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Open Up Your Vocabulary

Learning a new language increases brain exercise and functioning.

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Open Up Your Vocabulary
Fotolip

Learning and knowing how to speak in another language is very useful in the world that we live in right now. The more languages someone knows the better it will be for them in many ways. I am here today to give everyone the benefits of knowing multiple languages, and hopefully to inspire those who are reading this to learn another language!

When I was a little girl, I only spoke Russian at first, but then I had to drop it because I was having difficulties learning English. The next time I spoke Russian again I was about thirteen, because I realized, I can't give up on my culture. I made a vow that I would speak it everyday, and wanted to learn how to read and write. Thankfully, when I was coming into St. John's University, I found out that there was indeed Russian courses offered. I ecstatically signed up knowing that these courses would be the answers to my prayers. I thank God that I was fortunate to take these classes because I was able to efficiently learn how to read and write in Russian.

After learning Russian, I am taking it upon myself to learn more languages! I am learning Italian next semester, and want to learn Ukrainian, Polish, German, and maybe more as well!

There are many reasons why people should learn and know multiple languages. Knowing a second language is amazing, and very useful-- but knowing multiple is even more helpful in your life! Knowing multiple languages helps people score their dream jobs and opens up even more opportunities. Knowing only one language leaves many doors closed for someone, but knowing many languages opens up more doors for that individual. More and more people now want to hire someone who can effectively speak multiple languages. Businesses especially want people who speak many languages because those types of people can conduct business trips and make deals with foreign countries in order to grow their business. Many applications offer the position to someone who can speak multiple languages because they'll be able to help more and more people.

For example, Doctors who can speak five languages can open up a office and help the people of the neighborhood who speak those languages.

Learning another language and speaking another language every single day actually helps your memory! When you speak another language your brain improves memory, longer attention span, and reduces the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Speaking and knowing a second language is a great brain exercise-- which your brain will thank you for!

There are many benefits to your cognitive functioning when you know a second language.Those who know a second language have higher intelligence, are better at planning and organizing, score higher on standardized math and reading tests, are generally more creative, and have good listening skills. Studying a new language increases the number of neural pathways between different parts of the brain. Knowing a second language postpones Alzheimer's and dementia.

Knowing another language can help you meet more people around the world who speak those languages.

Imagine visiting a new city, walking around the town square and bumping into locals and being able to hang out with them! Something like this actually happened to me... When I was in Ukraine about a year and a half ago, I met local teenagers and they showed me around the city of Lviv. By knowing another language, like I do, I was able to get a teenager's insider view on living in Ukraine. It was awesome getting to talk to people my age who live in and grew up in a completely different country. Knowing a second language could help you find some friends you never knew existed before, or possibly the love of your life!

You will be able to help more people.

I've been in many situations where tourists would ask me for help but I couldn't help them because I didn't speak their language. One time a group of French students on a trip with their school got lost from their group and needed to find their way back to the hotel. My friends and I went up to every person on the street and asked everyone if they spoke French. If I spoke French, I would've been able to help those students more efficiently.

So... What are you waiting for?!?

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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