaps between people and societies. Multilingualism allows individuals to communicate effectively with people from different countries and backgrounds. The ability to understand and speak multiple languages is becoming increasingly crucial in a globalized society where interactions between people of various cultural backgrounds are common.

Moreover, multilingualism not only facilitates communication but also promotes cultural exchange and understanding. When individuals are able to speak multiple languages, they can engage in meaningful conversations with people from different cultures, gaining insights into their traditions, beliefs, and values. This cultural exchange fosters mutual respect and appreciation, breaking down barriers and promoting harmony in diverse communities.

The Global Perspective on Language Learning

In a world where international connections are growing, learning new languages has become a necessity rather than just a choice. As countries and businesses interact on a global scale, individuals who possess language skills are highly sought after. The demand for multilingual employees continues to rise as companies expand their operations to different parts of the world.

Furthermore, being multilingual opens up a world of opportunities for individuals in various fields. Whether it’s in business, tourism, diplomacy, or even academia, the ability to communicate in multiple languages allows individuals to connect with a wider audience, expand their professional networks, and enhance their career prospects.

The Impact of Multilingualism on Personal Growth

Learning a new language goes beyond just communication skills. It also fosters personal growth and development. When individuals learn a new language, they are exposed to different ways of thinking, cultural practices, and societal norms. This exposure broadens their perspectives, making them more adaptable and understanding towards diverse ideas and opinions.

Moreover, learning a new language can enhance cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals have a higher level of cognitive flexibility, which allows them to switch between tasks and think more creatively. This cognitive advantage not only benefits language learning but also extends to other areas of life, such as academic performance and professional success.

Additionally, being multilingual can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. The ability to communicate in different languages gives individuals a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. It allows them to navigate unfamiliar environments with ease and engage in meaningful conversations with people from different backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity.

Cognitive Advantages of Learning a New Language

Aside from the personal growth it brings, learning a new language also provides numerous cognitive benefits. The mental exercise involved in language learning stimulates brain function and enhances various cognitive abilities.

When embarking on the journey of learning a new language, individuals not only gain the ability to communicate in a different tongue but also experience a profound impact on their cognitive abilities. The process of language acquisition requires commitment and practice, which in turn can significantly improve memory and attention span.

Enhancing Memory and Attention Span

Learning a new language exercises the brain’s capacity to store and retrieve information, thereby boosting overall memory skills. As language learners immerse themselves in the intricacies of vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, they create new neural connections that strengthen their memory recall. The constant practice of memorizing new words and phrases helps to reinforce the brain’s ability to retain information, leading to improved memory skills not only in language learning but also in other areas of life.

Moreover, the process of language learning demands a high level of concentration and focus. Learners must pay attention to the nuances of pronunciation, grammar rules, and cultural contexts. This continuous effort to decipher and understand new words and phrases helps individuals develop sharper attention spans. By engaging in the mental exercise of language learning, learners train their minds to stay focused and attentive, which can have a positive impact on their overall cognitive abilities.

Boosting Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

Language learning goes beyond the mere acquisition of vocabulary and grammar. It also involves deciphering the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases using knowledge and context clues. This analytical thinking helps individuals become better problem solvers in other areas of life. By constantly engaging in the process of decoding and understanding new language elements, learners develop the ability to dissect complex information and arrive at logical solutions.

Furthermore, learning a new language exposes individuals to different cultural perspectives and ways of thinking. This exposure broadens their horizons and encourages them to think critically about their own beliefs and assumptions. By challenging their preconceived notions and exploring alternative viewpoints, language learners develop a more open-minded and adaptable approach to problem-solving.

In conclusion, the cognitive advantages of learning a new language are manifold. From enhancing memory and attention span to boosting problem-solving and critical thinking skills, language learning offers a wealth of benefits that extend beyond the realm of communication. By embarking on the journey of learning a new language, individuals not only expand their linguistic repertoire but also exercise and sharpen their cognitive abilities, leading to a more enriched and fulfilling intellectual life.

Social and Cultural Benefits of Multilingualism

Beyond the cognitive advantages, multilingualism also brings about numerous social and cultural benefits. It allows individuals to connect with people from different cultures and build bridges across diverse communities.

Building Cross-Cultural Connections

Language is deeply intertwined with culture. When individuals learn a language, they gain insight into the customs, traditions, and values of the speakers. This knowledge facilitates cultural understanding and promotes engaging interactions with people from different backgrounds. It paves the way for meaningful connections and friendships, enriching one’s social experience.

Imagine walking into a bustling marketplace in a foreign country. As a multilingual individual, you have the ability to strike up conversations with locals, ask for recommendations, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. By speaking the language of the community, you not only become an observer but an active participant, forging connections that transcend language barriers.

Furthermore, multilingualism opens doors to unique cultural experiences. Whether it’s attending traditional festivals, participating in local customs, or simply engaging in everyday conversations, speaking multiple languages allows you to fully immerse yourself in the cultural fabric of a community. This firsthand experience not only broadens your perspective but also fosters a sense of empathy and appreciation for different ways of life.

Enhancing Social Skills and Empathy

Being able to communicate in multiple languages opens doors to forge new friendships and build relationships. The process of language learning requires individuals to step out of their comfort zones and interact with speakers of the target language. Through this experience, learners develop stronger social skills, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, as they learn to navigate different social norms and adapt to various communication styles.

Imagine being in a foreign country and striking up a conversation with a local. As a multilingual individual, you have the ability to connect with people on a deeper level, understanding their perspectives and engaging in meaningful discussions. This not only enhances your social skills but also fosters a sense of empathy, as you gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and their unique challenges.

Moreover, multilingualism allows individuals to become cultural ambassadors. By speaking multiple languages, you can bridge the gap between different communities, facilitating communication and understanding. This role as a mediator not only strengthens your own cultural awareness but also promotes harmony and cooperation among diverse groups.

Professional Perks of Being Multilingual

In addition to personal and social advantages, being multilingual offers numerous professional perks in today’s competitive job market.

Career Opportunities in a Globalized World

Companies are constantly seeking individuals who can effectively communicate with international clients and partners. Having proficiency in multiple languages broadens the scope of career opportunities. Multilingual employees can work in various industries such as tourism, international business, education, and translation. Their language skills allow them to engage with a wider range of clients and navigate different cultural settings.

The Competitive Edge in Job Market

Being multilingual provides a competitive edge in the job market. Employers value language skills as they signify adaptability, cultural competency, and increased communication abilities. Candidates who can speak multiple languages often have an advantage in acquiring employment, promotions, and even salary negotiations. In an increasingly globalized business landscape, language proficiency can elevate one’s professional success.

Health Benefits of Learning a New Language

Beyond the tangible advantages in personal, social, and professional aspects, learning a new language can also positively affect an individual’s health.

Delaying Cognitive Decline

Research suggests that learning and using multiple languages may delay cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing age-related mental illnesses such as dementia. The constant engagement required in language learning exercises the brain, strengthening its neural connections and potentially mitigating the effects of cognitive decline.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Language learning has been found to have a positive impact on mental well-being. It provides individuals with a new avenue for self-expression and creativity. The process of acquiring a new language can be fulfilling and enjoyable, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, being able to communicate in different languages enhances overall self-confidence, leading to improved emotional well-being.

In conclusion, the benefits of learning a new language extend far beyond communication skills. It opens doors to personal growth, cognitive development, social and cultural connections, professional opportunities, and even promotes mental well-being. Language learning is a valuable investment that broadens horizons and equips individuals with valuable skills in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Home » Tips for Teachers » Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language for Future Success: Exploring the 7 Benefits

In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, understanding why students should learn a second language becomes crucial. This ability has transcended from being a simple asset to almost a necessity. For students at the crossroads of educational paths and future careers, mastering a second language unveils myriad opportunities, both personally and professionally.

Beyond the apparent benefit of enhanced communication abilities, bilingualism or multilingualism enriches learners’ cognitive capabilities, cultural understanding, and global awareness. It equips them with the tools not only to succeed in the global marketplace but also to navigate the complex tapestry of global cultures with empathy and insight.

