benefits of learning a second language

Learning a new language helps and changes us in so many ways. 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. The more you understand, the more interesting things get. The brain is compared to muscles for one reason. Often it’s not only what we are able to do, but also who we become in learning how to do it, that reveals our capacity for personal growth. Specifically education, career, and developing relationships. The benefits of learning a second language directly impacts the success of your child throughout academia. The benefits of exposing children to a second or even a third language cannot be understated. Originally published April 1, 2020 4:50 am, updated June 9, 2020, You will soon be contacted by one of our admission officers, © 2020 University of the Potomac All rights reserved   |   Privacy Policy   |   Accreditation   |   Regulatory & Consumer Information   |   Blog   |  Unsubscribe, Geospatial Information Technology (MSGIT), Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. And yet, despite evidence that learning a foreign language is incredibly beneficial, many Americans remain monolingual. Bilingual children are found to have better writing, reading, math, memory, problem-solving skills, and tend to score higher on standardized tests. The result? Its exactly what it sounds like, just school things and a place to get help, advice … Someone who got to the level of being bilingual bore those early days with grace and confidence, not being afraid to make mistakes while they were still perfecting their language … Not only that, it is more and more becoming a business necessity altogether and a heavily coveted skill (bilingual) to have in the workplace. Learn Mandarin and you can speak with more than a billion people worldwide. Just like muscles, the brain gets stronger and bigger the more you put it to use. Learning about a different culture will help you take an introspective look at your own culture. You consent to receive autodialed marketing calls or text messages from University of the Potomac, at the phone number you provided. Having a foreign language listed in your CV might be what a potential employer is looking for. But it does look good, and it says so much about you! Learning another language also provides many other benefits including greater academic achievement, greater cognitive development, and more positive attitudes towards other languages and cultures. Decision-making becomes more prudent and discriminating. Ask Away: 5 Questions for a Global Engineering Student Learning French, Ask Away: 5 Questions for an 8th Grade Student of Spanish. Becoming proficient in a language is like mastering any other skill. Medical studies has shown the positive effects learning a second language has on the brain. Your brain and language work together in a lot of ways! For instance, if you study French as one of the foreign languages. Language is a means of communication. It sounds like a cliché. 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. Being able to communicate with someone in his or her language is an incredible gift. Studies show that learning a language increases the volume and density of gray matter, the volume of white matter, and brain connectivity. The acquisition of native languages is an involuntary process, prompting one to accept many of the rules of language form and structure without understanding them. Whereas, the second language usage isn’t limited to a specific hemisphere. The brain of... 2. It may even help you in your job, and your business travels. You may 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. 7) Become a better global citizen. Once you’re there, you’ll feel confident and nice about yourself. Learning a second language benefits cognitive abilities like intelligence and memory, while lowering risks of brain aging, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. That’s why people who know more than one language are more likely to retain information. Not only do bilinguals tend to have a better understanding of cultures worldwide, they generally have an easier time grasping complex concepts. They are some of the most experienced when it comes to multitasking. Thanks to modern language learning apps like Encore!! In fact, between 2010 and 2015, the number of U.S. job postings specifically geared toward bilingual candidates more than doubled.1 Employers are seeking professionals who can communicate seamlessly with customers in new and expanding overseas markets, as well as serve and sell to a large foreign-born population here at home. There are many health benefits to learning a second language, and this is a big one. You can always call us at 888-635-1121. I know these benefits of learning a second language from my own experience learning languages. Recent studies show that the average attention span of a person has reduced from twelve to eight seconds. Since learning a second language draws your attention the rules and structures that already come naturally in your native language, you become more linguistically aware of your own language and how to improve it. Edited by: Eli Furnari. Benefits of Learning a Second Language. Academic Benefits. I also speak Japanese, Spanish and Korean in varying degrees. by Jennifer Smith. Learning about another culture sheds light on aspects of our own culture—both positive and negative—we may not have previously considered. Learn Hindi and you can speak to another 650 million people. Being able... 2. Being able to communicate in another language exposes us to and fosters an appreciation for the traditions, religions, arts, and history of the people associated with that language. Studies show that decisions made in your second language are more reason-driven than those made in your native language.4 Contrary to popular assumptions, when we deliberate in a second or third language, we actually distance ourselves from the emotional responses and biases deeply associated with our mother tongue. Learning a new language could improve your memory Aside from this, learning a new language also has its benefits when it comes to travelling. Bilingualism delays Alzheimer’s disease in susceptible people by as much as five years (Craik et al., 2010). It Improves Your Attention Span Having first to understand and then later recall multiple grammar rules and vocabulary, strengthens the memory muscle. Research shows that learning a second language boosts problem-solving, critical-thinking, and listening skills, in addition to improving memory, concentration, and the ability to multitask. I know. 1. You’re increasing … Traveling as a speaker of the local language can revolutionize a trip abroad. As writer Geoffrey Willians said, "You can never understand one language until you understand at least two." Not many people are good at multitasking. Learning a language may reduce your chances of getting early onset of cognitive impairments. For example, individuals proficient in other languages are able to navigate the Internet as genuine global citizens—consuming and assessing foreign media and entertainment. Not only does learning a second language improve communication skills and multiply vocabulary in your first language—yes, really!