Since the year of dot I have struggled to pronounce my own name never mind ‘el gato, le chat or die Katze’. Yet, despite my struggles, my interest in languages outside of my mother-tongue has never wavered. From fable attempts at school to self-taught trials through online resources, my ambition to pass conversation in another language has always been a dream.
I think as a native English speaker it can be wrongly assumed that there is no need to speak another language as English is so universal now. But to me, this would be an absolute mistake. To speak another language doesn’t simply mean you have a different word for the same object, but instead, you have another door opened into a world of new cultures, new people, new entertainment and learning.
I’m a fan of many languages, especially foul, but one that’s had a special place in my corazon is Spanish, with approximately 437 million people speaking it you can see the appeal. But it’s not solely the popularity of the western romance language which gets me all romantic about it. I think a big part to play is my love for the music genre – Reggaeton. Artists which I’m particularly a fan of are J Balvin, Bad Bunny and Anuel AA to name but a few.
The language is sensual, rhythmical and flamboyant. What’s not to love? Whether Spanish is your desired language of choice or maybe you have another, here are some reasons why you should maybe want to start getting those language lessons in:
- Alzheimer’s Disease Delayed
Studies have shown that multi-lingual people may be able to delay the onset of degenerative diseases of the mind by approximately 5 years. Based upon the theory that being a lifelong mutli-lingual could increase our ‘cognitive Reserve’. Cognitive reserve being the brain’s ability to improvise if need be to complete a task.
- Your Native Language Skills Improve
Who doesn’t love reciting grammar repeatedly till their blue in the face? A benefit to this rather monotonous task is that you’ll actually improve further in your native language. Because in a way you are re-practicing the grammar structure of your first language and using that to learn the second.
- Improves Your Memory
You lower your risk of developing memory problems as outlined by this study. I quote the study ” Researchers discovered that those people who spoke four or more languages were five times less likely to develop cognitive problems compared to those people who only spoke two languages.
People who spoke three languages were three times less likely to have cognitive problems compared to bilinguals.”
Eventhough learning a language requires time and dedication. If the above details don’t make you want to become fluent in one then I don’t know what will. It’s highly attractive too! How many more positives do I need to list!
los idiomas son fantasticos!
The Neon Squid 