During the pandemic, I have been able to work on some skills I had an interest in, including embroidery and baking. It took me a while though to realize that learning a new language would be a fun challenge. Learning a new language is actually tougher than it seems. It's not just about memorizing the words. You should pronounce the sounds correctly and have proper grammar. Also, the connotations of words are different among languages and cultures.
Regardless of its complexity, I have taken note of why I want to add another language in my life. Here are a few ways learning a new language can help you.
Feed Your Brain a Bit
Adults proficient in two languages concentrate better and have high attention spans, according to a study on bilingualism and cognition. Bilingual adults may focus more on relevant information because knowing two languages means you have practiced going back and forth, exercising the brain to retain information. While I am currently learning a third language, this is beneficial for those who are monolingual. This may even apply to those who are already bilingual, striving to learn a third language, because you are still exercising your brain and focusing on a new language!
Learning a new language also helps memory improvement, according to Whitby School. I realized that learning a new language meant that you are memorizing a bunch of translations of a new language to yours. There will always be new words for you to learn.
Please, don't forget about sign language, which includes benefits that may not come from spoken languages. Learning sign language may include small motor skills, according to Speech Buddies. Because you are using hand gestures, your coordination and muscle strength improves.
Reach Out to New Cultures
Ludwig Wittgenstein once said, "the limits of my language means the limits of my world." If you aspire to travel a lot in your life – or maybe you already have traveled plenty – then this is the fun part for you. It is often said, but it is true: you will broaden your cultural horizons. Even just one language makes a personal experience even better. You can understand the language around you, and others will appreciate being able to understand you. It's a win-win. It'll be easier for you to communicate a question, introduction, comment, or compliment.
Also, remember that one language doesn't have to pertain to one country. Take English as an example; it is the first language of various countries.
Your Future Career May Need It
Whether it's written in your resume or brought up in a conversation, it always sounds cool to hear someone say they know another language. This may be beneficial to your career opportunities. Your potential of earning more money can range from 5-20% per hour depending on the job and how necessary you are, not as an employee but as a translator or communicator, according to the United States Education Institute.
Knowing a foreign language also shows that you are willing to learn new skills and can connect with a broader range of people.
My personal note for you is that learning a new language isn't done overnight. It does take time and even if you're doing it just for the sake of learning something new, you are bound to find it beneficial throughout your life.
