Learn a second language

“To learn a second language is to have one more window from which to look at the world,” said a famous Chinese proverb. This strong statement seems appropriate to tackle the topic of this interesting subject. Another point of reference is welcomed when it comes to process the troublesome days we’re living in. Can a second or a third language help us on that task? Is it beneficial for our brain and wellbeing? Let’s find out.

A second language is pivotal in today’s fast paced society. Being bilingual equips the individual with the proper set of tools to perform at its best in this thriving moment in time. It goes beyond having the language skill to communicate, it can add useful social skills to work with others with different cultures and backgrounds. The word is getting smaller, in the past, it was a matter of distance, now is a matter of exposure. Our innate curiosity can take us on a million miles’ journey with just a few clicks, there’s no mountain high enough.

Do you know that learning a new language can benefit your brain?

Studies made by Johan Martensson, an investigator in psychology at Lund University in Sweden shown that the language center in our brains is flexible. This can create new neurological pathways ready to tackle any kind of new information that come our way.

It has been widely proved that the brain of a language student actually increases in size, while the brain sizes of the other group in the study remained the same. This increment in growth can be noticed in the Hippocampus and other areas of the cerebral cortex, there’s no mystery to it, those are the areas linked to language skills.

Anyone with experience in the subject can certify that some of the practical skills gained in the process are heightened conversational abilities, greater mastery on his own native language (an added bonus), enhanced concentration and better focus among many others. Do you actually need more proof that this new skill is keeping your brain in shape?

There’s no doubt that a second language will position yourself ahead of many, you’ll have the ability to communicate effectively, be more perceptive and empathic. There’s no need to emphasize the importance of such skills, but the point is, if you decide to do so, what’s the best way to learn a second language?

According to my research, the best way to learn a new language should have this seven key traits:

1- It should be unique to your circumstances. There’s no wonder why people struggle to learn a language at school, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to learning languages.

2- It should be enjoyable, to suit your needs and interests.

3- It should be flexible to different scenarios and environment.

4- It should be able to make you learn every day. (The compound effect is real.)

5- Comprehensive input is needed.

6- It should incorporate the four mayor language skills, reading, writing, listening and speaking.

7- It should grow and evolve according to your experiences and needs.

To learn a new language is a personal journey, only you know what you like and what could work according to your needs. We need to remember that, “the best” is subjective, what’s best for me could not be the best for you. When it comes to choose, we need to take opinions with a grain of salt. On the internet there’s too much noise, opinions everywhere clouding our judgment. Steve Jobs once said, “Don’t let the noise of others drown out your own voice.” We are the only ones who can choose what’s best for us.