The benefits of learning a new language

Have you ever considered learning a new language?

Whether you seek to expand job prospects or looking for a new hobby, learning a new language gives you the opportunity to engage in today’s increasingly interconnected world in a more meaningful way. While learning a new language can open doors to opportunities, there are many surprising cognitive and intellectual benefits of learning languages.

Here are the benefits of learning a new language:

Deepen Your Connection With Other Cultures

One of the most rewarding aspects of the human experience is our ability to connect with others. Communicating with others in the same language is the first step in building a relationship. Being able to communicate with other cultures helps break down cultural barriers and appreciate those different from us. Understanding other cultures by communicating in their language will allow us to foster an appreciation for their traditions, art, religion and history. A greater understanding of different cultures promotes greater empathy and acceptance towards others different from you. In turn, you would gain one of the most significant benefits of learning a new language, which is having a broader and more global perspective of the world around us.

Enhanced Memory and Problem-Solving Skills

Learning new vocabulary from a new language boosts memory abilities from more than just simple repetition. Gaining an understanding of a language requires an understanding of body language cues, making you more alert in paying attention to the body language of others. For example, in Indonesian, “Boleh la” can mean “You can do it”. In other instances, with a head nod and a different tone, the same phrase means “Not bad”. Learning a new language not only requires familiarity with vocabulary and social contexts, but also being able to recall and apply it in situations. In this attentive process of learning a new language, you would be able to enhance your ability to remember and solve.

Improve the Brain Health for Longer

Studies have shown that learning a new language provides positive effects on aging by improving cognition later in life — delaying the onset of dementia and Alzheimer. The ability to control more than one language system alters the structure and function of your brain to make the brain networks more efficient. This improvement can be experienced at any age, and not only in old age. In many of the studies observing how learning a new language can protect against Alzheimer, it was found that people speaking multiple languages have better memory retention and are less prone to brain deterioration. In addition, one study conducting the CT scans of seniors found that those fluent in two or more languages displayed higher cognitive ability and brain function.

 

How to learn a new language:

MSA Training and Professional Development offers a variety of language courses, such as: Auslan, Japanese, Spanish and Italian.

 

Sources:

https://www.news-medical.net/health/The-Impact-of-Learning-a-Language-on-Brain-Health.aspx

https://theridgeseniorliving.com/blog/learn-a-new-language/

www.leadwithlanguages.org/why-learn-languages/top-ten-reasons-to-learn-languages

 

Written by Chintia Sembiring Meliala