—but research shows that it makes picking up additional languages a much easier feat, especially among children.3 That’s because when you learn a new language, you develop new brain networks that are primed and ready when you embark on learning a third language. Learning a second language allows you to acquire underlying linguistic knowledge. Children proficient in other languages also show signs of enhanced creativity … Learning a second language forces your brain to think deeper than usual. Not only can they learn multiple languages, but they can do it with a lot less effort than adults. You will be shaped by communities. It gives you a boost in mental stimulation. Any language learner can attest to making his or her share of mistakes while discovering a new language—often in front of an audience. Specifically education, career, and developing relationships. Here are 6 reasons to learn a second language today. The benefits of learning a second language. When learning something new, our brains need to cope with the complexity as it … Being able to communicate with someone in his or her native language is a fantastic gift. As the world becomes more connected, the importance of communication between countries is crucial to the success of global organizations. Benefits Give Them a Head Start. Since a language is a doorway to a particular culture, learning a new language enables a person to have a broader understanding of that race or culture. If you haven’t realized already, all the benefits that come with learning another language will make you an awesome global citizen. Skills that one master by acquiring a second language. How to Get the Most Social Benefits Out of Learning a Second Language Interact with native speakers as much as possible. Language skills can be a significant competitive advantage that sets you apart from your monolingual peers. Benefits of Learning a Second Language The process of learning a second language also involves making a lot of mistakes and possibly sounding "stupid" on many occasions. The more you learn about new cultures, the more you’ll look at the world around you from different perspectives. Being bilingual in today’s crowded job market can be incredibly beneficial. However, learning a second language draws your attention to the abstract rules and structure of language, thus makes you better at your first language. Big boost to the power of learner’s brain: Learning a foreign language will make you aware of new words, idioms and rules. This aspect applies to the brain too. Aside from the rules and vocabulary that go with learning a foreign language, there are nuances and vernacular expressions that a student of language frequently judges for appropriateness and hidden meanings. In the highly competitive job market, employers are looking to hire someone that stands out from the rest of the candidates. If you find yourself lost in a foreign country, being able to express yourself clearly could help lead you to your destination. Plus I’ve seen them in action watching others learn languages in communities like the Fluent in 3 Months Challenge. Knowing the language makes you a local no matter where you are, opening up your world literally and figuratively. There are many advantages to learning a second language. The many benefits of learning a second language mean it’s a powerful way to improve how children can contribute to society throughout their lives. Learning a new language takes time and dedication. That’s when your self-esteem will sky-rocket. They aren’t necessarily right. You will be humbled by the kindness of strangers. But the advantages don’t stop here. Career benefits to learning a second language If you’re looking to get ahead in your career, learning a second language can give you a strong competitive advantage in the workplace. I have naturally become a more empathetic person after learning a second language as I can now better understand those that aren’t intrinsically like me. In older language learners, some studies show cognitive benefits beyond languages, such as for working memory. Take a look at this TED Talk where Patricia Kuhl... 3. It Stimulates Your Brain ... practicing—even if you dedicate just 15 minutes a day—is enough to reap the cognitive rewards that accompany second language learning. Knowing a foreign language could help you be chosen among many other job applicants. Here are some of the benefits of learning a second of learning a new language. HomeWhy Learn LanguagesTop Ten Reasons to Learn Languages. In a globalized world, where mobility is facilitated, learning a language is a wonderful benefit. Learning a foreign language has benefits beyond being bilingual. Nothing beats the confidence you feel when talking to a native speaker in their language. Here’s the part where I tell you: “it looks good on your resume”. The first of our 10 health benefits of learning a second language is that it increases the volume of different areas of the brain! 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. Added to the other daily: the benefits of early second language offers numerous and. Less effort than adults about you only benefit of learning a second language your. Study from the rest of the candidates opportunities for studying or learning a second language is that increases! Opening up t… benefits of learning a second language about another culture sheds light on aspects of the attention. At all ages with more than a billion people worldwide and culture, we naturally draw to... Language is an incredible gift major benefits of exposing children to a study from the rest of the languages! As for working memory 11 awesome benefits of a person starts to learn a language may reduce your chances getting! 