Parlez vous anglais? If you’re reading this (thanks!), English is probably your native language. If not, you’re already reaping the rewards of understanding a second language (congrats!).
With 7 billion people living on planet Earth, language is the one thing that can bring us all together. In a time when international travel is so uncertain due to the global COVID-19 outbreak, now, more than ever, building cultural connections is gratifying. By learning a second language, you’ll open up a world rich with experiences and possibilities.
As culture psychologist Marianna Pogosyan explains in her Aeon essay, learning a new language can be like an illicit love affair. “The truth is that entering an intimate relationship with a new language often colours everything. Our eyes expect the new words. Our ears habituate to the new sounds. Our pens memorise the new letters. While the infatuation takes over our senses, the language’s anatomy etches into our brains.”
Enriching your brain and cultural experiences by means of another language is exciting. So, even in a time when the possibility to physically explore the world has become impossible, here are four reasons why you should virtually explore the world and learn a new language.
#1 You’ll Gain an Understanding of Other Cultures
Learning a language helps you to directly connect with a particular culture. Understanding a different culture enhances your empathy for others, helping you to grasp perspectives and ideologies separate from your own.
When studying another language, you’ll also have the chance to discover the history, traditions, arts and people associated with that language. Ignite your curiosity by seeking out an immersive understanding of the culture of your chosen language. Perhaps dance, music and the arts are essential components to this culture? Or the struggles of war played an important part in this nation’s history? Or maybe religion and spirituality are deeply rooted in this country? Whether you love cooking, reading or listening to music, you can incorporate your other hobbies within your learning path.
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” – Rita Mae Brown
A few ideas on how to embrace the culture…
Get creative in the kitchen by cooking traditional regional cuisine. Whether that’s a French-inspired salade niçoise, an Italian linguine pasta dish, or a Spanish paella Valenciana, for example, you can turn your cooking into a fun lesson by repeating the ingredient names in the language you’re learning.
If cooking’s not your thing, why not challenge yourself to read a book in your chosen language. To begin with, look to popular children’s books or familiar series to practise the language. (Harry Potter is a particularly good choice as both a familiar story and an easily accessible one in multiple languages). As your skills develop, research well-known authors who spoke the language and read an untranslated novel by them.
Music lovers can practise listening to traditional music or popular songs in the language and translating the lyrics back into their own mother tongue.
#2 You’ll Improve Your Memory & Literacy
As you learn another language, your cognitive abilities develop. This practice of revising, recognising and repeating words and phrases in another language helps to improve your overall memory. In everyday life, this can enhance the ability of your brain to:
- Process new information
- Respond quicker to problem-solving tasks
- Think more creatively
That’s not all. Any native speaker might be guilty of claiming to know all-there-is-to-know about their mother tongue, but learning a different language gives you a greater understanding of your own. By learning about tenses, verb forms, and pronoun cases in a different language, you’ll be armed with better literacy skills in your native language.
“Learning another language is like becoming another person.” – Haruki Murakami
Furthermore, many scientific studies suggest bilingualism helps to prevent mental aging and dementia-related illnesses. Researchers in Italy found that regular bilinguists develop dementia symptoms an average of five years later than people who only speak one language. A British study discovered a link between strong cognitive activity and positive effects on the ‘age’ of the brain.
Professional language educator, Mia Nacamulli, produced a good TED Talk with further information about bilingualism and cognitive ability.
#3 You’ll Enjoy a More Authentic Travel Experience
Now might not be the right time to travel, but the world will be ours to explore again soon. And when it is, having a second language will enhance your travel experience.
“You live a new life for every language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.” – Czech proverb
The ability to communicate in the language of your destination will make travelling even more exciting. You’ll be able to strike up conversations with the locals, without having to fall back on your native tongue. Try ordering dinner, asking for directions, or haggling at a marketplace to practise your skills.
Having another language at the tip of your tongue will help propel you off the typical tourist route. Enjoy the more authentic side of your destination; whether that’s seeking out lesser-known beaches, dining in restaurants beyond the tourist bubble, or attending local festivals and events.
#4 You Could Boost Your Career Opportunities
No matter what sector you work in, having a second language can dramatically improve your career. In a world where companies operate on a global level, the ability to communicate with people far and wide is advantageous. This skill can lead to a higher chance of promotion, a better salary, and make you more employable.
As well as improved employability, understanding a second language opens doors to remote or overseas careers. Always dreamed of a career where travel is involved? You can bet that having another language will help you stand out from the ever-competitive pool of candidates.
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” – Frank Smith
The Tools to Learn a Language
Now you know four reasons why you should learn a language, where do you get started? There are numerous ways to begin learning, depending on your budget.
Digital apps like Duolingo and Babbel make learning fun through a mix of lessons, games, and interactive leaderboards. Both are good options if you want access to free learning and the flexibility to work around your own schedule.
If you have more time and money on your hands, many universities and language colleges offer night classes (virtual and physical). These can range from group sessions to 1-on-1 tutoring. If you don’t have access to a local university or college, check out what the Open University has to offer.
Looking for a balance between tutor-led and flexible learning? Lingvist and LinguaLift work like other language-learning online programmes, but also offer remote 1:1 tutor mentoring with premium accounts.
So, whether you want to widen your travel opportunities, ignite your creativity, strengthen your mind, or grow your career, learning a language is an exciting process – and one that’s open to everyone!
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