December 30, 2020 Colleges, Raising Awareness, SAT 0

Getting “Lost in Translation”: The Benefits of Learning Another Language

Hello! Hola! Ciao! In today’s quick-moving and interconnected society, one can find themselves in a situation where they need to communicate with an individual that speaks a different language. With the globalization of businesses and culture, many high schools believe it’s a good idea to require students to take a foreign language to graduate. Learning other languages holds certain benefits both inside and outside of the classroom such as enhancing brain function, a variety of job opportunities, and connecting with other people and cultures.

In the midst of high school/college chaos, many students fail to realize just how beneficial learning a new language can be. Individuals who speak more than one language possess improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills, enhanced memory and concentration, ability to multitask, and even stronger listening skills. A recent study by the College Board concluded that there was a positive correlation between the study of foreign languages and SAT scores, meaning those who have studied other languages have higher scores than those who have not.

If a student has a higher SAT score, due to their study of another language or something else, they will be more likely to be accepted by the college of their choice. These cognitive benefits are not only reserved for high school students, but rather any adult who wants to learn another language. Every adult would like their mind to stay young and sharp. Learning other language requires your brain to develop in different ways and is proven to slow brain decline and improve focus.

But how exactly does learning a language build a better brain? Studies show that learning a foreign language expands the size of the brain’s language centers and the hippocampus (part of the brain that forms and retrieves memories). Also, it increases the number of neural pathways between parts of the brain. This means that the brain functions more rapidly and more efficiently. With the introduction of another language comes visible changes to the structure of the brain within a fairly short amount of time. These findings were even found in elderlies, meaning that the brain is capable of growth and change even very late in life. Very interesting, right?

However, the benefits of learning other language don’t just include the expansion of the brain and prolonging of mental capabilities, but some things that are a bit more noticeable to the eye.

Have you ever filled out a job application and reached the language capability section only to select English? Being bilingual, or even multilingual is a unique advantage that sets you apart from others. No matter the field you work in, the demand for those who are bilingual is rising due to expanding overseas markets and customers. Being bilingual can lead to more job opportunities and increased earning potential.

Let’s say you wanted to learn a language for travel or to explore the culture of others. Learning another language allows you to communicate and bond with people you otherwise wouldn’t or couldn’t have before. Knowing Italian, on your trip to Italy, helps you find your way around, order at restaurants, interact with locals, and fully immerse yourself in others’ culture.

Whatever your motivation for learning a language, Miles Smart Tutoring is here to help. Our tutors are either native speakers or extremely proficient in the language they teach. We offer a flexible and engaging environment for students of any age that are interested in learning new languages such as French, Latin, Spanish, Mandarin, or ESL. For more information, reach out to us today at (813) 328-3036. For more information, visit https://milessmarttutoring.com/

Good luck on your journey to learning a new language-the possibilities are endless. Goodbye! Adiós! Addio!

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