The importance of learning a second language
The forms of communication between individuals are varied and depend on the use that man makes of them. As a human phenomenon, communication between two or more individuals through the use of language can be considered a founding act of life in society, that is, it was the development of forms of communication from its most primitive aspects, as in the case of cave paintings, to the development of a language common to a certain territory that made life in society possible. In this article we will elaborate the advantages of learning a second language.
According to the Aulete dictionary, language is the system of communication and verbal expression of a people, nation, country, etc., which allows users to express thoughts, desires and emotions. In this sense, every language represents the identity of a people and establishes boundaries in communication between peoples.
Every human being has an innate ability to acquire language. Stimulated by the processes of socialization , at first in the family environment and later throughout schooling and life in society, the individual develops and is trained in his mother tongue.
In today’s world, however, the ability to communicate in a second language, other than the mother tongue, becomes essential for a meaningful performance in society. With the development of communication networks and the strengthening of the processes of globalization of the economy, intensifying the flow and circulation of goods, services and people around the world, the relationship between peoples is increasingly closer and lived in an increasingly intense.
Therefore, the intensification of contact between peoples results in a growing need for a second linguistic domain.
Nowadays, the importance of learning a second language represents not only the possibility of obtaining fluency in another language, but favors on a large scale the acquisition of intercultural competences, changing perceptions about ways of life and ways of relating and/or establish links with people of different nationalities and different worldviews.
From a cognitive point of view, learning a second language can strengthen an individual’s cognitive ability throughout life. Research around the world shows that those who speak more than one language may have above-average cognitive abilities. In addition, the listening and attention skills required in the acquisition process also contribute to the learning of the mother tongue, especially in the case of school-age children and young people.
In addition to the cultural and cognitive contributions to the development of the individual, bilingualism or plurilingualism can be considered a phenomenon that encompasses several spheres of life in society: culture, politics, economics and science.
Thus, the ability to master one or more foreign languages is not a fixed objective, but represents the possibility of developing a vast linguistic and cultural repertoire that provides the recognition of difference and the appreciation of diversity. These factors allied to the growing proximity to other peoples or cultures favored by communication networks provides the acquisition of communicative competence in several languages. In this way, the speaker builds the necessary autonomy to establish the relationship between languages according to the situations in which they are required.
10 Advantages of learning a second language
Many people dream of learning multiple languages and increasing their language skills, which is great. But more than that, a second language can provide you with other practical benefits. Check out 10 of them:
1. Improves cognitive functionalities
When we learn a second language , we are training the brain and activating language centers, which stimulates our brain capacity. Because of these stimuli, we benefit cognitive functionalities and, with this, it is even possible to prevent or delay the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
2. Improves the ability to multitask
By training the brain, we can also improve our ability to multitask. That is, we can change activities more easily and adapt to different circumstances. In addition, it also helps with concentration!
3. Improves attention
Some research points out that bilingual people have greater control of attention and, due to brain stimuli, dribble distractions more easily.
4. Develop listening skills
To learn a second language, having good listening skills is very important, as it will help to differentiate sounds and pronunciations. Thus, the hearing becomes more sensitive!
5. Memory aid
Memory is also greatly stimulated when we learn a second language, so this process can improve this brain capacity.
6. Increases creativity
Structuring sentences and using different vocabulary can be a great way to increase creativity, stimulating the brain to search for new resources.
7. Collaborates with self-confidence and decision making
Some studies indicate that learning a second language improves self-confidence, which contributes to well-being, emotional balance and facilitates decision-making.
8. Makes learning other languages easier
It may seem obvious, but learning a second language can also make learning other languages easier. Of course, each one has its particularities, but the process itself should be easier!
9. Improves discipline
Learning a second language is challenging and requires concentration. Therefore, this learning process can also improve your discipline.
10. Allows you to discover new cultures
Knowing a new culture is very important for personal growth. So, learning a second language can also give you this new contact with a different cultural atmosphere!
We hope that you have understood the advantages of learning a second language.
