6 Ways Learning a New Language Can Transform You

Throughout Human History, languages have always accounted as a connecting point for civilizations that share little to nothing in common.

They’ve proved themselves to be critical tools for building a healthy network of relationships, and over time, have been mastered by diplomats in order to set up a basis of understanding between two entities in the process of negotiating, exchanging goods, ideas, information, political statements agreements, and so on.

A language is a scheme of thoughts made of perceptions. It’s driven by reactions to a certain layouts of the environmental elements, and therefore is inherently shaped by nature.

It often seems that the birth and the development of speech has some sort of magical aspect to it. Which is why centuries ago, many conjectured that speech is an ability that would have been given to humankind by God.

However, at some point, some simply couldn’t settle for this affirmation, and therefore believed there was something more complex about the way languages took form. For decades, experts have relentlessly questioned our ability to uphold certain linguistic dispositions over an extended period of time. And what makes it so fascinating is that even today — a few theories later — we have yet to come to terms with the mystery of language.

We all think in our native language. But what happens when you get familiar with other languages? Why is it so important, today more than ever? How does it shape you?

1. It upgrades your intellectual capacities.

Studies have shown that there are countless neurological benefits to learning and mastering a second language.

Going back and forth between speaking one language and another is like completely switching modes. It requires the brain to do a 360 turn, recall linguistic structures, then put them into a specific context, which involves large amounts of brain power. This means it’s a great exercise that continually improves brain function: intelligence, memory, concentration, decision making, prioritization, and so on.

2. It expands and diversifies your sources of information, and therefore widens your knowledge on your topics of interest.

Let’s take the example of politics: people here in France have this ugly habit of watching the mainstream, reading newspapers, articles etc. in French only. And that, to me, is a pity. I find that when I try to discuss a current issue with some of my French pairs, it’s always the same arguments that come back over and over again throughout the conversation. I am quickly able to recognize the same arguments I have heard on TV and the rest of the country has access to. And not only is it boring in the long run, but also frustrating. Sadly, there are aspects of the truth that are not addressed by the French media, forcing the need to look for it elsewhere. One is limited by his language in his information intake; we can not afford to base knowledge on a couple of sources only. This prevents us from feeding our thoughts and speech in a way that is profitable to us and many others. I believe the only way to get closer to the truth, whatever that means, is by seeking its scattered pieces outside language barriers.

3. Getting better at speaking a new language or acknowledging your ability to communicate with a native-speaker immediately boosts up your confidence.

Your second or third language becomes part of who you are, adds up to your already-existing value. It adds substance to your personality, making you even more unique than you already are, which makes you feel secure when it comes to putting yourself out in the world and doing a speech for for example. You impress yourself as you realize the extent of your skills. Moreover, bilingualism ranks first in the most useful social skills in our globalized age; having that asset makes you stand out. This dramatically increases confidence and makes you want to look for more ways to explore your potential. And that is true success.

4. The process of learning a language is not just about the language itself; other teachings are strewn alongside the learning process, giving you access to a whole new culture with all its intriguing assets and characteristics: language, religion, social patterns, arts, music, philosophy, etc.

5. It enhances a sense of sympathy towards Humanity within you as you become more accepting of “the foreign”, “the other”.

People tend to take compassion for granted. You might believe you naturally have it in you, as you know deep inside you mean no ill-will towards anyone, but what I’ve found when looking around me is that oftentimes we claim principles out loud but it is hard to translate them those into real-life action. I believe that phenomenon takes root in the lack of mindfulness and inner-connection an increasing amount of people show. As time goes by, if we don’t practice mindfulness, we are likely to get detached from the values we preach. It is easy to portray yourself a certain way, but you never really internalize perception until your actions bear witness of it. Maybe we aren’t putting enough effort in deeply accepting everyone’s origins and cultures. We can all tell by experience how difficult it is, but how necessary is it?

That’s where languages play a role.

When you learn a new language, you find yourself able to connect with other citizens of the world who were born to different mindsets, you make their reality a part of your own.

You accept it as your norm.

You develop a profound understanding of other points of view. And that doesn’t involve giving up on your own, replacing them, or losing track of who you are. It only shows you are open to learning from others and allowing them to broaden your perception of things.

Humility is the only pass you need to override borders, and that is the start of empathy.

6. A language, sometimes made of dialects itself, is the living proof that there is something universal to humans.

Being fluent in at least two languages makes you realize one thing: that within the depths of time, and despite the different forms of expressions we have out there: humans have always shared the same longing for consideration, social integration, and understanding. When you start reflecting on this statement, you’ll immediately allow humility to wash away that burdensome foam of prejudice you may or may not carry, and naturally place you on the road to acceptance.