Learning another language will keep your brain in tiptop shape
There’s no denying learning a new language isn’t easy. It takes time and dedication but there are many great benefits if you decide to do it. Besides being bilingual (or multilingual if you’ve already got a few languages under your belt) here are five other reasons why you should consider learning a new language.
1. To boost your brain power
A study from Pennsylvania State University found that “speaking more than one language can actually bolster brain function by serving as a mental gymnasium.” People who were bilingual were better at multitasking, had longer attention spans, were better listeners and even had better memories. Similarly, researchers from University College London discovered that learning languages altered grey matter – the area of the brain that processes information – in the same way exercise builds muscles.
2. Delay degenerative brain conditions
We often hear that an active and stimulated brain is a healthy one. Several studies show that learning a language can help delay diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. A study by Edinburgh University and Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences found that the first signs of dementia for monolingual adults was at age 71.4 but for their bilingual counterparts, it was 75.5. Thomas Bak from the study said: "These findings suggest that bilingualism might have a stronger influence on dementia than any currently available drugs.”
3. Explore a new culture
“A different language is a different vision of life,” said renowned Italian film director Federico Fellini. When you learn a new language you learn a new culture. Understanding how the language works and what it means will help you appreciate that culture a lot more. Even if you can’t travel to that country, your world will be expanded to the many foreign books, films and theatre out there.
4. Travelling will be a different experience
While English is truly an international language, how different will your overseas experience be if you not only understand what locals are saying but can communicate with them? Understanding the language to a country is the key to unlocking a deeper, more authentic and consequently more satisfying travel experience wherever you go.
5. Improve your English
It may sound odd but learning a second language helps you understand your mother tongue better. When you learn a new language you learn the basics again – the grammar rules, structures, tenses and prepositions. Through comparison you become aware of the imperfections in your own language.