Here at Web-Translations, we are all passionate language learners. The New York Times recently published an article describing how learning a foreign language improved a teenage boy’s mental health. This led to the questions: why learn a new language? What benefits does learning a foreign language bring?
If you search “benefits of learning a second language”, certain common points come up including improved focus and creativity. Additionally, it’s a widely accepted fact that a second language on your CV can bolster your career opportunities.
It will also allow you to connect with a wider international audience. However, did you know that in 2017, Alzheimer’s Research UK published an article describing research that showed that being bilingual could improve, and even delay, symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias?
For younger people the benefits are just as prominent. The US Department of Education published a document describing the benefits of raising a child in a bilingual household. These benefits range from improved cognitive development to improved chances of long-term success.
Further Benefits
Whilst most of these articles discuss people that are well-versed in their second language, it is important to note that any level of language learning can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. You can definitely feel the benefits – regardless of whether you only reach a conversational level, or carry on to become someone who reads books in their second language.
Having a second language under your belt can expand your horizon. Moreover, speaking another language can allow you to access media and content that you previously couldn’t. It could even lead to some new friendships as you will be able to connect with more people around the world.
What’s more, the friends you make won’t even necessarily be from countries that speak the language you’re learning! Learning languages can unite people from all nationalities.
Currently, linguists have limited knowledge available showing the link between mental health and foreign language learning. We can’t wait to see how this area of research may grow in the coming years, and what other benefits researchers discover!
What inspires you to learn a foreign language? Get in touch with us on our LinkedIn or Twitter pages to tell us what you think!
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23 May 2024 10:05