4 Reasons Why You Should Learn a New Language

 

Learning a new language can be a daunting task, but it's also an incredibly rewarding experience. In this blog post, we'll explore four reasons why you should consider learning a new language, aside from the obvious benefit of being able to communicate with people from different cultures.

 

Reason 1: Imbibe a Culture

When you learn a new language, you're not just learning a new way of communicating; you're also learning about a new culture. Language is a crucial part of any culture, and by learning a new language, you're gaining a deeper understanding of the culture associated with it. As John McWhorter says in his TED Talk, "If you want to imbibe a culture, if you want to drink it in, if you want to become part of it, then whether or not the language channels the culture -- and that seems doubtful -- if you want to imbibe the culture, you have to control to some degree the language that the culture happens to be conducted in."

Imagine being able to read a poem in its original language and truly appreciate the nuances of the words. Or, being able to order food in a restaurant without having to rely on a translation app. These are just a few of the ways that learning a new language can help you connect with a new culture on a deeper level.

 

Reason 2: Health Benefits

Learning a new language has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including delaying the onset of dementia and improving multitasking skills. Studies have also shown that bilingual individuals have a better cognitive function and memory compared to monolingual individuals. As McWhorter notes, "Bilingualism is healthy."

So, if you're looking for a way to boost your brainpower and keep your mind sharp, learning a new language is a great option.

 

Reason 3: Fun and Enjoyment

Learning a new language can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when you explore the unique characteristics of different languages. For example, Arabic has a distinctive writing system, and the sound of the language is unlike any other language. Similarly, Mandarin Chinese has a complex grammar system that can be challenging to learn, but also rewarding. As McWhorter says, "Languages have different word orders. Learning how to speak with different word order is like driving on the different side of a street if you go to certain country, or the feeling that you get when you put Witch Hazel around your eyes and you feel the tingle. A language can do that to you."

There's a certain satisfaction that comes from being able to master a new skill, and learning a new language is no exception. So, if you're looking for a challenge that will also be fun and rewarding, learning a new language is a great choice.

 

Reason 4: Access to a Wider World

With the rise of globalization, learning a new language can open up a world of opportunities. English may be the dominant language in many parts of the world, but there are still many countries where other languages are spoken. By learning a new language, you're gaining access to a wider world, and you'll be able to communicate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. As McWhorter notes, "Today you can lay down -- lie on your living room floor, sipping bourbon, and teach yourself any language that you want to with wonderful sets such as Rosetta Stone. I highly recommend the lesser known Glossika as well. You can do it any time, therefore you can do it more and better."

Whether you're looking to travel to new countries, meet new people, or advance your career, learning a new language can help you achieve your goals.

 

Conclusion

Learning a new language is an incredible experience that can open up new opportunities and broaden your horizons. Whether you're interested in imbibing a new culture, improving your health, having fun, or accessing a wider world, learning a new language is a great way to achieve your goals. So why not give it a try? With the abundance of resources available today, there's never been a better time to start learning a new language.