Why learn a foreign language?
hen we think about the benefits of learning a foreign language, there are some that immediately come to mind. One example could be the access to better job or academic opportunities, which makes sense. Many positions and university courses require a high level of language proficiency, usually in English, although other languages also open doors. Speaking of English specifically, one thing that comes to mind with this language is its "international language" status. No matter where we travel in the world, we're likely to find someone with whom we can communicate in English. Learning Spanish as a foreign language shares a similar benefit due to its status as a language spoken in many countries. Thus, another quick benefit that comes to mind when considering learning a foreign language is the ability to communicate while traveling.
“Being a multicentric language, mastering Spanish will allow us to communicate in many countries.”
Let’s continue thinking about traveling. The experience of visiting a country while having a command of the local language is completely different from visiting without it. Even speaking the language at a basic level can make a difference. I believe that, among other things, locals appreciate the effort one makes to at least attempt to speak their language. And, of course, this allows us to connect with locals on a deeper level, taking the cultural experience to another dimension. Personally, I cherish these moments. While I enjoy visiting tourist attractions in the countries I visit, it’s those informal bar conversations, with a beer in hand, with a complete stranger, where we discover that we’re not so different after all, that truly define traveling for me.
This leads us to the cultural aspect. After all, nobody learns a foreign language with examples solely from their own culture, right? Learning a foreign language goes beyond simply decoding and transmitting messages in a different code. It also involves immersing oneself in a new culture, with all its implications. It’s not just about learning intriguing facts about things that don’t exist or are done differently in our own culture; it’s also about understanding and embracing this foreign culture, which broadens our minds and helps us strip of prejudices. Additionally, the ease of connecting with people for language exchanges through the Internet further enhances these advantages. From personal experience, these language exchanges are never limited to linguistic matters alone. They are genuine cultural exchanges, and sometimes, they even lead to forging true friendships, despite the distance.
To learn a new language ist to also learn a new culture.
I believe the aforementioned benefits are, in a way, quite evident when considering the gains of learning a new language. Undoubtedly, there are many more benefits, but I wanted to provide a brief overview as an introduction. However, I’d like to share some good news regarding language learning from a neuroscience perspective. These benefits might not be as apparent. Firstly, various research studies have provided evidence that bilingual individuals utilize their brains differently compared to monolingual individuals. Different areas of the cerebral cortex are activated when it comes to language control. Additionally, even in adults who begin learning a foreign language, through a phenomenon known as neuronal plasticity, synaptic connections between neurons are increased and the density of white matter in individuals who speak multiple languages is higher too. Ultimately, this leads to enhanced problem-solving abilities, improved memory, and greater mental flexibility.
“Different research studies have provided evidence that bilingual individuals use their brains differently than monolinguals .”
Lastly, but certainly not least, various authors have emphasized in recent years that learning new languages delays the onset of symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia (including at least three types of dementia) and Parkinson’s disease. Of course, maintaining brain health, as well as overall physical well-being, depends on several factors like diet, avoiding harmful habits, and staying physically active. However, in the specific context of these brain conditions and language learning, the delay in symptom onset could be as long as five years. While I’m not surprised by this finding, as I like to think of the brain as a muscle that requires regular exercise, I must admit that I find it incredibly interesting to read about these topics and further confirm that learning a new language, beyond the act of acquiring it, is a phenomenon that has multifaceted repercussions on individuals who embark on such an adventure.
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