{"id":20141,"date":"2020-10-16T12:56:59","date_gmt":"2020-10-16T16:56:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.pimsleur.com\/?p=20141"},"modified":"2026-02-02T12:41:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:41:55","slug":"get-smarter-what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-learn-a-language","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pimsleur.com\/blog\/get-smarter-what-happens-to-your-brain-when-you-learn-a-language\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Life-Changing Benefits of Learning a Language"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Extraordinary Benefits of Learning a Language<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language is challenging and it takes a ton<\/em> of time. Years, usually. If you\u2019ve already started learning a second language<\/a>, then you know how much effort it takes. At times it can feel like pushing a jeep up a hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the US Foreign Service Institute<\/a>, learning even the \u201ceasiest\u201d languages can take more than 600 hours before a student is fluent. That\u2019s a lot of time you could\u2019ve been watching Modern Family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So why learn a language? Especially when translators are so good?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, there\u2019s actually a lot more that we get from learning a language than just <\/em>the language. Learning a language can change your brain, your career, and even your love life. Here\u2019s our narrowed down list with just some of the amazing benefits of learning a language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language is difficult and it requires a huge investment of time and effort. So why learn? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

12 Life-Changing Benefits of Learning a Language<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Learning a Language Makes You Smarter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The benefits of learning a language on your brain are well-documented<\/a> by scientists. According to one study<\/a> from the University of Edinburgh, studying a second language increases intelligence as well as both verbal and reading fluency\u2014even when the language is learned as an adult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also seems to stimulate areas of the brain associated with attention and capacity to concentrate<\/a>. Other research has found that knowing another language boosts memory, critical thinking<\/a>, and even problem-solving ability<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Learning a Language Helps Your Career<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In an increasingly globalized world, being able to speak, listen, understand, and negotiate in another language could help your resume stand out. A second language can increase your chances of finding good jobs<\/a> and may help you earn a higher salary<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who take advantage of a second language to travel and get to know other cultures develop soft skills highly valued by employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And since interpretation and translation jobs are expected to grow significantly<\/a>, your second language could be a boon for your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Learning a Language Protects Your Brain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language is a great exercise for your brain. And exercise is important to keep it healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to neuroplasticity, a second language can functionally and physically reconfigure the structure of our brains. This helps keep it from declining with age. In one study, researchers found that being bilingual helps to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease<\/a>, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The researchers estimate that bilingualism can delay Alzheimer’s disease by 4.5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 5 million people are affected by Alzheimer\u2019s disease in the U.S., and estimates suggest that this number will triple by 2060. Learning a language can be a great way to protect yourself by keeping your brain more active and healthy. (And don\u2019t worry, you\u2019re never too old to learn a language<\/a>!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Learning a Language Makes You More Creative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being bilingual sparks your creativity<\/a>. The reason is simple: mastering a second language puts you in constant contact with other cultures, people, and different ways of seeing the world. When you speak a different language, you have to get used to actually thinking <\/em>differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A 2012 study<\/a> provided some evidence for this: the researchers observed that bilingual children scored higher on tasks measuring creativity and were better at solving problems than their monolingual peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply put: a second language inspires you to think in new, innovative ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Learning a Language Makes You Sexier<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re single, or perhaps interested in spicing up your relationship<\/a>, language learning is for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a study conducted in 2017<\/a>, 71% of the 3,000 Americans interviewed in the survey reported that they find bilingual people sexier than monolingual people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are thinking about learning French<\/a>, consider this one more reason to get started: according to the survey, French is the sexiest language of all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. A Language Can Help You Travel<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language can help you travel<\/a> more safely. Not knowing the basics could get you in trouble, even if you are great at using Google translator. Knowing how to greet others<\/a> and some of the most common phrases<\/a> to use in an emergency could save your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Language Learning Helps Your Social Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bilinguals have the unique opportunity to communicate with a wider range of people in their personal and professional lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picture yourself at a hostel in Budapest. You\u2019ll get way more out of the experience\u2014and be much more likely to make friends\u2014if you can speak Hungarian<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don’t even have to travel to boost your social life with a second language. You can use applications like HelloTalk,<\/a> HiNative<\/a>, or Tandem<\/a>, to build friendships with natives from wherever you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, research suggests that learning a language improves your communication skills<\/a> in your own native language. So learning a foreign tongue might actually have a better social life at home, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. It Makes You a Better Cook<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve discussed in other articles how cooking and wine<\/a> can help you to study a language, and I personally cannot think of a more delicious way to study. Learning a language should not be stressful or boring; on the contrary, the best results come when you build your language learning program<\/a> around your interests and passions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studying recipes in a new language will simultaneously improve your vocabulary and make you a more sophisticated cook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. A New Language Can Improve Your Love Life<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the best ways to maintain a long, healthy, and passionate relationship is by doing new and challenging activities<\/a> together. And what is more novel and challenging than learning a new language<\/a>? By the end, you\u2019ll not only have developed your communication skills but you\u2019ll have grown closer to your partner in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language is also the perfect excuse to plan a romantic trip to spice things up even more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Language Learning Teaches You About Other Cultures and Makes You More Empathetic<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a Czech<\/a> proverb that goes, \u201cAs many languages you know, as many times you are a human being<\/strong><\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language isn’t just about the <\/a>language<\/a><\/em>; it is also connecting to other people and cultures. Discovering new vocabulary puts you in touch with a society\u2019s entire history\u2014its traditions, religions, arts, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A greater understanding of a peoples\u2019 history promotes greater tolerance and acceptance of others and, consequently, can help you to be more empathetic.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. It Can Sharpen Your Decision Making<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies find that people who speak more than one language can be\u00a0more motivated by reason\u00a0than those who speak only one language. Not just that, but these studies suggest that connections formed in the brain to find quick answers in everyday communication in a second language also seem to sharpen\u00a0problem-solving skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. It Challenges You<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I think this might be my favorite benefit of learning a language: it\u2019s challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is being challenged a benefit <\/em>of language learning? Because it teaches you about yourself\u2014<\/em>you never know what you\u00b4re capable of until you test your own limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you learn a new language, especially when you do it alone, you are engaging in a kind of self-inquiry. What do I want to know? How can I learn it? How far have I come?<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something magical about learning a language\u2014and mastering it\u2014that can help us develop self-knowledge. In the long, language learning can make us more confident and courageous in overcoming future challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Learning a language can really change your life. It may allow you to understand people who are different from you, provides opportunities for a deep connection to new places and cultures, and develop empathy. A better job, better social life, and a lower likelihood of developing dementia aren\u2019t bad side effects either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Effort Required to Learn a Language is High, But So Are The Rewards<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So get started! Test Drive a Free Pimsleur lesson<\/a> today. Or, start your Free 7-Day Trial with full access to any language in our suite. Afterward, pay only $19.95 per month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Extraordinary Benefits of Learning a Language Learning a language is challenging and it takes a ton of time. Years, usually. If you\u2019ve already started learning a second language, then you know how much effort it takes. At times it can feel like pushing a jeep up a hill. 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