Let Us Learn a New Language and Be Healthier
By Tom Herrin
There was a time when many people in the field of education believed that students who spoke more than one language tended to struggle with learning on an average level. This may have had little basis considering what they were using as a measuring tool, but the perspective on that has changed quite a bit. It is now known that learning a new language can provide a real advantage for those who do. Not only can a second language give a better opportunity for some, it can also do other good things for overall health. In this time when many people are still avoiding as much socializing as they once did, they may have a prime opportunity to increase their learning.
Learning a New Language May Increase Brain Capacity
Anytime people learn new information, it is believed to improve mental capacity. Some things do this more than others. It has been concluded that when people learn a new language, they increase areas of the brain that have to do with memory. It is obvious that this learning is a significant challenge and does a great job of stimulating the brain. For those who are serious about wanting to improve mental ability, this is a highly successful activity.
Attention Span May Be Increased
There is plenty of information out there about those who have issues relating to attention span. In some cases, people take medication to help deal with this problem. There may be some extremes in which this is necessary, but a healthier approach may simply be to make the effort to learn a new language. According to a study from York University, those who switch back and forth from one language to another have a better attention span. It seems likely that this could happen as it would seem to require a keen ability to focus on the language task.
Be Brave and Learn
Many of us subscribe to the notion that we learned a language early on and feel good about it. Going to the effort to learn another language may seem pointless. In this world, communication is a major part of all that we do. With all of the various groups of people we deal with, what is so wrong with the idea of being better able to communicate without the use of an interpreter? I am on board as I know I have my limits. If I can learn a new language as well as improve something about my overall health at the same time, I will be making much better use of my time.
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