The argument for incorporating second language learning into students’ curricula is compelling and multifaceted. Research consistently highlights the cognitive benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, enhanced memory, and increased attention span. Moreover, in the cultural dimension, it fosters a deeper understanding of and respect for diversity, preparing students to become global citizens. Professionally, bilingualism offers a competitive edge in the job market, where employers increasingly value the ability to communicate across cultural and linguistic barriers.

Really it depends from your needs and circumstances. In my professional experience, motivation is the only reason students will successfully learn a second language, either is business related, or a new boyfriend or an imminent trip. Some might say that the best language to… — ARTΞME (@StellaAmato4) January 17, 2024

As we delve into the benefits of acquiring a second language for students, we explore not only the practical advantages but also the profound impact it can have on their personal development and worldview. Learning a second language is more than an academic endeavor; it is a journey into understanding others and oneself, a bridge to the world, and a tool for shaping the future.

On this page, you will discover:

• Why Students Should Embrace Multilingualism →
• 7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language →
• Best Languages to Learn After English →
• 15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language →

Why Students Should Learn a Second Language — Embracing Multilingualism

Did you know that bilingual or multilingual individuals are often considered the brainiest bunch? Speaking more than one language opens up a world of cognitive advantages that go beyond just mastering new words. Imagine navigating through different cultural contexts with ease, your mind open to diverse perspectives and ideas. This adaptability not only enhances problem-solving skills but also fosters a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness.

Explore the transformative power of multilingualism and its impact by watching this enlightening video.

But here’s the real kicker: being bilingual isn’t just about speaking two languages. It’s like giving your brain a daily workout session! Processing two languages simultaneously keeps the mind sharp and agile, like a well-oiled machine. Studies have shown that bilingual individuals exhibit superior mental flexibility, longer attention spans, and sharper problem-solving abilities compared to their monolingual counterparts.

Bilingualism has even been hailed as a superhero in the fight against cognitive decline. Research suggests that the mental gymnastics involved in learning and using multiple languages can help stave off age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. So not only are bilingual individuals smart now, but they’re also setting themselves up for a brighter, more vibrant future.

But perhaps the most magical aspect of bilingualism is its ability to shape the way we perceive the world. Languages aren’t just tools for communication; they’re windows into different cultures, histories, and ways of thinking. From unlocking ancient mysteries to connecting with people from all walks of life, bilingualism opens doors to endless possibilities.

7 Benefits Of Learning A Second Language

For students, learning a foreign language holds immense benefits, contributing to their academic success, personal growth, and future career prospects.

1. Increase in Self-Confidence and Happiness

The journey of mastering a new language is a profound booster of self-confidence and overall happiness for students. This process not only involves acquiring new vocabulary and grammar but also overcoming challenges and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. The sense of achievement that comes from being able to communicate in a foreign language is immense.

Research from the University of Cambridge highlights how language learning enhances self-efficacy, leading to a more positive life outlook. Similarly, findings by the Institute for Employment Studies demonstrate notable improvements in well-being, particularly in self-confidence and happiness. This uplift in self-esteem is crucial; it transcends linguistic accomplishments, empowering students to tackle broader academic and personal challenges with increased confidence and resilience.

In an insightful talk, Ellen highlights the unifying power of language and urges everyone to embrace learning a new language as a way to expand their horizons—watch her inspiring video.

Moreover, the positive feedback loop created by increased self-confidence and happiness encourages continued language learning and engagement with other cultures. It can spark a lifelong passion for exploration, both intellectually and geographically, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional lives. In this way, the benefits of language learning extend far beyond the classroom, impacting students’ well-being, social connections, and outlook on life in profound and lasting ways.

Explore the importance of mental health in education through “ 8 Reasons Why Students Should Have Mental Health Days: A Research-Based Analysis .” This detailed article provides research-backed insights into the necessity of mental health days for students’ well-being and academic achievement, advocating for their inclusion in educational policies.

2. Enhanced Decision-Making Skills

The transformative process of enhancing decision-making skills through second language learning reshapes how students evaluate information and make choices, illustrating why students should learn a second language. The University of Chicago’s research underscores the significant shift in cognitive processing when thinking in a foreign language, leading to more logical and less emotionally biased decisions.

This cognitive distance allows for clearer judgment and more rational evaluation of scenarios, which is particularly advantageous in complex and high-stakes academic settings. As students navigate their educational paths, they often face decisions that require weighing different options and outcomes. The ability to detach from immediate emotional responses and analyze situations with objectivity becomes a powerful tool in their arsenal.

Discover how the over 7,000 languages worldwide might shape our perception of the world through the lens of the Whorfian hypothesis, which suggests our language influences our thoughts, visions, and understanding of our surroundings—explore this fascinating concept by watching the video.

Moreover, this skill transcends academic environments and prepares students for real-world challenges. In personal and professional spheres, the clarity and rationality honed through bilingual decision-making processes contribute to sound financial planning, strategic career moves, and effective conflict resolution. The practice of thinking in a second language cultivates a mindset that values careful consideration and foresight, attributes that are invaluable in a rapidly changing world.

As students become more adept at making decisions in a second language, they also develop a greater awareness of cultural nuances and perspectives, further enriching their decision-making capabilities. This comprehensive enhancement of cognitive and cultural competence equips students with a robust framework for navigating life’s myriad choices with confidence and wisdom.

3. Strengthened Brain Power and Attention Span

Bilingualism acts as a rigorous workout for the brain, significantly enhancing cognitive abilities and attentional control. Engaging with multiple languages fosters neural plasticity, strengthening the brain’s networks and improving its agility. This cognitive reinforcement is manifest in enhanced memorization skills and a more robust working memory, foundational elements for academic excellence.

Students who are bilingual demonstrate an ability to retain and manipulate information more effectively than their monolingual peers, facilitating learning across all subjects. The mental discipline required to switch between languages also enhances students’ focus and attention span. This increased capacity for concentration is invaluable in an educational landscape filled with distractions and multitasking demands.

Discover the fascinating changes that occur in the brain during language learning through scans and neuroscience studies by watching this insightful video.

The benefits of strengthened brain power and attention span extend beyond academic achievements. They contribute to a student’s ability to engage in sustained intellectual efforts, pursue long-term goals, and navigate complex problem-solving tasks. Enhanced cognitive function supports deep learning, enabling students to absorb knowledge more thoroughly and apply it creatively.

Moreover, the discipline of managing attention across different languages translates into improved self-regulation skills, equipping students to better control their focus and direct it towards productive activities. In a world where attention is a scarce commodity, the ability to concentrate and maintain focus is a significant advantage, preparing students for success in both their personal and professional lives.

Dive into the world of intellectual expansion and lifelong learning by reading our article on the 30+ best higher education podcasts.

4. Cultural Understanding

Delving into a new language is tantamount to unlocking a door to a vast array of cultural experiences, perspectives, and understandings. This immersive journey into another culture enhances students’ empathy, broadens their worldview, and fosters a deep appreciation for diversity.

The nuanced insights gained through language study allow students to grasp the complexity of cultural identities and the ways in which language shapes thought and behavior. This cultural competence is critical in today’s globalized society, where cross-cultural interactions are commonplace. By gaining an intimate understanding of different cultures, students are equipped to navigate these interactions with sensitivity and respect.

Watch Grant Cho delve into whether language acts as a barrier or a bridge, exploring its challenges, importance, and role in communication, culture, and identity.

Moreover, the ability to communicate in another language opens up access to a wealth of cultural artifacts—literature, film, music, and more—that enrich students’ educational experiences and personal growth. This exposure to diverse cultural expressions not only enhances students’ understanding of the world but also inspires creativity and innovation.

Cultural understanding fosters an inclusive mindset, crucial for building cohesive societies and working effectively in multicultural teams. In cultivating global citizens, language education plays a pivotal role, in preparing students to contribute positively to a world that values diversity and mutual respect.

5. Improved Academic Performance

The cognitive enhancements brought about by bilingualism have a profound impact on students’ academic performance. The problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and multitasking abilities that are honed through language learning contribute to success across various academic disciplines.

Research has shown that bilingual students often outperform their monolingual counterparts on standardized tests, particularly in areas requiring analytical and abstract thinking. The ability to approach problems from different linguistic and cultural perspectives enriches students’ analytical capabilities, leading to more innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of academic material.

Discover the advantages of a bilingual brain by watching this video that explores the remarkable cognitive benefits of being bilingual.

