For a year now, I have seriously been learning an interesting foreign language called Haitian Creole. It is a French-based language spoken by most Haitians in the Caribbean country of Haiti. While it has had its ups and downs, it has been quite a special experience for me personally. Learning a foreign dialect can be both exciting and challenging for anyone. But did you know it could stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s, even build multi-tasking skills? Let’s discuss a few more be
nefits of learning a new language.
It could improve the functionality of your brain. The British newspaper The Telegraph article, “Why learn a foreign language? Benefits of bilingualism,” explains that learning a foreign language challenges the brain to recognize meaning and communicate in different language systems. This skill also boosts your ability to develop your problem solving skills. Students who study foreign languages tend to score better on standardized tests than their monolingual peers.
I’ve mentioned this earlier, but bilingualism could possibly stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia. Several studies show that for monolingual adults, the mean age for the first signs of dementia is 71.4. On the other hand, for adults who speak more than one language, the mean age for those first signs are 75.5. Studying a foreign language causes you to think and remember things more, which helps in reducing your chances of experiencing signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Learning a foreign language could also help in being a better multi-tasker. In the Telegraph article, an interesting study was mentioned that involved participants using a driving simulator while doing separate, distracting tasks at the same time. Research shows that people who spoke more than one language made fewer errors in their driving.
Along with these advantages, comes another interesting one-you improve in your English. Yes, according to the Telegraph article, learning a foreign language draws your focus to the mechanics of language: grammar, conjugations, and sentence structure. When you’re more aware of language, you become an effective communicator, sharper editor and writer. You also become a better listener while trying to master a new language.
Learning a new language takes a lot of time and effort. The journey is challenging, but in the end it’s very rewarding. With time, you just might possibly reap these benefits that come with exploring this exciting journey.
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