The Power of Learning a Language! Sia Pathak JAGS

As A-Level choices are being made across the country, the number of student taking modern foreign languages is continuing to decline, to concerning levels. Especially in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, the number of student taking languages is relatively low due to the reduced face-to-face teaching in recent years. In 2022 the British Council Schools Advisor’s statement said, “it’s essential that schools prioritise language learning, and look to build back international opportunities and connections that have been in decline over the last few years. The benefits of having language skills and an understanding of other cultures cannot be overstated, particularly as the UK renegotiates its place on the world stage.”

It is often easy to overlook the plethora of benefits that come with learning a language, despite there being many.

Firstly, some studies have shown that after learning a language, the parts of the brain that control learning and memory (hippocampus and cerebral cortex) are larger. This explains why language learning improves memory and problem solving in general. Furthermore, it increases the density of grey matter in the brain, where neurons and synapses responsible for processing and transferring information are found, meaning the function of the brain generally improves.

Furthermore, the mental effort involved in learning a new language is much like a work out at the gym- but for the brain! It has been shown that learning a language can extend the time taken to get Alzheimer’s and dementia by as much as 5 years.

Being competent in multiple languages can positively influence work in other areas, it increases attention span, focus levels, and the ability to multitask, as being able to switch between languages quickly is a key skill acquired when speaking in different languages. In addition, it improves the ability to filter out irrelevant information when working on a task, as language speakers do when speaking in another language.

Finally, learning a language can make you happier- the feeling of success and achievement felt when you successfully learn a new piece of vocabulary, or understand another person speaking a foreign language is a great one, and this can help boost mood and alleviate stress. It also can increase self esteem and personal confidence.

The benefits of learning languages are really numerous, and it is essential that schools encourage students to keep their options open, and embrace the benefits that learning a new language have to offer.