The benefits of improved academic performance extend beyond test scores and grades; they include enhanced ability to synthesize information, argue effectively, and engage in critical thinking. Language learning encourages an interdisciplinary approach to education, where students apply linguistic skills to analyze texts, solve mathematical problems, and conduct scientific research.

This broad applicability of language skills fosters a versatile academic foundation, enabling students to excel in diverse fields of study. By investing in language education, students not only boost their immediate academic prospects but also lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

Delve into “ 7 Research-Based Reasons Why Students Should Not Have Homework: Academic Insights, Opposing Perspectives & Alternatives ” to gain an informed viewpoint on the homework debate, presenting alternative strategies to improve student learning.

6. Expanded Career Opportunities

In the context of globalization, the question of “should students learn a second language” becomes pertinent, as the ability to speak a second language provides students with a competitive edge in a wide range of industries, marking it as a significant asset in the job market. The Eton Institute’s survey underscores the high-value employers place on multilingual skills, with a clear preference for hiring bilingual candidates.

This preference is due to the versatility and cross-cultural communication skills bilingual individuals bring to the workplace, enabling companies to expand their global reach and connect with a diverse customer base. Bilingual employees often enjoy higher salaries, more job opportunities, and the potential for international travel and assignments, reflecting the premium placed on language skills in the global economy.

Watch this Creative Multilingualism video to see how languages shape identity and play a crucial role in crafting a career path that resonates with young individuals.

Furthermore, the soft skills developed through language learning—such as adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving—are increasingly sought after in today’s workforce. These skills enable individuals to navigate the complexities of international business, foster collaborative relationships, and innovate within multicultural teams.

For students, learning a second language is not merely an academic achievement; it is an investment in their future careers, opening doors to opportunities in diplomacy, international business, education, technology, and more. In an ever-more interconnected world, bilingualism is not just a skill but a gateway to a myriad of professional possibilities and a more fulfilling career path.

7. Better Cognitive Abilities

The process of acquiring proficiency in a new language involves complex cognitive activities: recognizing, interpreting, and generating meaning within an entirely different linguistic framework. Such mental gymnastics not only enhance your linguistic capabilities but also amplify your problem-solving skills across various domains. The challenge of navigating through a new language system stimulates cognitive flexibility, improving your ability to discern and manipulate abstract concepts in other contexts as well.

Research from the University of Edinburgh corroborates the cognitive advantages associated with bilingualism. Individuals fluent in more than one language consistently outperform their monolingual counterparts in standardized assessments covering a wide spectrum of areas including reading comprehension, mathematical reasoning, vocabulary, and more. This cognitive edge translates into more effective learning and comprehension across a diverse array of academic subjects.

Discover if being bilingual can enhance your intelligence by watching this video on the cognitive benefits of speaking multiple languages. Unlock the secrets to a sharper mind and broader perspectives through the power of linguistic diversity.

In conclusion, learning a foreign language offers numerous benefits beyond just linguistic proficiency. From personal growth to professional advancement, language acquisition enriches lives and opens doors to new, exciting opportunities in an increasingly interconnected global world.

Best Languages to Learn After English

Choosing the right language to learn after English hinges on identifying your personal motivations and objectives. Whether you’re driven by the challenge of mastering a linguistically diverse language, seeking practical benefits by learning one of the world’s most spoken languages, or aiming for specific academic or professional goals, understanding your “why” is crucial.

This foundation not only makes the selection process straightforward but also ensures sustained motivation and progress, even when faced with obstacles. Additionally, it’s essential to weigh the potential difficulties and time commitments associated with your chosen language, as these factors significantly influence your learning journey.

Explore the top languages to learn for enhancing your work, study, travel, and retirement abroad by watching this informative video.

With its origins tracing back to the 16th century, Spanish has evolved into a global powerhouse, spoken by 543 million people worldwide, ranking it fourth globally after English, Chinese, and Hindi, and second in terms of native speakers, trailing only Chinese. It enjoys official language status in 18 Latin American countries and Equatorial Guinea, boasting the largest number of speakers in Mexico (120 million) and surprisingly, the United States (59 million), surpassing even Spain itself in Spanish-speaking population.

Similar languages: Italian, Portuguese, French

Why learn Spanish?

• Travel: Dominating Latin America, Spanish allows for rich cultural experiences across an entire subcontinent where it’s often the sole language spoken.
• Education: Spanish-speaking countries offer affordable higher education options, with public university fees ranging from $809 to $2,697, and countries like Argentina even offering free education to foreigners.
• StudySpanish.com : Offers extensive materials covering grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more.
• Language Transfer : A podcast-based Spanish course.
• Easy Spanish : A YouTube channel delving into Spanish language and life in Spanish-speaking countries.

German claims official status in six countries (Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium), with 76 million native speakers. It’s the second most widespread language in Europe and globally counts almost 135 million speakers, with an additional 15 million learners worldwide.

Similar languages: Dutch, Afrikaans

Why learn German?

• Education: A compelling reason to learn German is the offer of free education at state universities (excluding Baden-Württemberg), requiring only a nominal semester fee. Although English-taught programs are available, they are not universally offered across all fields and levels.
• Career: Proficiency in German significantly enhances career prospects, especially in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, economics, architecture, and nursing. The unemployment rate for foreigners is notably low, and recent policy changes have made it easier for non-German residents to find employment.
• Deutsche Welle : Provides a variety of videos and podcasts for German learners.
• Deutsch Online : A resource-rich platform offering materials for different proficiency levels.
• vhs-Lernportal : Free courses available for levels A1 to B2, catering to a range of learners.

15 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language

Mark Manson, renowned for his insightful blogging and authorship, delves into the intricacies of language learning with practical advice that resonates with learners across the globe. His approach, characterized by directness and efficacy, dismantles the conventional barriers often encountered in the journey to mastering a new language. Here’s a breakdown of his pivotal tips:

Unlock the secrets to mastering a new language with ease by watching the video featuring 7 essential tips for language learners.

Useful Resources

• Anyone Can Learn a New Language
• The benefits of being bilingual: Working memory in bilingual Turkish–Dutch children
• Top 10 Most Widely Used Languages in 2023

Final Thoughts

Understanding why students should learn a second language is crucial in today’s educational landscape. This journey not only opens up a world of opportunities but also fosters a broader perspective, enhanced cognitive abilities, and a deeper appreciation for the diversity that shapes our world. As such, the pursuit of bilingualism or multilingualism is not just beneficial but essential for students preparing to navigate and contribute to our increasingly globalized society.

• 25 Tips to Learn a Foreign Language
• Which language is more difficult?
• Does Learning A Second Language Help Prevent Dementia
• The Impact of Lifelong Learning on Happiness and Well-being
• The Foreign-Language Effect: Thinking in a Foreign Tongue Reduces Decision Biases
• Cultural Awareness on A Bilingual Education: A Mixed Method Study
• Language and mathematics: A comparison of bilingual and monolingual students of mathematics
• Does bilingualism influence cognitive aging?
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Simona Johnes is the visionary being the creation of our project. Johnes spent much of her career in the classroom working with students. And, after many years in the classroom, Johnes became a principal.

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These are the benefits of learning a second language

In the US, just 20% of students learn another language. Image:  REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

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There are many advantages to learning a second language. Some are fairly obvious. If you find yourself lost in a foreign country, being able to express yourself clearly could help lead you to your destination. Similarly, if your job requires you to travel you may find it easier to vault language and cultural barriers.

But there are other benefits that are not so immediately apparent. For example, learning another language could improve your all-round cognitive ability. It could help hone your soft skills, and even increase your mastery of your mother tongue, too.

Some studies have apparently identified a link between being multilingual and fending off the onset of dementia . Others indicate that being able to speak more than one language can help you become better at multitasking in other aspects of your daily life, too.

Deciding on which additional language or languages to learn is often a matter of chance and personal preference. Maybe you have a parent or grandparent who is a native of another country, so you were brought up being able to speak their language. Perhaps your family regularly took vacations in a particular foreign country when you were a child and that sparked your interest. Or it could just be that you had a very engaging teacher who instilled in you a love for languages.

But deciding whether to learn one at all would appear to be determined more by your mother language than anything else. In short, native-born English speakers are far less likely to learn a second language than many other people.

