Learning a new language can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages. Not only will you gain an understanding of the world and how people communicate, but you’ll also expand your reading and viewing options by being open to a new dialect. Not to mention, your self-esteem will benefit from this newfound knowledge, as well as your social skills. This could be an incredibly fulfilling hobby for seniors starting on their journey.
If you are thinking of learning a second language as an adult, here are a lot more benefits that could encourage you in this pursuit.
What Does Learning a Second Language Do?
- Betters Your Brain Health
According to Cambridge, scientists have been boggled for decades about how speaking two different languages can affect a person’s cognitive level. They discovered that bilingual people have more neurons, making the gray matter in their brains denser. Gray matter is where new information is signaled throughout the brain, letting us control movement, memory, and emotions. Knowing two languages also impacts the white value—a system of nerves connecting the brain’s four lobes. These parts let us learn and function, boosting our brain reserves. - Boosts Your Brain’s Flexibility
Switching from one language to another exercises the brain, which then helps improve focus and memory. This maximizes your brain’s executive function. Your brain gets a better ability to multi-task, allowing you to be more resilient when the brain encounters demanding work. - Improved Concentration and a More Powerful Memory
Learning a second language as an adult stirs your inner alertness and focus. You get to glean the more essential things and block away the irrelevant ones. Ongoing and diligent study of at least five hours a week will help you develop this trait, keeping your mind sharper. - Becoming a Better Listener
Because learning and pronouncing new words require listening, this trait will pass over other perspectives, helping you become a good communicator. You get to be more intuitive with your first language while understanding words with better depth in your second language. - Opens You to More Social Interactions
You’d want to test your newfound knowledge, and what better way to do that than to talk to actual speakers of the language? This opens new worlds of discovery and connection toward a new culture. You may want to visit the country personally—wouldn’t it be fun to go around, ask for directions to the best restaurants, or chat with the locals? Or you can see a local community that can help you improve your skills.
What’s the Best Way to Learn a Second Language?
An app is one of the easiest ways to learn a new language. Mobile applications are accessed through your phones whenever you wish, so you can gain knowledge whenever you have the time to spare. Most apps have accessible interfaces allowing you to navigate the platform and return to the main page whenever necessary. Packed with good visuals, embedded audio, and many languages, these apps are a great way to start your language-learning journey.
The best part? Most of these are free.
You can try Duolingo, one of the more popular language learning apps that uses a visual map, making lessons quick, easy, and enjoyable. Most classes are structured in the direction you want, from basic sentences to phrases you can use for travel.
Babbel is another language app, but its features require a subscription. The course customizes the lesson highlighting the country’s culture and language, immersing you as you learn.
Memrise lets you participate with videos featuring a “Learn with Locals” course. Discover how to pronounce the words straight from the source. Also, the app comes with an evaluation session with its Pronounce Mode. The free tier allows you to choose from 23 available languages.
Some apps allow your tutor to schedule a regular session with you. With these programs, you can talk to a bilingual teacher who will help you start from the basics to the more complex statements. This is a great way to interact with another person, helping alleviate feeling alone.
Overcoming the Challenges of Learning
If learning a new language as an adult feels extra challenging, don’t worry. While it is true that everyone experiences changes in cognition as we age, there are strategies to help you overcome obstacles. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention lays out what you can do.
- Repeat essential information. You can say it over again or write it down on paper.
- Taking bite-sized information at a time makes it easier to remember. Focus on the essential elements of the data.
- Make information easy to see and read. If you are using an app, you can increase the font size. Many apps allow this for better reading, helping you digest the words more clearly. If reading through a web page feels distracting and busy, use the Reader View. The Reader View is a quick toggle beside the URL Bar, shaped in a paper-like icon. Most web browsers have this capability.
- Use assistive functions. Most language learning apps come with disability assist features, such as reading aloud the words for you. This helps you understand the proper pronunciation as well.
- Study in quiet places. Limit background noise when you are learning. At best, sit in a quiet, still room. This will keep your concentration on learning new words.
The best way to learn a second language? Take actual classes with a community of learners, just like you. Here at Ingleside, we encourage the residents to expand their knowledge by providing educational courses that will suit their tastes. Rediscover the beauty of words, among the many other programs we offer, by transitioning into your retirement with us. Call us at (202) 846-2651 to learn more about our services.