Benefits and ways to help you conquer a new language

It is estimated that between 60% and 70% of the global population speaks at least two languages. Congratulations if you are part of a growing global multilingual community. And if not, then you have nothing to worry about. The path to learning a foreign language has never been so easy.

Learning a foreign language is probably one of the most common goals for most of us. Whatever the reason you want to study, to be able to communicate with foreigners or simply understand a favorite song is enough for you to make an effort. In reality, however, sometimes we feel inadequately motivated to persevere. And this is really the biggest challenge that a foreign language learner can face.

Determine your language motivation: 'Why power' vs willpower

Darren Hardy, in his book 'The Compound Effect', explains why goals are often left unfinished by relying solely on willpower. Instead, the 'why' - based on self-control - has the potential to make us more resilient.

He wrote: 'Forget about willpower. It's time for 'why' power. Your choices only make sense when you connect them to your wants and dreams… You have to want something, and know why you want it, otherwise it's easy to give up'. 

By finding the 'why' and core motivation behind each goal, we can align our hearts and souls with the task and thus remain steadfast to the goal during difficult times. hardest part of the journey.  

The process of learning a foreign language can also benefit from this perspective. The first step in creating good language learning habits is to identify our 'why'. How do you feel about mastering a new language? Who would you like to speak to? Where do you like to travel? What song would you like to hear?… When we find the answers to these questions, success is certainly within reach.

Is bilingualism not always good?

Although it may be hard to believe, bilingualism was considered a 'disability' before 1960. Scientific studies back then showed that bilingualism slowed down children's development by consuming too much energy. to distinguish between languages. However, it was later found that these studies were largely flawed and excluded several factors. 

According to Mia Nacamulli, an educator and writer, recent studies have shown that while reaction times and errors are increased in bilinguals, their efforts to switch between languages language leads to an enhancement of the prefrontal cortex. This area of ​​the brain plays an important role in executive function, problem solving, switching between tasks, and concentration in filtering relevant information. So, while learning a new language doesn't necessarily make you smarter, it does make our brains healthier and more focused.

Cultural benefits of learning a new language

Learning about a culture through its language can be a profound experience. The origin and development of a language includes historical and even political factors that uniquely shape its structure, sound, image, and meaning. The true nature of each language is expressed in words or expressions that are difficult to translate into other languages ​​and contains a rich social and emotional context.

The Portuguese and Galician word 'saudade', for example, is a notable one because it has no direct translation into English. Portuguese writer Francisco Manuel de Mello defines it as 'a joy that you must endure, a sadness that you want to enjoy'. This feeling can be described as a melancholy nostalgia or a longing for something that cannot be obtained, but it is accompanied by a sense of joy that comes from pleasant memories.

'saudade' is believed to have acquired its rich meaning during the Great Portuguese Discovery, when the men set out on a journey to unknown seas, and the women and children suffer the absence of husbands and fathers and raise the hope of seeing them again. 

In addition, making new friends and visiting new places also helps you learn more about the culture and broaden your worldview.

Make you proud of yourself

Learning a foreign language has no shortcuts. This process requires discipline and self-responsibility on the part of the learner. At the same time with it are small but significant achievements that will make you happy.

Small sacrifices like a little less sleep to complete your daily lesson or a little less comfort to maintain consistency will pay off big. In the end, you will feel proud when you look back on your education.

It is important when designing study habits that you remember the 'Five Do's' of foreign language learning: Memorize, Read, Listen, Speak and Write. It is best to study early in the morning every day. To do this on a regular basis, you must maintain discipline by eliminating complaining and cultivating patience. Persistence will help you find the right learning style for you and create new approaches to learning.

Physical benefits

Each language has its own set of vowels and consonants. Each sound is produced by changing the shape of the tongue and lips, and directing the flow of air through the mouth and nose.

For native speakers, the difference in pronunciation is very obvious, but beginners must try to train their ears. Mispronouncing two words with completely different meanings can lead to unexpected situations. 

Pronunciation practice is equally important. Getting used to new sounds can be difficult at first, but you can achieve it by paying attention to detail and diligently imitating native speakers until you grasp what makes each sound different. with other sounds. Don't be embarrassed to look or sound funny. Anyone who learns a foreign language has to go through this phase. 

The brain changes are also worth mentioning. Bilingualism has been shown to increase the density of the gray matter that contains most of our neurons and synapses. Additionally, the brain's constant training in switching between languages ​​has also been shown to delay the onset of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. These reasons alone have motivated many people to choose to start learning a foreign language despite their late age.

(Image: Pexels / Pixabay)

A little story about discipline

The story of the perseverance of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, the longest-reigning emperor in recorded Chinese history, can help us be more diligent in our quest to conquer a new language. 

Kangxi established the tradition of setting the court early in the morning common in the Qing dynasties. During heavy rain, blizzards or extreme temperatures; Many officials would be absent but Emperor Kangxi made sure he was present every day. Even when a severe earthquake struck Beijing, this exemplary emperor held his morning court as usual. He said: 'I've been doing this for over 30 years and it's become a habit. You will feel insecure if you miss a session. Plus, if we only see each other every three or four days, we can become lazy.'

Kangxi is an accurate illustration of the effectiveness of defining our 'why'. For him, moral cultivation and self-improvement are the core motivation to work diligently and give your best every day, without exception. By following his example of consistency and accountability, we can find inspiration to work hard towards our goals.