In the US, just 20% of students learn a foreign language . Meanwhile, in parts of Europe that figure stands at 100%. Across the whole of Europe the median is 92%, and is at least 80% in 29 separate European countries investigated by Pew Research. In 15 of those 29, it’s 90% or more.

Down under, around 21% of people can use a second language , although only 73% of Australian households identified as English-speaking in the 2016 census. In Canada, only 6.2% of people speak something other than the country’s two official languages , English and French.

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In the UK, fewer school students are studying languages to exam levels at ages 16 or 18. Since 2013, the numbers of studying a language at GCSE level – the end of secondary schooling examination taken by most 16-year-olds in England, Wales and Northern Ireland - have fallen between 30% and 50%. Scotland has its own exam system but the drop off in language study is comparable.

The UK has a long-standing tradition of teaching French and German at secondary school level, although not always with tremendous success: Brits are not famed for their multilingual skills. However, the popularity of both those languages has plummeted in UK schools. Less than 20 years ago, just 2,500 students were taking a language other than French, German, Spanish or Welsh – which is a mandatory curriculum requirement in Wales. But by 2017, according to numbers acquired by the BBC, that had shot up to 9,400.

Two languages that are growing in popularity in the UK are Spanish and Chinese, the BBC found. Chinese, of course, is the most widely spoken language in the world. However, in the online sphere it’s a close second to English. Online, English is used by 25.4% of people. For Chinese, it’s 19.3%. Both are way ahead of third-placed Spanish which is used by 8.1% of internet users.

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Learning a Second Language Essay

Language is one of the most important tools in our interaction with others. Without language, it is highly unlikely that the human civilization would have developed as it has over the millenniums. For most people, being able to communicate in one language is sufficient. This is especially so if the language is English, French or Germany, all of which are internationally recognized languages.

While it is true that one can be able to comfortably go through life with the knowledge of one language, the person greatly limits his/her potential. This is because there are many advantages to be gained from being proficient in more than one language. This paper shall argue that every person should learn at least one second language so as to reap the benefits that such an undertaking brings to the individual.

We live in a world that is slowly being turned into a global village as a result of advances in transport and communication. Through the process known as globalization, major integration of economies and cultures is becoming rife. In such a world, people are constantly being forced to interact with others who come from different cultural backgrounds.

While in some cases these people from different cultures share a language, there are many instances where there is a language difference. If one has learnt at least one additional language, there is a higher possibility that communication between the people from varying cultures will be possible. As such, acquisition of an additional language will assist in bringing about harmony in a multicultural society.

Scientific studies have proved that learning of a second language may result in the enhancement of the intellectual capabilities of an individual. As a result of learning a second language, a person’s performance in arithmetic as well as his reading skills is greatly increased. This improvement is attributed to the fact that learning a new language results in divergent thinking in the person.

The divergent thinking develops since learning a new language involves not only obtaining a new vocabulary but also learning a different manner of constructing thoughts. Considering the fact that a higher intellectual capability is desirable since it increases the chances of a person succeeding in life, everyone should learn an additional language.

Being proficient in more than one language can give a person an advantage when they are applying for a job. This is because an additional language increases the versatility of an individual therefore making him a greater asset to an organization. Some organizations specifically deal with clients who do not converse in English.

It will therefore be a huge benefit for the organization if it can have a person who can converse in the native language of the clients. Having the knowledge of an additional language can therefore result in the career development of the individual.

This paper set out to argue that everyone should learn an addition language. To reinforce this assertion, this paper has discussed the various merits that acquisition of an additional language can have to not only the individual but the society at large. This paper has demonstrates that learning an additional language can result in the creation of a more harmonious global society.

In addition to this, this paper has shown that learning a different language develops one’s mental ability making them better thinkers and also increasing the individual’s chances to develop their career. For this reasons, everyone should learn at least one second language.

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IvyPanda. (2018, May 17). Learning a Second Language. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/

"Learning a Second Language." IvyPanda , 17 May 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Learning a Second Language'. 17 May.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Learning a Second Language." May 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

1. IvyPanda . "Learning a Second Language." May 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Learning a Second Language." May 17, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/learning-a-second-language/.

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The Benefits of Learning a New Language

October 14, 2021

There are over 6,500 spoken languages in the world, each tied to a person’s society and culture. English , Mandarin , Hindi, Spanish, and French are the world’s top five most spoken languages.

If you happen to be monolingual, have you ever thought about the benefits of learning a new language ? While living in an interconnected and interdependent world, it makes sense to be bilingual. In fact, it is a critical skill that may open up new opportunities no matter who you are. You may learn to connect to others on a new level through studying.

The following are six major benefits of being bilingual.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE !

Foster a Higher Tolerance Towards the Unknown

If you are like most people, you may feel a level of anxiety when it comes to dealing with the unknown. Monolingual individuals may have a lower tolerance for the unknown than those who are bilingual. One of the benefits of learning a new language is that you may start to see unfamiliar situations as exciting instead of scary.

When learning, you have to be more open to ambiguity. After all, there may be points in a conversation with a native speaker where you aren’t sure what a word or phrase means. You have to be willing to stop the conversation from saying you don’t know what was said. For those who do not have tolerance towards the unknown, this can be uncomfortable. Those who have a higher tolerance may be more entrepreneurial and social.

Increase Your Job Prospects

If you have a country you’ve always dreamt of living in, look for language courses that cater to the country’s primary speech. Most companies work with international clients, so it makes sense to look for bilingual individuals to hold important positions within the company. With jobs becoming more competitive, you need something to give you an edge, like speaking more than your native tongue.

In addition to adding more job opportunities to your list, learning a second way of speech boosts your confidence. Once you master speaking in more than one language, you may feel like you can accomplish what you set your mind to. You can apply this newfound confidence to job hunting. If you decide to move out of your home country, you will find it easier to carry on conversations with confidence rather than fear of saying the wrong thing or being unable to communicate.

CHECK OUR LANGUAGE GRADUATE PROGRAMS !

Learn to Succeed in a Globalized World

The world has become increasingly globalized. If you learn a new language , you also improve your cultural competency. It becomes easier for you to learn more about your environment and to pick apart social cues. In the course of study, you have to learn about the culture too. In fact, many classes immerse you in it to expose you to differences in the ways people live and function. In studying culture, dialect and grammar, you also learn to think about conversation styles through a critical lens.

Protect Against Mental Deterioration

One of the lesser-known benefits of learning a new language is that older adults may protect against dementia and other age-related memory problems. Adults who speak more than one language tend to perform better on cognitive tests and daily functioning than others. In one study, bilingual patients with Alzheimer’s performed outperformed monolingual patients. However, bilingual patients showed more severe damage to the brain. Despite having more damage, they still had a higher degree of functioning.

Develop Stronger Empathy

While completing a course of study in language can be fulfilling, it takes time to understand and speak fluently. You would begin to understand that better as someone studying a new way to communicate. Monolingual people are more likely to be critical of others who do not speak their native tongue.

If a bilingual English speaker meets a person struggling with English, he or she may have little empathy for the person. Instead, the English-only speaker may be critical and have higher expectations. You may have an easier time understanding the other person and will be more likely to put yourself in the person’s shoes.

In addition, research shows bilingual children have more empathy than monolingual children. Even children who are not fluent in the second tongue tend to be more empathetic and higher-level communicators. The research concluded that children exposed to a second language or who learn another one tend to have a better understanding of other’s perspectives.

Obtain a Higher Attention Span

When you speak more than one language, you need to keep track of which one you’re speaking at any given moment. You learn not to switch to the wrong way of speech in the middle of a conversation. For example, you may remember to speak English to your family and then German or Spanish to your teachers. When you are bilingual, you have to utilize task switching and inhibition. You may find that you are better at multitasking and can pay attention without being distracted.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAMS !

Spark New Levels of Creativity

Bilingual individuals may demonstrate high levels of creativity. Every language has its own mechanics and use of figurative speech. Given that metaphor can establish complex thinking skills and creativity, knowing multiple languages may enhance your complex thinking skills. When you only know one, you are restricted by the structure of that particular tongue. However, when you know more than one, it may open up new avenues.

