In today’s globalized world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is a valuable and sought-after skill. Although childhood has traditionally been thought to be the best time to learn new skills, such as a language, science suggests that adults also have advantages. significant in this process. This revelation not only challenges old perceptions, but opens doors to countless opportunities for personal and professional development.
Adults have a higher range of vocabulary and greater understanding of concepts the kind that a child may have who has to wait several years before learning some words, simply because they are too young to understand the concepts, just as happens when they acquire their native language.
An adult, having the motivation to learn and all your developed capabilitiesyou can find opportunities to educate yourself not only by attending classes but also through books, magazines, films in their original version, language exchanges, trips abroad or specialized social networks, among other options.
According to Boaz Keysarprofessor of psychology at University of Chicago, being bilingual can improve memory, cognitive flexibility, and the ability to think creatively. In addition, various studies suggest that bilingualism can help delay the onset of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases, For this reason, the mental exercise that learning a new language requires, has been the subject of several scientific studies that have discovered how it helps improve capabilities cognitive such as memory, which in turn can help prevent or delay the onset of diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Learn a second language During adulthood it may seem like a challenge, but Adults count on advantages significant in this process. Unlike children, adults have a greater capacity for concentration and previous learning experience, which allows them to address new languages with more effective strategies. Furthermore, personal and professional motivation is usually clearer and stronger in adulthood, significantly driving perseverance and progress. This skill not only opens doors to new work and cultural opportunities, but also contributes to cognitive well-being, delaying brain aging and improving flexibility mental.
The traditional notion that learning languages is easier before reaching adulthood is being challenged. Recent studies show that Adults have unique abilities that allow them to learn a second language efficiently.offering valuable cognitive and social benefits.
Lourdes Ortegaa professor of linguistics at Georgetown University who speaks four languages, explained to NatGeo: “Research says that adults are better learners in everything because we have a lot of self-regulation and we are very intentional when we want to learn something.”
While the United States Census Bureau reveals that approximately 20% of the American population speaks a second language, in Europe the figure is much higher, reaching 59%. This reflects cultural differences regarding the value of learning of languages in various regions.
Success in learning a new language not only depends on the age, but also other factors such as immersion and constant practice. According to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), native English speakers can learn Spanish or French in a few 24 to 30 weekswhile more culturally different languages, such as Greek or Russian, require some 44 weeks. In addition, there are other languages considered exceptionally difficult, such as Arabic or Mandarin, which can take up to double time Learning.
Professor Joshua Hartshorne of the MGH Institute of Health Professions comments that “people continue to improve at an new language for about 30 years,” challenging the perception that language learning stabilizes quickly.
Learning a second language also has important benefits for cognitive health and social life, especially for older adults. Boaz Keysar, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, points out that being bilingual It can increase memory and vocabulary, as well as prevent dementia.
The growing demand for language learning and the development of applications such as Babbel and Duolingo have made this task is more accessible, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace.
It’s never too late to learn a language as an adult because the human brain has a remarkable capacity for adaptation and learning throughout life. Neuroplasticity allows the creation of new neural connections, essential for learning a language. Furthermore, the life experience and prior knowledge of adults can facilitate the acquisition of new languages. These aforementioned studies show that continuous learning can improve memory, sharpen the mind and delay cognitive decline. Therefore, age should not be an impediment to language learning.
