Have you ever met a student who can switch effortlessly between languages and excel academically and socially? This may be because science shows that learning a second language has academic benefits. According to the American Psychological Association, bilingual students perform significantly better than their monolingual peers on verbal and non-verbal intelligence tests.
Fortunately, technological advancements have made it possible for you to learn a new language without going too far. Electronic devices and language-learning sites can provide a convenient and comfortable way to learn a new language, allowing you to practice your skills at your own pace. For instance, if you live in Singapore and have been exploring options for a Korean course Singapore offers, you may simply go online, and voila, you’re on your way to greater learning and transformation.
To that end, this guide will explore five academic benefits of learning a new language.
It Helps With Cognitive Development
Learning a new language significantly improves one’s cognitive development. According to research from numerous medical studies, learning a new language impacts neuroplasticity, which is your brain’s ability to change structurally in response to cognitive demands. Simply put, the brain develops new networks and connections when exposed to a new language, which can help to improve memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills.
Learning a second language has also been shown to improve cognitive development. Research by the University of Chicago shows that students who learn a new language have better memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills than their peers who only speak one language. A publication from Cambridge University further adds that second-language learners recorded an improvement in core subjects like math and science, further cementing the power of a second language on the growing brain.
If the studies mentioned above are anything to go by, learning a second language may significantly improve your academic and mental health.
It Can Improve Your Grip On Your Native Language
If someone asks you a question in your native language, you won’t hesitate to answer because you know it from muscle memory. With a second language, however, you’ll need to pause and think carefully because you’re still learning the ins and outs of the language. What you might not know is that by learning a second language, you are learning even more about your native one.
Linguists report that learning a second language teaches you rules of grammar that you may not have learned intuitively. This is because you must consciously apply grammatical rules to communicate effectively with others who speak the language. Moreover, learning a second language helps you develop a more intimate understanding of grammar, making it easier to pick up new languages and even improve your grasp of your native language.
It Improves Your Concentration
Learning a second language demands a lot of mental muscle. That said, focusing your attention on learning the grammatical nuances of language can translate into becoming more aware of how you pay attention to things in your academic life. This can help improve your ability to concentrate on tasks unrelated to the language, like other academic pursuits.
It Improves Your Academic And Career Prospects
Imagine getting out of school, and you’re out there hunting for job opportunities. You see an ad you feel you’re the best fit for. Naturally, you make the application and wait. Then you receive that call from the recruitment office. Of course, there was stiff competition, but why you? Because you spoke a native language that your employer found favorable to the business landscape.
Or, on second thought, you need to further your academic career in a different country. Why were you selected? Because you are already familiar with the language and culture of the host country. In this instance, being bilingual sets you apart from the crowd and enables you to get into a competitive program that has the potential to improve your career prospects.
Far from the points above, learning a second language can open various career opportunities in translation, international relations, tourism, and more. Even if a job you’ve got your eye on doesn’t require a second language, your employers may value the skills and perspectives that come with language learning.
It Can Improve Your Self-Confidence
Learning a second language can significantly improve your self-confidence. As you comprehend and communicate effectively in a different language, you can experience a significant boost in self-esteem. This can positively impact other areas of your life, including your academic and social life.
Learn Today
There are immense benefits to learning a second language. It helps with cognitive development, improves your grip on your native language, concentration, and self-confidence, and opens academic and career opportunities. With technology in your hands, all you need to do is go online, browse the different providers of language learning courses, and begin improving yourself.