There are many benefits to learning a new language. When you study, you provide yourself with the opportunity to become more open-minded, to learn more about different cultures, and to communicate with others in more than your native language. At Middlebury Language Schools , we provide a learning environment where students, teachers, entrepreneurs, scholars and more can gather to study and learn.

Those involved in the program have 24/7 language immersion to reinforce their skills and flexible programs for those at different levels of learning. Contact us today to learn more about Middlebury Language Schools and the benefits of learning a new language!

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The Benefits of Multilingualism to the Personal and Professional Development of Residents of The US

Judith f. kroll.

University of California, Riverside

Paola E. Dussias

Pennsylvania State University

Paola E. Dussias (PhD, University of Arizona) is Professor of Spanish, Linguistics, and Psychology and Head of the Department of Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, Pennsylvania State University, University Park.

In the past two decades, new research on multilingualism has changed our understanding of the consequences of learning and using two or more languages for cognition, for the brain, and for success and well-being across the entire lifespan. Far from the stereotype that exposure to multiple languages in infancy complicates language and cognitive development, the new findings suggest that individuals benefit from that exposure, with greater openness to other languages and to new learning itself. At the other end of the lifespan, in old age, the active use of two or more languages appears to provide protection against cognitive decline. That protection is seen in healthy aging and most dramatically in compensating for the symptoms of pathology in those who develop dementia or are recovering from stroke. In this article we briefly review the most exciting of these new research developments and consider their implications.

Although most of the world is multilingual, the use of two or more languages in the United States has historically been marked as a complicating factor rather than a benefit. Attitudes toward languages other than English have been confounded with attitudes toward immigration and cultural diversity, resulting in a wealth of mythology surrounding language learning and language use. The assumption of English as the only language, or the majority language, in the United States has helped promote the belief that acquiring a second language as an adult is an impossible task that can be accomplished successfully only by the few who possess a special talent for language learning. Likewise, although young children appear to be able to acquire multiple languages easily, it has often been assumed that introducing a second language too early during infancy will produce confusion and cause irrevocable damage to the child’s language and cognitive development. It has also been suggested that language mixing or language switching among proficient speakers of two or more languages when they converse with others who are similarly proficient is a sign of pathology or incomplete language ability. These and other attitudes toward and views of multilingualism in the United States have affected not only public perceptions, but also those of educators and scientists.

However, accumulating data have shown that the assumptions and attitudes that have been prevalent historically are in fact myths: 1 Far from being a complication, research has shown that multilingualism provides benefits to individuals at all points along the lifespan, from the youngest infants and children, to young adults, and to older adults who may be facing cognitive decline ( Bialystok, Craik, & Luk, 2012 ). Young babies are not confused by hearing two or more languages but develop the ability to discriminate among the languages they hear; they are more open to new language learning than their monolingually exposed counterparts ( Petitto et al., 2012 ). Adult learners who are well past early childhood have been shown to be able to acquire sensitivity to the grammar of a second language despite their age ( Morgan-Short, Steinhauer, Sanz, & Ullman, 2012 ). As for language mixing, code-switching is a common feature of bilingual discourse, is rule governed, and reflects a sophisticated cognitive strategy that enables listeners to exploit the features of bilingual speech as speech is produced ( Fricke, Kroll, & Dussias, 2016 ). Taken together, a growing set of research discoveries in the last two decades provides compelling evidence to reverse the older false beliefs about multilingualism. For language scientists, the multilingual speaker is now seen as a model for understanding the way that language experience shapes the mind and the brain ( Kroll, Dussias, Bice, & Perrotti, 2015 ). 2

How then does language experience shape the brain? First, studies have shown that the brain has far greater plasticity throughout the lifespan than previously understood. Life experience at all ages has consequences for cognition and for both the structure and function of the brain. As an important aspect of life experience, language use reveals these consequences ( Baum & Titone, 2014 ). Contrary to the view that the brain evolved to speak one language only, the evidence suggests that two or more languages coexist in the same brain networks, each language activating the other even when only one of the languages is in use. One might think that the engagement of all known languages would impose a terrible burden on bilingual and multilingual speakers; however, recent studies demonstrated that while there may be some small disadvantages with respect to speed, those disadvantages are far outweighed by what bilinguals and multilinguals learn about how to control potential competition across the two or more languages. Elsewhere, researchers have described the bilingual as a mental juggler, able to keep both languages in the air, as it were, and to simultaneously be able to use the intended language without making obvious mistakes ( Kroll, Dussias, Bogulski, & Valdes-Kroff, 2012 ). Recent studies have substantiated the claim that this ability to juggle all the languages in play creates consequences more generally for bilinguals and multilinguals that enhance the ability to ignore irrelevant information, to switch from one task to another, and to resolve conflict across different alternatives ( Bialystok, Craik, & Luk, 2012 ). These consequences may be most apparent at the two ends of life, for the youngest babies and children and for the oldest speakers.

In addition, the observation that a second or third language engages the same underlying cognitive and neural machinery as the first language also has implications for language itself. The interactivity of the networks that support all of the known languages comes to affect the native language. The native language of a bilingual or multilingual speaker differs from the native language of a monolingual speaker, reflecting the influence of the second or third language on the first. What is remarkable is that these bidirectional influences can be seen at every level of language use, from the way speech is perceived and spoken to the way that grammar is processed and to the way one chooses words to describe perceptual experience ( Ameel, Storms, Malt, & Sloman, 2005 ; Dussias & Sagarra, 2007 ). An even more striking finding, in keeping with the claims about the plasticity of life experience, is that changes in the native language have been observed in second language learners at the earliest moments of new learning ( Bice & Kroll, 2015 ; Chang, 2013 ).

Because the native language of the bilingual is no longer like the native language of the monolingual speaker, it becomes easy to see that these changes to the native language may be seen as a negative consequence of new language learning or at the very least as an indication of language attrition. However, that view fails to account for the variation that is normally seen among monolingual speakers themselves. Most Americans accept the idea that people living in the South will speak with a different accent than people living in the Northeast or Midwest. These regional differences in dialect among monolingual speakers may in fact be related to the changes that are observed in the native language of bilingual or multilingual speakers: Not all monolinguals are the same, and recent studies have begun to identify the ways that monolingual speakers of the same native language may differ from one another ( Pakulak & Neville, 2010 ).

This growing body of evidence not only refutes some of the long-standing myths about multilingualism, but it also has implications for the contexts in which the benefits of multilingualism may best be realized. This article has two goals:

• It focuses on those groups who are most vulnerable and for whom the opportunities and protections afforded by multilingualism—and thus the overall benefits to society—may be greatest. These include young children, for whom the failure to acquire literacy skills may endanger academic outcomes, and older adults, facing normal cognitive decline as they age or pathology if they are likely to develop dementia.
• It proposes general directions for best practices in second language learning and offers recommendations about the types of investments that need to be made to overcome the myths and biases about multilingualism that prevent the full range of benefits to be observed for all Americans across the diverse contexts in which they find themselves.

Literacy and Academic Achievement in Young School-Age Children

One in five children in the United States lives in a household in which a language other than English is spoken ( U.S. Census Bureau, 2013 , n.p.). However, speaking a language other than English in the home is associated with a number of risk factors. The 2004 National Center for Education Statistics has reported that about 30% of children who speak English but who are exposed to another a language at home do not complete high school ( National Center for Education Statistics, 2004 , p. 9). Many studies have shown a well-established relationship between low socioeconomic status and low English skill level in children from homes where a language other than English is spoken ( Hoff, 2003 , 2006 ). Recent work has also suggested that speaking a language other than English at home acts as an independent risk factor ( Lonigan, Farver, Nakamoto, & Eppe, 2013 ). Poor literacy outcomes among a significant portion of the population constitute a substantial public health concern because low levels of literacy are associated with higher rates of incarceration, unemployment, and mental illness ( Chevalier & Feinstein, 2007 ). These facts are alarming and suggest that unless there is a marked improvement in the literacy skills of today’s minority children, the future labor force will have lower literacy skills than the labor force of today ( Murnane, Sawhill, & Snow, 2012 ). When considering this body of evidence, parents, educators, policy makers, and pediatricians unfortunately operate on the basis of a mix of folklore and intuition: Because mastery of English by immigrant children in the United States is a critical aim, one response has been to push aside the development of the home language to encourage the development of English. Furthermore, findings that bilingualism affects the rate at which each language is acquired ( Hoff & Place, 2012 ) have been misinterpreted by some as evidence that bilingualism provides an inadequate environment for the development of English language skills. However, quite to the contrary, research that has systematically examined early and concurrent acquisition of a home language and a majority language has suggested a number of positive linguistic, cognitive, and academic outcomes that have the potential for significant impact for both multilingual children and society. First, home language development is related to the quality of relationships within the family and to measures of psychosocial adjustment in adolescence ( Oh & Fuligni, 2010 ). Further, home language skill is important because in some linguistic domains (e.g., phonological awareness), skills acquired in one language support the acquisition of skills in the other language ( Barac & Bialystok, 2012 ; Bialystok, Majumder, & Martin 2003 ; Dickinson, McCabe, Clark-Chiarelli, & Wolf, 2004 ). Multilingualism is a significant economic asset for individuals, and a bilingual and biliterate workforce is a national asset.

