The Benefits of Learning a Second Language

 by Flora Belcher

Learning a second language undoubtedly reaps benefits. Whether it be improved travel experiences, employability, or cognitive growth, the rewards are bountiful. But are these rewards worth the time, diligence and mental strength required to master the new skills? Listed below are some of the most attractive reasons to click download for duolingo.

Improved communication and cultural appreciation 

Communicating with each other is, for many, ,one of the most fulfilling parts of life. In general, the ability to connect with others is a fundamental aspect of being human.

Once you pick up even just a few phrases in a foreign language, you are unlocking the ability to open up an entire new network of individuals and communicate cross-culturally as a result.  Moreover, the exposure to the mannerisms of other cultures enables you to respect a lifestyle different from your own whilst also learning what makes a culture truly original. Whether this being by reading untranslated literature or discovering hidden museums, you need to have a foundation understanding of the language itself to be able to compare and contrast the cultural norms around the globe.

Increased mental productivity

Learning a language requires brain power. You will be required to learn different verb patterns, structures and accents, not to mention hundreds of thousands of new words (although not all at once). Whilst embarking on a language learning journey, your brain will be mentally stretched in ways it may have never been before. The adaptations needed to take place for the brain to translate from the mother language to another improves cognitive growth, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities, all of which can lead to better professional and personal prospects.

Increased prevention against Alzheimer's Disease

The wrath of Alzheimer’s disease is rightfully feared, but what if by learning a language its  effect was delayed considerably? Many studies show that, although bilingualism does not prevent the development or progression of Alzheimer’s Disease entirely, it can significantly delay its development by about 4.5 years. In particular , an Italian study conducted in 2017 suggested that language learning increases resilience to the damaging effects Althzeimer’s has on the brain, which in more technical terms is known as ‘cognitive reserve’.

In these tests, a selection of 85 individuals volunteered to undergo brain scans that examined their memory and thinking skills. However, 45 of these individuals used both Italian and German in everyday life compared to the other half who spoke only Italian. The conclusion stated that, whilst the bilingual participants were on average 5.71 years older and had a lower standard of education than the monolinguists, their tests in memory and thinking skills demonstrated a higher standard than those who only spoke Italian. Even accounting for factors such as education, economic background and physical health, the results remained consistent, further reinforcing the positive impacts of language learning on cognitive skills. 

Enhanced academic and first language skills

As established above, learning another language advances the brain's ability to problem solve and improves critical thinking skills. Of course, these skills are then highly transferable to academic pursuits. Students who are fluent in another language tend to score higher in standardised testing in subjects such as mathematics and english. Additionally, with a solid understanding of how another language is formed and the various structures, idioms and phrases within it, this permits closer recognition of the tendencies in our mother tongue. Those who have become moderately fluent in another language (in particular to the point of understanding a native speaker), have a greater understanding of certain nuances and tone of their first language. This allows unique appreciation only the bilinguals can enjoy. 

Lockdown has imprisoned many of us from our previous day to day activities. Life has slowed painfully and we are all bored and restless. As a result, many of us now have serious addictions to Netflix. But why not spend ten minutes a day learning a few words and phrases? Who knows - with enough time you will be able to switch on the subtitles in your language of choice and call it practice.