Learning a language makes you smarter

New languages are windows to different cultures and perspectives. They allow us to connect with others from different corners in the world.

Surprisingly, it also helps you with better brain function, no matter how old you start learning a language.

What are the benefits?

According to a new study conducted by Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Suvarna Alladi found out young adults who are proficient in two languages perform better on attention tests. It implies that they have better concentration than people who only speak one language.

Why is that?

The reason is simple but undoubtedly true. You need to constantly switch to your new language from your mother tongue to compare both languages in terms of vocabulary, syntax and grammar. Frequent switching helps you ignore irrelevant stimuli and stick to relevant information so you learn how to concentrate on important details. This is essentially necessary in dealing with a large amount of information.

Bilinguals are found to perform better in general intelligence and reading. Learning a new language improves your thinking skills and memory ability. For example, there is no shortcut in learning vocabulary. It is believed that you need to learn about 500 vocabulary to carry a daily conversation. While you may apply some tricks for vocabulary learning, in most cases, you would need to memorize new words. Constant memory games sharpen your ability to categorize vocabulary and link up vocabulary with other language concepts. This exercise postpones the development of dementia. So regardless of what age you are at, learning a second language will only be beneficial to your brain.

Some experts argued that learning a second language is very cognitively engaging. Thus it’s an excellent activity to maintain cognitive function.

Benefits for baby language learners

Some said it would cause confusion if we raise children in a bilingual environment, that will finally result in developmental delays, poor academic performance and slow intellectual growth.

But we know that the truth is completely the opposite.

Children can acquire a new language easily due to their heightened neuroplasticity.

What is neuroplasticity?

It’s the brain’s capacity to form new neural connections and new brain cells throughout life.

Learning two languages at the same time may cause progress delay because children take more time to process large amount of information but that delay is temporary.

Children who study a new language at a young age proves to have significant performance in cognitive development, get better results on standardised tests and have a higher sense of achievement in school.

All in all, no matter you are old or young, learning a new language will only bring you tremendous cognitive benefits. What is holding you back to learn a new language?

Some said it can be mentally overwhelming. Some said they don’t have time.

The simple trick is starting small.

Learn 10 words a day. Spend 15 minutes writing about your day in French.

As long as you start the process, no matter how slow or fast your progress is, you are one step closer to your language success.