In addition to the value that home language development brings to children via its role on family relations and positive outcomes to society, recent scientific findings have dispelled the belief that children are confused by dual language input ( Kovács & Mehler, 2009 ; Werker & Byers-Heinlein, 2008 ); more important, these findings demonstrate that bilingualism confers advantages in executive control—the brain’s functions that allows humans to carry out complex tasks such as solving problems, planning a sequence of activities, inhibiting information that has already been perceived, directing attention to achieve a goal, or monitoring performance. To illustrate how important executive control is, individuals who show damage in the brain areas that are responsible for coordinating executive function show impaired judgment, have difficulty with decision making, and have impaired intellectual abilities. A rapidly growing body of literature has indicated that bilingual children with abilities in psychomotor speed, general cognitive level, and socioeconomic status that are similar to those of monolingual children not only perform similarly to monolingual children on language tasks of grammatical knowledge and metalinguistic awareness, but also show a significant advantage on executive control tasks compared to monolingual children. Although bilingual children typically have lower receptive vocabulary than monolingual children, they outperform monolingual children in domains of cognitive function skill that require a high degree of attentional control ( Barac, Bialystok, Castro, & Sanchez, 2014 ). Another significant finding is that the benefits within the domain of executive control have been found across levels of socioeconomic status ( Engel de Abreu, Cruz-Santos, Touringo, Martin, & Bialystok, 2012 ). In this respect, bilingual language skill is relevant to academic success in children from dual-language homes because bilingualism is associated with an advantage in linguistic and nonlinguistic tasks ( Bialystok & Barac, 2012 ; Costa, Hernández, Costa-Faidella, & Sebastian-Gallés, 2009 ).

Interestingly, the advantages that are conferred by bilingualism have been reported for bilingual children even in the earliest months of life. When adults speak, bilingual infants look at adults’ mouths at an earlier age than do monolingual infants and for a longer period of time, providing the first evidence that bilingual babies “figure out” how to learn two dif-ferent languages as easily as monolingual infants learn one ( Pons, Bosch, & Lewkowicz, 2015 ). Furthermore, six-month-old babies growing up in a bilingual environment are better than monolingual babies at rapidly forming internal memory representations of novel visual stimuli ( Singh et al., 2014 ). By 11 months, the brains of bilingually exposed babies are not only sensitive to both languages but also show evidence of enhanced neural activity in those areas of the brain that are involved in executive function ( Ferjan Ramírez, Ramírez, Clarke, Taulu, & Kuhl, 2017 ), perhaps because learning two languages requires enhanced information processing efficiency compared to learning one language only, making it necessary for infants to develop enhanced skills to cope with the task of dual language acquisition.

One exciting result from the work exploring the effects of bilingualism in children growing up in poverty is that bilingual children from low-income families are better than monolingual matched controls on a number of verbal and nonverbal tasks (see Bialystok & Barac, 2012 ). Given that children in the United States who are born to the lowest-income families have a 43% chance of remaining in that income bracket ( Autor, Katz, & Kearney, 2008 ; Greenstone, Looney, Patashnik, & Yu, 2013 , p. 6), the development of bilingual language acquisition in children from language minority homes seems to provide a way to mitigate the academic risks that are associated with low socioeconomic status and to maximize school readiness. Like children who grow up in multilingual settings, monolingual children will also benefit from bilingual immersion programs because they too will experience the cognitive and linguistic advantages that are associated with growing up bilingual. Although the state of scientific knowledge is incomplete, a new and growing body of evidence strongly supports the benefits of maintaining the home languages and extending the transformative benefits of multilingualism to all learners.

Speaking Two or More Languages Protects Older Adults Against Cognitive Decline

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich (R-GA) published an Op-Ed column in the New York Times on April 22, 2015, in which he urged the U.S. Congress to double the National Institutes of Health budget and specifically pointed out that a breakthrough discovery that might delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by five years would create a dramatic reduction in the number of afflicted Americans, with a corresponding reduction in health care costs and stress to family members ( Gingrich, 2015 ). What he failed to mention is that research on bilingualism has already documented a delay of four to five years in the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms for bilinguals relative to age and education matched monolinguals ( Bialystok, Craik, & Freedman, 2007 ; Perani et al., 2017 ). No known pharmaceutical agent has any effect that comes close to bilingualism. While bilingualism does not affect Alzheimer’s directly, research has shown that it does have an impact on the symptoms of the disease: Life as a bilingual seems to provide protection to the cognitive mechanisms that enable someone to negotiate the deleterious consequences of the disease, perhaps in the same way that previous, sustained physical exercise may help a person deal with an injury. When cognitive resources are stressed by the presence of pathology, a life of bilingualism may provide the same sort of protection.

As with the research with young children, some have questioned whether the finding that bilingualism delays the onset of dementia symptoms in those who will develop Alzheimer’s is seen only in adults who are relatively affluent and well educated. A recent study in India on a very large sample of patients who were diagnosed with dementia reported that there was a 4.5-year delay in the onset of symptoms for bilinguals relative to monolinguals. Most critically, the observed delay was independent of education, literacy, and other socioeconomic factors ( Alladi et al., 2013 , p. 1939). Other similar investigations have replicated the four- to five-year delay of dementia symptoms for bilinguals in different language contexts and for different language pairings ( Woumans et al., 2015 ).

Others have wondered about the extent to which bilingualism benefits older adults who are healthy and free of signs of cognitive pathology but who are undergoing normal cognitive aging, such as those who report gradually increasing word-finding difficulties in spoken language and increasing disruption to executive control ( Burke & Shafto, 2008 ; Campbell, Grady, Ng, & Hasher, 2012 ). Notably, the aspects of cognition that naturally decline in aging coincide with many of the features of executive function that have been reported to be influenced by bilingualism, such as the ability to ignore irrelevant information, resolve competition or conflict across alternative responses, and switch between tasks. Studies that have examined the performance of healthy older adults have shown that bilinguals often outperform monolinguals on these measures of executive function ( Bialystok, Craik, Green, & Gollan, 2009 ). While the evidence on behavioral indexes of executive control is sometimes mixed, the findings from studies of structural and functional brain imaging provide compelling support for a difference in the brains of older bilinguals relative to monolinguals ( Gold, Kim, Johnson, Kryscio, & Smith, 2013 ; Li, Legault, & Litcofsky, 2014 ). When bilinguals and monolinguals solve a problem, they may recruit the same brain areas, but bilinguals appear to use them more efficiently.

Given the growing body of evidence that multilingualism has benefits for both normally aging and more challenged older adults, and since studies on young adult bilinguals have suggested that many of the same cognitive benefits can be seen for late bilinguals as for early bilinguals ( Bak, Vega-Mendoza, & Sorace, 2014 ), other studies have investigated whether a person needs to be bilingual from birth or whether late bilingualism can confer some of the same advantages as early bilingualism. Because age of acquisition and language proficiency are confounded—the longer a person has used a language, the more likely he or she is to be proficient, and proficiency seems to be more critical to these consequences of bilingualism than age of exposure per se—research has not yet provided a definitive answer. In addition, despite attempts to control or match as many factors as possible when comparing groups of people—for example, to examine the impact of bilingual or multilingual language experience apart from overall life experience—it is difficult to do this perfectly. Some individuals acquire a second or third language by choice and others as a consequence of the demands of immigration. Some live in an environment where everyone else speaks two or three languages, and others live in an environment that is strongly monolingual, like many locations in the United States. Thus, understanding how these different forms of language experience influence the observed consequences for the mind and the brain is a topic of ongoing research ( Green & Abutalebi, 2013 ). In theory, a solution to the problem of between-group variability is to conduct longitudinal research with the same individuals, although this is both expensive and difficult because attrition over time requires very large samples to come to clear conclusions. In one such recent study, researchers exploited a unique database in Scotland, the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, in which more than 1,000 individuals were given an intelligence test when they were 11 years old in 1947, and then tested again when they were in their 70s. A clear advantage was reported for bilinguals regardless of the age at which they became bilingual, supporting the findings from studies comparing bilingual and monolingual groups ( Bak, Nissan, Allerhand, & Deary, 2014 ).

