Would you like to have a better memory? Or a perfect ability to multi-task? Do you want to perform better in college? Well, it might be easier than you think.
Language learning can make you smarter, improve decision making and even keep your brain healthy in old age. In today’s world, there are more than 7,000 languages and learning at least one of them will help you in your life massively.
Let’s have a closer look at the surprising benefits you’ll receive once you start learning a foreign language.
1. Learning a New Language Improves Memory
The more your brain is used, the better its functions work. As simple as that. When you learn a new language, you not simply get acquainted with the new vocabulary and rules but also have to recall this information and apply when needed. Learning a foreign language gives your brain a great workout, so it will be much easier for you to remember the new facts, figures, directions, people’s names, etc.
2. You Learn Everything Faster
When learning a new language, your memory retention is improved. You can easily absorb and retain information and spend less time on that. You will be able to concentrate on the most important things and put first things first. As result, you’ll become a better and more successful learner.
3. You Become a Better Listener
This skill will be essential in any situation throughout your life. If you want to build a real connection with someone, there is no better thing than effective listening. When you are learning a language, you train yourself to listen carefully to what other people say to understand their pronunciation and accent. And if you are just starting out, then you are forced to listen because you can’t speak the language!
4. Potential Brain Diseases Are Prevented
We are nothing without the vital functions of our brain. Learning a foreign language can prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Speaking more than one language provides constant exercise for your brain, so keeping your brain active is a proven way to be healthy in old age.
5. Your Creativity Increases
When you learn a language, you often have to think of an alternative word that you are not used to applying. You always force yourself to be creative to fill the missing gaps in your knowledge on your own. It boosts your divergent thinking skills, training you to think of various solutions to the problems on a regular basis. That’s why multilingual people are more creative than monolingual individuals.
6. You Perform Better in All Academic Areas
Studies show that learning a new language can improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and increase the scores on standardized exams in math. Language skills increase your ability to do well in problem-solving tasks and boost academic performance in various subjects.
7. Your Mother Tongue Improves
As soon as you become fluent in a foreign language, you’ll become more conscious of the idioms, vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure of your mother tongue. You’ll be more aware of the use of your native language and become a better writer, speaker and communicator.
8. You Make Better Decisions
Being able to speak another language can help you make better decisions. It will be easier for you to understand the nuances in any given situation. Studies show that monolingual people tend to base their decisions more on emotions, while people who speak several languages are more rational about making decisions in different areas of life.
9. You Have Better Job Prospects
When searching for a job, being bilingual can only be an advantage and give you a competitive edge. With the ability to speak two languages, you will be more likely to find a well-paid job after graduation. Companies are always looking for bilingual staff, so you will be indispensable at your workplace.
Put in the time to learn a new language and enjoy the numerous advantages you’ll gain. Good luck!
