15 reasons why you should learn a new language

Have you thought about writing New Year's resolutions yet? If not, you should consider the possibility of learning a new language, a type of learning so valuable that it not only expands your vocabulary, but it is also capable of breaking down borders that have been limiting you in many aspects.

In fact, there is no reason why these types of initiatives benefit you; there are several.

• Related article: "10 psychological tips for learning languages"

The reasons why it would be good for you to learn another language

Let me tell you why you should learn a new language next year…

1. Improve mastery of the first language

Goethe, the German poet, said "he who does not know foreign languages, knows nothing of his own".

2. Improves the ability to listen

People generally focus on their ability to speak and express themselves, believing that this is the only requirement for optimal communication. Knowing how to listen implies direct attention to the other person's words.

3. If you already know a language, it is easier to learn another

You will be challenging your brain and I assure you that it will rise to the occasion. And no making excuses…If you already know a language, you can learn another online or become self-taught quickly.

4. Increases attention and improves memory

In these times, we spend our lives between electronic devices, therefore it is very interesting that an activity manages to increase attention and improve memory. Both They are faculties of our mind that we must exercise frequently. So you know, you must "send to the gym" to your brain.

• Related article: "Types of memory: how does the human brain store memories?"

5. Improves self-esteem and confidence

Going reaching goals and achieving objectives provides you with a boost in self-esteem and a strong dose of confidence to continue.

• You may be interested in: "10 keys to increase your self-esteem in 30 days"

6. Bilingual people possess certain virtues

Bilingual or even multilingual people they are more creative, more tolerant, more flexible and have a more open mind to the world.

7. Bilingualism makes us better at multitasking

Multitasking is the ability of a person to do several things at the same time.

• Related article: "Bilingualism and intelligence, personality and creativity: how are they related?"

8. Raise your expectations about the future

Studying, working and even living abroad will be dreams come true. Traveling will be different from now on. If you are a student or professional, your work and training horizon will change from learning another language.

9. You know other cultures

Learning another language implies immersing yourself in a new universe. Soon you will learn another way of conceiving the world, other ways of thinking and living.

10. You meet other people and make new friends

It is clear: with new ways of expressing themselves, new social contacts arrive.

11. Helps make better decisions

When people manage to think in another language, they are more likely to make better decisions or decisions that are more deliberate and less dependent on emotions.

12. Improves cognitive flexibility

Learning a language improves ability to adapt to new situations. In addition, the brain grows especially in the hippocampal area when the area in charge of language is activated.

13. Prevents senile dementia

Speaking at least two languages ​​can reduce the dementia. Bilingual brains delay the effects of aging. Being bilingual is a way to keep our brain active.

14. Reduces Alzheimer's

Bilingualism delays the onset of the first symptoms of Alzheimer's by about five years. People who have spoken two languages ​​during their lives have a greater cognitive reserve that allows them to face the disease much later.

15. Improves brain plasticity

People who learned more than one language as children activate a single area of ​​the brain while those people who learned a language as adults activate more than one region. That is, a region that controls the mother tongue and another that would be activated with the language learned late. This implies a greater effort for the brain, having to redesign new brain circuits.

Expand your world thanks to languages

So you know, now all you have to do is choose the language for next year. If you do not want to choose English, I suggest you think in the following languages:

• Mandarin Chinese
• French
• Italian
• German
• Portuguese
• Arab
• Japanese
• Sign Language of the country in which you reside