What Conclusions Can Be Drawn for Language Learning?

The research cited above suggests that multilingualism provides exceptional consequences across the lifespan that reach far beyond the benefits of having two languages available for communicative purposes. Having two languages will of course enhance opportunities for social interaction, for economic advancement, and for increasing intercultural understanding. However, being bilingual or multilingual also changes the mind and the brain in ways that create resilience under conditions of stress and that counter some of the deleterious effects of poverty and disease. This new body of work on multilingualism has a number of implications for approaches to language learning.

Many years ago, François Grosjean published a paper with a title that garnered great attention, noting that the bilingual was not two monolinguals in one ( Grosjean, 1989 ). His comments were addressed to neurolinguists who interpreted mixed-language speech in bilingual patients as a sign of pathology. His point, reiterating what we have noted earlier in this article, was that language mixing and code-switching are typical features in bilingual speech and, for many bilinguals, mixing is neither rare nor pathological. However, the claim that bilinguals are not simply the addition of two separate monolingual language systems has implications that go beyond the observation of language mixing. Speaking two or more languages changes all languages that an individual knows and uses: There are bidirectional influences that have been demonstrated within a highly interactive language system. The features of the languages in play are likely to influence one another, and the neural plasticity that has been shown to characterize learners at all ages suggests that these changes can sometimes occur quickly during the earliest stages of new language learning. The bottom line is that the two or more languages that are spoken by a bilingual or multilingual individual are not like the native language spoken by a monolingual speaker. The model in past research on second language learning has focused on the goal of attaining native speaker–like abilities in processing the second language. That model assumes, for the most part, that the two languages are independent of one another, an assumption that researchers now know to be incorrect. If proficient multilinguals are not like monolingual native speakers, then the classic native language model is the wrong model for language learning.

A problem in adopting a multilingual model for new language learning is that for adult learners who are already proficient speakers of their native language, there are some features of the native language and indeed of their native language skill that may need to suffer interference, at least briefly, to enable the second language to become established. Research on memory and learning has suggested that what Robert Bjork and Elizabeth Bjork at UCLA have called “desirable difficulties” may be essential to learning ( E. Bjork & R. Bjork, 2011 ): Conditions of learning that give rise to difficulties increase the contextual salience of new material, those that produce errors that provide meaningful feedback, and those that encourage elaboration may ultimately produce better learning and better memory for what has been learned. Desirable difficulties can be imposed externally during learning, e.g., by having learners acquire information under conditions that are costly or slow, or by mentally imposing those conditions on themselves, by self-regulation ( R. Bjork, Dunlosky, & Kornell, 2013 ). In the realm of language learning, the results of a few studies can be understood within this framework, but the implications for language learning more generally have yet to be developed ( R. Bjork & Kroll, 2015 ). This suggests, however, that learning new material quickly may produce a level of satisfaction for the learner but may not necessarily produce enduring memory for what has been learned. The lessons about multilingualism and desirable difficulties come together when one considers what is known about mixing languages. As noted earlier, code-switching, even within a single utterance, is a common occurrence in bilingual speech. Not all bilinguals code-switch, but those who do appear to move seamlessly from one language to the other with little disruption on the part of either the bilingual speaker or the bilingual listener. Likewise, studies of memory and learning have suggested that learning under mixed conditions may produce more stable outcomes than learning under blocked conditions (Birnbaum, Kornell, E. Bjork, & R. Bjork). In the field of education, the idea of “translanguaging” proposes a related concept about having learners exploit all known languages within the context of a given lesson ( García & Wei, 2013 ). Mixing information may not simplify learning, but creating learning environments that simultaneously create desirable difficulties and move new language learners in a direction that more closely resembles the experience of proficient bilinguals may be likely to enhance productive outcomes.

In addition, studies on infant learners have suggested that tremendous gains result when babies are exposed to language variation early in life. This body of work, which shows that bilinguals are better language learners than monolinguals, is not a surprise of course because bilinguals have learned something important about learning itself. One hypothesis about this finding is that the language learning benefit for bilinguals arises from enhancement to self-regulated processes. Bilinguals learn to control the languages not in use, and that control may produce benefits not only to executive function but also to learning mechanisms more generally. A recent proposal is that the very conditions that are available naturally during infancy may also give rise to learning strategies that may be applied to adult learners for whom entrenchment in existing knowledge may be an impediment to new learning ( Cochran, McDonald, & Parault, 1999 ; Wu, 2013 ). A number of investigators are now pursuing a program of research to ask whether new language learning training for older adults will produce benefits to counter age-related cognitive decline ( Antoniou, Gunasekera, & Wong, 2013 ). It will remain to be seen how effectively the lessons from each of these diverse areas of research will come together to provide concrete proposals for how new language learning might be implemented. The lessons from the field are clear in suggesting a new emphasis on exploiting a model that enables the learner to encounter complexity from the start and to then focus on the strategies that may encourage optimal self-regulation.

Addressing the Challenges to Multilingualism in the United States

As noted at the beginning of this article, the greatest challenges to multilingualism in the United States are characterized by the mythology about multilingualism. Learning a second or third language is not a cognitively unnatural task, nor does it create deleterious consequences at any point in the lifespan. The new research, especially work that has been made possible by the revolution in the neurosciences, shows that all the languages that an individual knows and uses are processed in an integrated language system in which there is extensive interaction ( Sigman, Peña, Goldin, & Ribeiro, 2014 ). That interaction across languages gives rise to competition across the known languages, which requires regulation. Although that requirement may impose an initial cost during learning, it appears to be the other side of a process that produces significant benefits for the development of cognitive control. The evidence on multilingualism leads researchers to think that new approaches to language learning that allow learners to experience the variation across the two or more languages, and that may produce language mixing and initial effortful processing, may be beneficial to long-term outcomes.

There is an inspiring message in a film called “Speaking in Tongues” that documents the experiences of children in dual-language classrooms who come from very different backgrounds, including both heritage speakers and monolingual English-speaking learners who have no exposure to other languages at home.3 2 The spirit of that documentary meshes well with the scientific evidence that has been reviewed here. Encouraging others to embrace this view will require social action that draws on cross-disciplinary sciences and engages a larger community in working toward that goal.

1 See http://www.bilingualism-matters.ppls.ed.ac.uk/ , the home of “Bilingualism Matters” at the University of Edinburgh, for additional background.

2 We note for the purpose of this discussion that we take a broad view of bilingualism and multilingualism, considering anyone who uses two or more languages actively to be bilingual or multilingual. The form of language experience will differ across individuals and in different language and cultural contexts. Those distinctions, the trajectory of language learning, and the resulting proficiency in each language will be critically important factors, but our interpretation of the available research is that bilingualism and multilingualism are more similar than different. The critical distinction will be between individuals who are monolingual and individuals who speak two or more languages.

3 See http://speakingintonguesfilm.info/ .

Contributor Information

Judith F. Kroll, University of California, Riverside.

Paola E. Dussias, Pennsylvania State University.

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15 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language

Learning to speak a foreign language is often times considered a necessity of successfully integrating and functioning in a particular community.

Communicating effectively helps you to get the most out of your foreign experience. Imagine being lost in a country where you don’t speak the language and the locals don’t speak yours. You have to retort to signing, pointing and google translate.

The need for communication is essential and quite evident in these kinds of scenarios. The same can be said for someone who has moved to a different country for a new job, vacationing in a foreign country or an English teacher teaching abroad.

