It is well known how important it is for a child to learn a foreign language. It is easy to see that kids learn faster and easier. Plus, the learning improves their problem solving, connects them with their creativity, enhances their career prospects, and helps them build tolerance. But you are not in school anymore and you ask yourself whether it is still possible for you to do so. Stop wondering, because the answer is a clear and definite yes. Every age is the right one to start something new or learn a new skill. It may not be as easy as it is for a younger one, for whom it all comes naturally, but it may be more rewarding, more interesting, and equally beneficial.

Below you will find some benefits of learning a language as an adult.

Improving mental function.
Even though there are a lot of questions that neuroscience cannot answer yet, it is certain that being able to formulate and express an idea in more than one tongue is beneficial for brain health. Apparently, making the switch from one language to another activates different areas of the brain in an activity that is for the brain as physical exercise is for the muscles. The more languages you speak, the more beneficial and greater those switches will be. In addition, studying a new code of communication slows brain ageing.

Motivation will be boosted.
You will be more motivated after being able to put your new skills into practice. After learning a new set of words, you can always go to the internet to find an article about that topic and refreshing and confirming what you’ve learnt. You will be 100% content and confident after noticing that the waiter in your holiday destination actually understood you. The reward of being able to stop reading the subtitles of that show will be gigantic. As an adult, you are aware of the reasons for you doing what you do, and you will feel more fulfilled after achieving your targets.

Greater vocabulary and ability to make abstractions.
Every now and then everyone learns and incorporates new words. A person’s range of vocabulary in their own tongue becomes bigger as the years go by. Therefore, as a grown-up you will understand more easily the synonyms and other subtle shades of speech, as you have experienced more life situations in the language(s) you already speak. It will also be less complicated to understand abstract concepts, such as time and tenses.

Interesting way to spend the time.
As an adult, you make your own choices. You can choose how you spend your free time: alone in your living room, sitting in front of the TV or scrolling some social media, or getting more active and going and studying Spanish, or other new language. If you go for the latter, you will likely meet new and stimulating people, you will force yourself to put your brain back in practice and, at the end of the day, you will probably feel better about yourself and your life.

You will challenge yourself.
Making the decision of starting something new is, by itself, the first victory. Getting any skill is a route full of challenges, and passing them is such a rewarding experience. It is definitely worth trying.

Those are only some of the benefits of learning a new code of communication. This list is not exhaustive. No matter how old or unfit you think you are, studying a new language will be great for you. After giving it a try, you will see the fruits of the harvest sooner than later. Today is the perfect day to start.

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