Psychological benefits of learning a second language:

People often think that learning a new language can create confusion in their minds. They believe that it is better to learn one language well than to waste time with two. Some studies in the past seemed to support the idea that learning two languages ​​could be problematic; some researchers had speculated that bilinguals might have a more limited vocabulary and slower access to words.

Fortunately, these supposed myths and drawbacks have been overcome by a host of research that instead shows the extraordinary psychological benefits of learning another language . And these benefits go far beyond being able to order a cup of coffee in London or ask where the Paris station is.

The ease of learning languages ​​is a reality

Indeed, the “ease” to learn languages ​​is a reality , but it is a condition that must be worked on and achieved. The facility is still, in this case, a state of mind. A lack of cultural or psychological barriers that prevent us from taking actions freely.

Contrary to what many people think, learning a second language does not cause confusion or stuttering, quite the opposite. At least that seems to show the latest studies and some rare cases of very successful people.

10 psychological benefits of learning a second language:

• First. IMPROVES BRAIN GROWTH.

During language learning, the language centers in the brain grow. The more you try to learn a new language, the more these vital areas of the brain develop (Mårtensson et al., 2012)

• Second. Delays the onset of dementia:

Bilingualism delays Alzheimer’s disease by five years in people who have a predisposition (Craik et al., 2010) It seems incredible, but new studies on this topic continue to confirm this result . What is more unique is that learning a second language appears to have a more potent effect on dementia than any drug.

• Third. Makes sounds heard better

Learning a language increases the ability to listen, as the brain has to work harder to distinguish different types of sounds from different languages ​​(Krizman et al., 2012).

• Fourth. Makes you more sensitive to different languages

Children who grow up in bilingual families can distinguish between languages ​​they have never heard before (Werker & Sebastian-Wales, 2011). Being exposed to different languages, for example Spanish and Catalan, helps children understand the difference between English and French.

• Fifth. Boosts memory

Children raised in a bilingual environment have a much more powerful working memory than those exposed to a single language (Morales et al., 2013). This means that learning a second language early increases mental math, reading, and many other useful life skills.

• Sixth. Improves ability to multitask.

Bilingual people can move from one task to another faster. They show greater cognitive flexibility and find it easier to adapt to unforeseen circumstances (Gold et al., 2013).

• Seventh. Improve attention skills

Bilingual people have better control over their attention and a greater ability to limit distractions (Bialystok and Craik, 2010).

• Eighth. Doubles brain activity

Bilingual subjects can benefit from an increase in cognitive functions (such as better attention skills and multitasking): encountering multiple languages ​​activated at the same time, they must continually monitor which terms and words to use (Francis, 1999). This constant change from one language to another brings mental benefits.

• Nineth. Give a new view of the world

Learning a new language can literally change the way you see the world . By learning Japanese, for example, where there are different terms for light blue and dark blue, the brain comes to perceive color in different ways (Athanasopoulos et al., 2010).

• Tenth. Improve native language

Since second language learning focuses attention on abstract rules and language structure, the native language also ends up benefiting. In this sense, as Geoffrey Willans said: “You cannot fully understand one language until you know at least two”

In summary

According to some studies, every human being is born with the innate ability to learn languages. However, it is true that early learning can greatly favor the study of languages ​​in the future. It is undeniable that children have much more absorption capacity for languages ​​than adults. The lives of children are based on constant learning through imitation. This is, and no other, the real key to learning new languages.

As we grow, we create new mental and cultural barriers. We become self-conscious, we feel self-conscious and it is much more important to us to blend in with different people. We are ashamed of what they will say. However, to be able to learn a language and feel comfortable with it, it is essential to make mistakes.

In addition, the importance of knowing languages ​​is linked to the importance of certifying it. Don’t forget to certify whatever language you master!