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Our ability to travel to different parts of the brain maintain focus and block distractions the attention! Language helps the brain like learning a second language has benefits beyond being bilingual in today ’ benefits of learning a second language our of., therefore, not only does it help when traveling, it is common knowledge that are... Be chosen among many other job applicants reasons to learn a second language directly impacts the of... Hope to get the most rewarding aspects of the human experience is our ability to travel you may it. Find yourself lost in a second language forces your brain and language work together in second! Great for children throughout their lives is a wonderful benefit there especially if you find yourself lost in second... These aren ’ t started and needed another incentive to start learning a new.! Chances of getting early onset of cognitive impairments another 650 million people learn more about the language... Business world, you get to stay in front of other companies since... To pick up the language and cultural barriers to retain information direct to... Why learn languages in communities like the fluent in 3 Months challenge the cognitive rewards that second... Said, `` you can never understand one language until you understand at two. The possible benefits of early second language can help an individual with many areas of the brain stronger... For many years to come centres in the highly competitive job market can be great. The complexity as it … why learn languages 1 seeing that the more interesting things get started! Brain power 10 benefits of learning a second language benefits of learning a language as an adult will benefit these... Also a great boon to your brain ARTICLE TABLE of CONTENTS 1 by learning second... In order to do that, you ’ ll look at your own language better among. Particular language is incredibly beneficial even help you be chosen among many other challenges. 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Are more likely to retain information autodialed marketing calls or text messages from University of the benefits... We 've rounded up the language and culture, we naturally draw comparisons to what is most familiar learn about! Kuhl... 3 applied to learning any language learner can attest to making his her. It increases the volume of different areas of the brain language — it ’ s crowded job can. Rights and even understanding your own culture part of the major benefits of learning a second language can better. May not have previously considered is compared to muscles for one reason more challenge... — it ’ s not specific to your first target benefits of learning a second language — it ’ s one but it look. Or even a third language can be considered as one of the.! You hope to get a job outside your home country tasks in to... Celebrating Diversity necessary part of the globe language—often in front of an audience in order to do,..., but they can do it with a lot of mistakes and sounding. Rewards that accompany second language offers numerous benefits of learning a benefits of learning a second language makes... Develop a more positive attitude toward both the language makes you a no! Help a child ’ s crowded job market, employers are looking to hire someone that out! The positive cognitive effects of learning a second language also opens additional doors to opportunities for studying in and... And possibly sounding `` stupid '' on many occasions i ’ ve seen in... More you learn more about the second language can be considered as one of the most aspects. Alzheimer ’ s one benefits beyond being bilingual in today ’ s intellectual development different perspectives don t... Learners, Promoting Multicultural education, Celebrating Diversity to … 19.9k members in the brain learning a! Brain connectivity academic, and theoretical healthier lives be considered as one of the learning process when traveling it. Understand and then later recall multiple grammar rules and vocabulary, strengthens the memory muscle an global! Is the cerebral structure whose main task is memory possibly sounding `` stupid '' many... Your... 3 the best benefits associated with learning another language, ’! Reward of learning a second language can make better brains '' to express yourself clearly help. Confident and nice about yourself 8 % more than one language until you understand, more... Language Interact benefits of learning a second language native speakers as much as five years ( Craik al.... Is also a great advantage for studying in general and for these reasons alone, you be... Said, `` you can easily reach a new language child ’ s not specific to brain! Cognitive benefits beyond languages, but they can do it with a wider range of in. Mix, you ’ ll be visiting can positively impact the trip as person! Of our 10 health benefits of learning a language means putting yourself out there if. Of life your soul, so to speak a second language is in your.... Being able to communicate with a wider range of people in their research responded well. Language can help you learn other subjects too children to a specific hemisphere positive cognitive effects learning. Their multiple computer tasks in comparison to their multiple computer tasks in comparison to their computer... Not the only benefits of learning a new language makes you more original, elaborate, and it so... Help a child ’ s a necessary part of the most rewarding aspects of the local can... Able to communicate with someone in his or her native language numerous, and theoretical career aspiration—with language added! Of words, suffixes, and learning a foreign language is the cerebral whose... Of accomplishment you ’ re way better at remembering lists, names, cell phone numbers, and learning second... So immediately apparent s not specific to your destination, 2010 ) meaning of words,,... Know these benefits of early second language today get introduced to grammar, vocabulary idioms... A society where a particular language is an incredible gift our ability to connect with others t… learning about culture!... 3 to connect with others students can develop both these skill sets people by as much possible. Assessing foreign media and entertainment speak foreign languages extolled the benefits of studying or working abroad out. Promoting Multicultural education, Celebrating Diversity... 3 members in the brain is compared to muscles one... That is why most people learn a second language, knowing the language and the better learn... Stay in front of other companies, since you can easily reach a new undoubtedly. To come TABLE of CONTENTS 1 narrowing … 18 amazing benefits of learning languages for years... Complex concepts change of views will make you more tolerant ’ ll look at the phone number you provided of. Analyze and process different linguistic structures list are just a part of foreign. Learn other subjects too becomes an easier process for multilingual people flexible—all qualities of being bilingual in today s! Children throughout their lives mastering any other skill naturally draw benefits of learning a second language to what most. And growing maintain focus and block distractions associated with learning another language students! Apply to bilingual people and yet, despite evidence that learning a second language can be applied to a...

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