The Surprising Health Benefits of Learning A New Language

Learning a new language isn’t easy, but if you’re willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone you will be surprised at the benefits it can bring. Evidence shows that learning a new language can stretch your brain and even develop new neural pathways, so whether you’ve never tried a new language but are eager to give it a try or you want to brush up on your existing skills, the experts at Absolute Translations have compiled a list of 7 reasons why learning a new language should be at the top of your list of challenges for 2020.

Photo by Solovyova/iStock / Getty Images

Photo by Solovyova/iStock / Getty Images

1. Boost your job prospects

The first quarter of any new year is well known to be the peak hiring season. If you’re looking to secure a new job or even a promotion in your current role, your interest in learning about another culture and perfecting a new language will make you stand out from competitors and sell yourself as a well-rounded candidate. Businesses are always scouting people who can work in international industries so if your skill sets reflect the company’s global aims you will be miles ahead of competitors.

2. Reduce your chances of dementia

study performed by York University of Toronto found that learning a new language has very powerful impact on the brain and it can lead to delaying dementia. It found that those who took the time to learn a new language developed dementia five years after than those who only spoke their native mother tongue!

3. You won’t feel like a tourist

Learning a new language will bring you an array of benefits when you’re travelling from understanding how to navigate yourself on public transport to knowing how to order in restaurants. Knowing your surroundings through the local language will allow you to be immersed into the culture fully, you don’t have to be fluent but knowing the basic vocabulary will be key when talking to locals which can lead to new friendships being made.

4. You will boost your memory and attention span

People who have the skill of speaking more than one language are skilled at switching between the two systems of speech, writing and structure. The switching between the two makes it easier to multitask in other aspects of life such as your career and in leisure. 

 

5. Quicker recovery 

A study made by the University of Edinburgh found that people who can speak more than one language can recover from a stroke quicker, this because they are more likely to regain cognitive functions if they were multilingual. The theory was explained by the Dr. at the university who claimed that ‘The mental challenge of speaking multiple languages provides a kind of cognitive reserve, a protective barrier, that help the brain cope with damaging influences such as stroke or dementia.’

Photo by PeopleImages/iStock / Getty Images

Photo by PeopleImages/iStock / Getty Images

6. Increase your confidence 

Language learning does open up doors to converse with strangers and to show off your newfound opinions. If you’re lucky enough to travel to the country of your target language, then you will feel a rush of excitement when you successfully order a drink or give directions to someone. This will excite you and make you want to learn further.

 

7. Increase brainpower

Learning a new language at any age can increase brainpower. Millions of people engage in brain training in a bid to keep mentally sharp but learning a second language is far more beneficial. Compared to people that only speak one language, multilingual speakers have a higher general intelligence and are more perceptive of their surroundings.

About Absolute Translations

Starting from one founding translator working across four languages in 2000, Absolute Translations has grown into a globally respected company providing expert translation in over 200 tongues. The company was the first ISO 17100:2015 certificate holder in the UK, guaranteeing high quality translation services. In 2014, the company was one of 25 to take part in the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses venture. For more information, please visit www.absolutetranslations.com.


#inconversation

In this brand new episode, Natalie, Anna & Lyndsey talk health, fitness & weight management with UP Fitness Commercial Director Mark Bohannon. Having worked with Gemma Atkinson, Catherine Tyldesley and a whole host of other celebrity clients Mark gives his expert advice for tackling loss of motivation, mid-cycle fatigue and beating anxiety.

Saturday, February 8, 2020

  • 6:00 PM 10:00 PM

  • Aspire Leeds (map)

The Capsule by Natalie Anderson brings you an evening of Fashion, Styling & Building Body Confidence. Featuring a range of independent fashion & beauty brands, styling demos and insightful discussion from a panel of guest speakers, this is an evening not to be missed. Tickets on sale now at our New Year price of £30 (normally £35)

Featuring

Anna Mewes, Celebrity Stylist Martine Alexander, The Long & The Short Of It @Wearitlikeruth & @thesearchforsassiness, Clockface Beauty, Katie and May, Apparel Leeds, Moo Boutique, UP Fitness Arran of Scotland….

Guest Speakers

Rachel Peru (JD Wiliiams Model)

Sophie Austin (Call The Midwife & Hollyoaks)

Chrissie Bray, (@chrissiescorner) blogger and body confidence activist

Further Guest Speakers & Brands to be announced shortly….

NOTE: If you are an emerging fashion brand and would like to be part of this event please email us directly at contact@thecapsule.co.uk