10 Incredible Benefits of Learning a New Language

Live your life to the fullest by experiencing the benefits of learning a new language! Practicing a second language is about more than just getting an A in your Spanish class. Bilingualism opens the door to new cultures, perspectives, and experiences. Get ready to explore the ways you can benefit from language learning and start your own journey towards fluency.

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Why are There So Many Benefits to Learning a Foreign Language?

You’ve probably heard that bilingual speakers have an advantage in reading, writing, and speaking comprehension. But did you know that they benefit in more ways than just improved linguistic skills?

Anytime you learn something new your brain changes, at least a little bit. But when you learn a foreign language this process kicks into high gear. Language learning creates neuroplasticity in the brain and even changes brain structure. In other words, it creates new neural pathways and connections. Although these new pathways were created for language learning, they also provide non-linguistic benefits.

10 Amazing Benefits of Learning a New Language

No matter how old you are, it’s never too late to benefit from a second language. Whether you’re looking for travel opportunities, extra income, or improved cognition language learning delivers. Let’s dive into just 10 of the many benefits of learning a new language. 

1.   Traveling is Easier

One of the most obvious benefits to learning a foreign language is travel. Language barriers can make potential globetrotters nervous or even prevent them from visiting a new country.  Learning a second language immediately opens up the door to these different areas of the world. Instead of struggling with google translate or lugging around a big dictionary, you get to use your language savvy skills to impress the locals.

Book your free online Spanish class here, or click on the image below to find out more.

2.   Improved Cognitive Abilities

There are numerous cognitive and decision-making benefits of second language learning. Bilingual speakers have improved critical thinking skills, memory, and problem-solving skills. When you speak in your second language, your brain has to work harder to find the right words. If you don’t know an exact word, you can still describe it or word your way around it. This mental gymnastics works your cognitive thinking skills and improves them. These higher cognitive abilities can even improve your skills in areas such as math, reading comprehension, and vocabulary.

3.   Bilingual Family

If you’re a parent or future parent learning a new language you can let your children grow up in a bilingual home. Teaching your kids a new language early on makes it easier for them to learn other languages later. Plus, you can take advantage of your child’s ability to gain fluency fast. Children are quick to pick up unfamiliar sounds and new grammar rules.

4.   Increased Earning Potential

Who doesn’t love a little extra income? Foreign languages are in high demand in many career fields. Now more than ever hospitals, schools, and even law firms are frantically searching for foreign language speakers to help with interpretation and translation for their clients. This huge need has increased earning potential. A study conducted by the Economist shows that a person can earn $50,000 to $125,000 more simply because they know a second language!

Book your free online Spanish class here, or click on the image below to find out more.

5.   Expanded Global Awareness

Each year the world becomes more interconnected. A key asset during this globalization is the ability to understand and respect different cultures. Learning another language helps you step outside of your comfort zone and experience new perspectives. Instead of watching movies or shows that only showcase people who look and talk like you, a second language lets you experience different media. Discover rich music, film, and literature in your target language to gain new awareness and appreciation for diversity.

6.   A Sharper Mind for Longer

Language learning keeps your brain healthier for longer! Bilingual speakers are shown to experience a later onset of dementia compared to monolingual speakers. This is because learning a second language reduces your chances of early onset of cognitive impairments. With over 16 million people in the United States experiencing cognitive impairment, language learning can help slow down this problem.

7.   Greater Connections

As humans, the ability to connect and communicate with others is one of the most rewarding experiences to have. When you decide to learn a foreign language, you create the unique opportunity to talk with a wider range of people.

With over 53 million Spanish speakers in the United States and more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world, this language is perfect for creating lasting connections. Sign up for a free Spanish class at HSA if you’d like to achieve this particular benefit.

8.   Improved Attention Span

Have you ever tried to start a task and somehow found yourself on social media instead? With advanced technology bringing us instant entertainment from millions of sources it can be hard to stay focused on our work. There are constant text messages, Facebook notifications, and emails giving us plenty of distractions. In fact, new studies show that the average attention span has decreased in recent years.

A second language can actually help solve this problem! One of the benefits of learning a foreign language is the ability to better stay on task. Evidence suggests that learning a new language can help block out pesky distractions and improve focus.

9.   Boosted Creativity

Knowing a foreign language gives your brain access to more ideas, concepts, and vocabulary. With a wider range of knowledge, bilingual brains are more likely to piece different ideas together in new ways. Language learning helps you become more flexible, open-minded, and expressive. These are all important traits when it comes to creativity!

10.  Better Multitasking Abilities

Whether you’re a parent or college student, you probably have a long list of tasks to complete daily. Bilingual speakers’ increased capacity for problem-solving makes them better equipped to multitask. This ability comes from using cognitive muscles to juggle between languages. From balancing languages in their head to balancing tasks on a to-do list, bilinguals do it better.

How to Get Started

Learning a new language can seem daunting at first, but you can quickly make great progress with consistent practice. Your hard work will pay off as you’ll get to experience the many benefits of learning a new language. Here are a few key tips and tricks to set you on the multi-lingual path!

Take Classes

Although there are thousands of language learning resources online and in stores, nothing can replace real class time. Class time enables teachers to keep their students on pace and personalize lesson plans. Additionally, when you sign up for a class you are held accountable. It’s easier to ignore a Duolingual notification than to skip a class you paid for!

Book your free online Spanish class here, or click on the image below to find out more.

Listen to Music

One of the greatest benefits of learning a new language is the amazing new songs you get to listen to. From Spanish reggaeton to French hip hop, there are thousands of popular sounds to explore. Listening to music improves your pronunciation and listening skills. Jamming out to a foreign playlist is one of the easiest ways to practice!

Watch Movies

Unfortunately, you can’t always drop everything and move to another country for language immersion. Luckily, movies bring the language and culture to you! You can easily stream foreign films on Netflix, Hulu, or even YouTube from your laptop or TV. Take advantage of modern technology by bringing your dream destination into your own home!

Connect

Find locals in your area who speak your target language. Try to befriend as many as you can! Not only will they provide amazing language practice, but you’ll also be able to create a lifelong friend.

Find a Language that Excites You

The benefits of learning another language are innumerable. The 10 that I mentioned in the list are only some of them. However, the best way to learn about the benefits of learning a new language is to experience it for yourself. Pick a language that you find exciting and appealing then jump into it! You just might find some new language benefits all on your own.

Book your free online Spanish class here, or click on the image below to find out more.

If you enjoyed this post you might also want to read about these fun and interesting things to do with kids at home. Or, if you are considering the benefits of self-directed learning for kids, check out this post about unschooling for child-led and inspired learning.

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