Importance of learning new languages

“A different language is a different vision of life" - Federico Fellini

Did you know? That we live in a world with 7000 languages, out of which only 23 are

spoken by half the global population.

Language is a quintessential way for us, as humans to communicate our thoughts, feelings

and connect with others, as well as identify the culture around us.

From birth, our parents speak to us, knowing that we do not know how to respond, and

majority of the time, it’s “say mama, mama” or “say dadda, dadda” where our mother hopes

that we say mama and our father hopes we say dadda.

Ever wondered how babies learn to re-iterate these words? Well, that’s the beauty of our

brains. Language development regardless of our differences are the highlights that are found

to be the most variable of all skills. Studies have shown that babies between the ages of 12-24 months are more likely to start to comprehend and speak a few words. For instance, toddlers who are slower than their peers in completing certain milestones may nonetheless be developing normally. It is critical to recognize and observe these trends, but not to become overly worried. If your kid communicates successfully via emotional expression, gestures, and other ways, he or she will generally develop speaking properly.

In the event, of us processing the language we speak our brains have a vital role to play. This

is shown that certain regions of the brain oversee comprehending words and phrases. These

brain areas are mostly situated on the left side of the brain and are linked by nerves. These

nerve connections constitute a network that serves as the brain's hardware for language. We

couldn't converse or understand what was being said if we didn't have this cerebral network.

Moreover, ever wondered where and how languages were originated. Language dates to

roughly 150,000 years ago. However, all the linguistic evidence dates to around 6000 years

ago, ever since writing commenced. As a result, the primary history of language is uncovered through educated assumptions and written evidence that is considerably newer than the era studied by linguists. All languages appear to have the same beginning, yet they gradually developed into vastly diverse creatures, much like animals. Consideration of the same root for all languages, on the other hand, necessitates additional proof.

Let us dive, into what the most used language in the world is and why is it so? The answer is

simple, the ‘English Language’ and the reason being is because the British colonized half of

the world, thereby the language spread quickly. Now, to think to oneself, how does this

impact us as a society? To put it shortly, “As English speakers, we live our lives in English.

Every notion we have is formed using the English words at our disposal. But how would our

experiences and thoughts vary if our primary language was German or Arabic instead of

English?” This shows that it develops and emerges through various cultures and contexts. It

also helps to enforce society.

In today’s day and age, the world is becoming globalized and is changing more than ever, so

it is vital for us to learn a new language apart from the language that we were groomed with.

By adapting to the world, its various cultures and with the correct technique and mentality,

you can blossom into the remarkable polyglot you've always wanted to become. Foreign language education is about learning how to really communicate and connect with

the rest of the world. It is a crucial life skill that can only be developed via interaction with

others. It helps us share information, thoughts, ideas and collectively create culture.

In terms, of employment opportunities. There is a growing number of individuals that migrate

to other countries for work and settlement, hence being able to communicate with civilians of

that country, aides them to navigate and interact with ease. This can also showcase your

multilingual ability which the foreign company would scout for.

Secondly, this helps you to becoming a better communicator. It requires you to develop your

listening abilities while changing your perspective on your native language people seldom

think twice about how their native language works, but language learners are compelled to be more aware of grammatical rules and structures, which can provide fresh insights into how they use their mother languages. Knowing a second language also helps you to connect with more people, and if you learn in a group environment, you instantly become a member of a bigger community of language learners. Speaking other languages, for me, keeps me linked to relatives and friends who live in other areas of the world where English is not spoken. Thirdly, when people speak in their native language, they rarely consider grammatically and lexically accurate structures that they employ in everyday circumstances. When individuals begin to study a foreign language, their native language's grammar and vocabulary become more important, and they learn to acquire a deeper knowledge of their own language. Foreign language learners can get fresh insights into their native languages while also strengthening their understanding of them.

Regarding your personal fulfilment, it results from being open to new ideas and challenges.

You may begin to view yourself and the world in a new light. You may also get a better

understanding and appreciation for your own tongue. Furthermore, learning languages have

been seen as a source of love in relation to a video shown on YouTube called ‘Where’s

Lucie.’ This stream of videos portrays to us that, languages does not always have to be

spoken but shown by actions and commitment. To sum up, this seems to be a vital skill to have as it improves and develops your critical thinking skills, and you are aware of various cultures and phrases which keeps you strongly connected with the world. Haven’t started learning a second language yet? It is never too late to begin learning. Even if you just learn for 5 minutes a day, with consistent practice, you may lay a good basis for beginning language studies. Your brain will be grateful!

Sources:

https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/why-is-it-important-to-learn-a-