Benefits of learning a new language

In all these cases knowing a foreign language would prove to be quite useful in day-to-day life. There are a number of benefits attached to learning a foreign language , and here are just a few of them.

1. Learning a foreign language accelerates brain power

Speaking a language helps you to access multiple areas of your brain, this is because each language requires differing skills with regards to pronunciation, etymology, structural rules and varying degrees of complexities. It therefore makes sense that the more languages you speak the more brain power you exude. Think of a foreign language as a gym session for your brain. The result? Quicker and clearer processing of information, enhanced reading techniques, and accelerated problem-solving skills.

2. It helps your brain develop how to multitask

Have you ever watched someone switch between two or more languages? It is something quite awe-inspiring. It could be equated to watching a juggler juggling a bunch of clubs with intense precision, switching back and forth between languages creates the same effect. Your brain is essentially tapping into each language’s specific mechanics, simultaneously. Your brain is exercising and stretching its multitasking abilities, therefore speaking a foreign language could help you increase your ability to switch back and forth between various daily activities with ease.

3. The onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s is stalled

Studies that focus on the onset of Alzheimer’s found that the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s amongst multilingual individuals was delayed. According to the study, Alzheimer’s symptoms only start developing at the age of 75 or more amongst those who were multilingual compared to the age of 71 or less for those who only spoke one language. This outcome was concluded considering that all other factors were held equal. This means factors such as overall health, diet, economic status, and education level weren’t considered.

4. It improves memory and retention

Learning a new language requires you to retain a great amount of new information. This includes an excess amount of vocabulary, structural rules and pronunciation requirements. Not only are you learning and memorising all these new concepts you are also making your brain use them as a communication tool. As such, learning a foreign language essentially strengthens your brain’s memory as it forces it to recall newly learned information, the brain is then required to associate this information with mnemonics resulting in better retention.

5. Gives the mind a slight information processing edge

Learning a new language can prove to be a rather challenging task. This is because languages tend to be linked to more than just learning vocabulary but also have historic and cultural links to their country of origin. This makes learning a new language quite difficult and challenging and as such requiring strong will, discipline and focus, ultimately building critical thinking skills. These skills can then be aptly used in an online course for passing IELTS .

6. Improves decision-making abilities

When you learn a foreign language not only are you learning new vocabulary you are also learning idioms and phrases that are nuanced and specific to that language. This means learning a new language is not simply about knowing vocabulary but also knowing how appropriate and relevant the words you have learned are in a social construct. Multilingual people not only have to weed through different languages in their minds, they have to decide which words to use appropriately in any given conversation. This requires critical-thinking, decision-making skills and on the spot problem-solving.

7. Improves ability to speak first language

One of the tools used for learning a new language is translating words back to the learner’s home language or first language. This means that the foreign language is first introduced through the lens of your home language, as a result, you are forced to expand your own home language skills. It also means you might need to search for the appropriate home language words to accurately translate the foreign words you are learning.

8. Enhances performance in various academic areas

Knowing a foreign language while tackling academics could prove to be quite a magic trick to pull out of the hat. As already stated, learning a foreign language requires intense focus and self-discipline. This means when it comes to studying techniques such as cramming and memorisation your brain has already been basted. You have exercised brain muscles that monolinguals haven’t even accessed yet. This will of course translate to test and exam scores that have been affected by your brain’s ability to study and retain information. Learning a foreign language also helps you to improve your comprehension abilities as your brain has to not only learn new words but also understand them. As such, studying and comprehending what you have studied becomes a lot easier. As a result reading and understanding exam vocabulary becomes easier and correcting written work such as essays requires less effort.

9. Allows individuals to be more open and receptive of other people’s cultures

As previously mentioned learning a foreign language requires you to somewhat understand the history and culture of the language’s origins. This means delving head first into the language’s associated culture; including foods, political associations, music, dance, and history. In order to successfully immerse yourself; you will need to have an open mind and receptive energy. This allows you to be appreciative of differences and less fearful of learning how different people do things.

10. Speaking a foreign language opens up various career opportunities

Well this one makes total sense, earlier we mentioned moving to a foreign country for a new job. Even though you don’t need to speak a country’s language to get the opportunity to work there, knowing the language certainly gives you an advantageous edge. Corporates want to know that you will do well in your role before hiring you, knowing the language strongly signals that you would be in the best position to perform your role well.

11. Builds self confidence

Successfully mastering a concept that is foreign and completely new to you is reason enough to feel extremely accomplished within your own abilities. Learning a new language helps you prove to yourself that you have enough self-discipline, perseverance and strong-will to produce results, which is certainly a confidence booster. Every time you are able to flex your language skills you are essentially injecting a new dose of confidence into your life.

12. It helps in self-discovery and self-actualization

Proving to yourself that you are completely capable of achieving something that you put your mind to helps you come to terms with yourself and all your capabilities. As you dive into all the intricacies and complexities that go with learning a foreign language you get to know yourself a little more, and finally having a full conversation in that language allows you to reach a state of self-actualization.

13. It opens doors to different forms of expression

This benefit is especially perfect for those who express themselves in some form of artistic expression. Whether this is poetry, music, writing or singing, learning a new language gives you a new form of self-expression. You allow your brain to tap into a new artistic wave length where you can produce your art in a different and new way.

14. Expands your potential pool of dating candidates

A language barrier is absolutely not a sufficient reason to eliminate a potential dating candidate as history proves that people from different backgrounds and languages can successfully fall in love and live happy lives. However, knowing your potential love interest’s language promises a much smoother romantic interaction.

15. Allows you to successfully integrate yourself into a different culture

Moving locations and starting over is certainly not an easy feat, in fact, it is one of the most difficult things one might ever have to do. Knowing the foreign language of the country you will be calling your new home will make this transition much easier. You won’t struggle with basic things such as asking for directions or reading road signs. The challenges of moving won’t disappear but they certainly won’t feel all-encompassing.

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Benefits of Learning a Second Language Essay Sample

Language is a door through which you meet new people, cultures, and ideas. According to researchers, learning a second language in elementary school becomes the beginning of a new dimension of life. You can interact with more people, read new materials, and are more competitive when searching for a job.

At what age should you learn a second language? And how does age as well as the learning environment affect your ability to use the language? Here are filtered insights on learning a second language at any point in your life.

Expand your world of ideas

Ideas are expressed in different languages. Some of these ideas have never been translated. Others were diluted in the course of translation. By learning a second language, you get to interact with new ideas from books and materials you would never have encountered had you stuck to your first language.

Beyond the old ideas, you will be learning from the new-age scholars in the second language. You can read their books and manuals directly without relying on translators. As a result, your worldview will change. You have a global perspective of things, making you a more valuable person at work or when engaging in personal projects.

Improve your economic prospects

There are no disadvantages of learning a second language regardless of your age. Seniors are advised to learn a second language for use in improving their financial position at an advanced age. A second language will improve your economic prospects in several ways.

• Employment – multinational companies are looking for multilingual employees to work in their foreign offices. Such positions come with better pay. You also have opportunities to work in more places, reducing your chances of unemployment. You may also use the language as a freelancer to improve your source of income. All these opportunities leave you in a better financial position.
• Business – do you want to expand your business? Learn a new language. You can easily court new partners and associates. You also understand other cultures and markets better, resulting in better trading relations. You minimize the use of translators and interpreters in your business, improving your profit margins in the process.
• Entrepreneurship – are you an entrepreneur looking to expand your reach? Do you have an app, website, or product that needs to get to a new market? It is time to learn a new language. Does learning a new language make you smarter in business? Yes! You get to interact with more people and ideas, improving your decision-making processes.

Enlarge your social circles

A new language helps you to interact with new people beyond those using your first language. For instance, a language like Spanish is spoken by over 559 million people around the world. By learning a few Spanish words, you can add more than half a billion people into your circle of interaction.

For a better brain

A new language will enlarge your brain capacity. I have heard people ask, when is it too late to learn a new language? Researchers discovered that a new language will refresh your brainpower. This resource is your go-to for argumentative essay writing https://en.ibuyessay.com/argumentative.html even in foreign language. Even at old age, the new language will improve your memory and make you feel younger.

The benefits of learning a second language can be split among your social, economic, and mental faculties. From improved memory to better employment opportunities, you have a reason to enroll for a second language.