Language Learning Archives

Did you grow up bilingual? Are you curious about the importance of learning a second language while you’re young? Let’s take a closer look at what it really means to be bilingual in today’s world.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being bilingual?

Researchers do not yet understand the full impact of bilingualism on the lives of those who grow up speaking two languages. However, what we know so far seems to suggest that the positive effects of bilingualism far outweigh the negative.

Advantages

For starters, fluency in two languages has been shown to improve a person’s ability to multitask, pay attention, solve problems and think creatively. Bilingualism also has been linked to boosting working memory performance.

Outside of cognitive development, bilingual people also have personal benefits. If you learned two languages as a child, you have access to two cultures. Travel can be approached with more confidence and you may find yourself with more professional and academic opportunities.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of bilingualism are few, but it is worth noting that speaking two languages can bring its own unique challenges.

Bilingual people can experience language fluency delay, accidentally mix the two languages, and sometimes find that one language dominates the other, especially if you live in a country where one language is dominant.

Lexical retrieval (the ability to think of words) can also occasionally lapse, leading to the “tip of the tongue” (TOT) effect when someone can’t quite recall a familiar word from their learned vocabulary.

At what age can you be bilingual?

Technically, a person can be bilingual as soon as they start speaking. As a child’s vocabulary expands, so does their bilingual capacity. This can pose a challenge, though, as the more words you learn in one language, the more you need to learn in the other to maintain your bilingual ability.

If you have parents who are fluent in two languages, each may communicate with you in “their” language. (For example, your dad may speak to you in Spanish while your mom speaks to you in English.) If your parents are not bilingual, it’s possible you had a nanny or babysitter who spoke another language so you could gain exposure.

According to a study by Cognition, an international journal that publishes theoretical and experimental papers on the study of the mind, there is a “critical cut-off age” for learning a language fluently. Their research shows that if you want to have native-like knowledge of a language, you should ideally start learning before age 10. But you’re not doomed if you start your language learning journey after that!

At a young age, bilingual acquisition is as natural as learning how to walk or crawl. Kids who learn decoding skills in one language will easily transfer these skills to any other language. Multicultural parenting may not be the easiest, but it comes with many advantages for the children.

Benefits of being bilingual from a young age

#1 Better concentration: Bilingual children can switch between languages quickly, improving their ability to focus in noisy environments. #2 Arithmetic and problem-solving: Bilingual kids show better mental alertness and excel in problem-solving tasks. #3 Creativity and ability to hypothesize: Decoding multiple languages enhances the capacity to generate and explain scientific ideas. #4 Better language and vocabulary: Understanding sounds and tenses gives bilingual children an advantage in reading and spelling. #5 Brain exercise: Bilingual brains are more active and alert, leading to enhanced cognitive abilities. #6 Better communication: Multilingual kids excel in interpersonal understanding, making them effective communicators. #7 Improved memory: Learning multiple languages requires memory retention, benefiting academic performance and everyday tasks. #8 Faster response: Bilingualism trains the brain to switch between languages quickly, leading to shorter reaction times. #9 Improved social life and better family connections: Speaking multiple languages opens up new social opportunities and strengthens family bonds. #10 Open-mindedness: Multilingual kids tend to be more open-minded, tolerant, and empathetic towards others.

How does being bilingual affect you throughout life?

Everyone is different, and there are no blanket rules when it comes to speaking more than one language.

Some bilingual children can struggle to develop reading and writing skills to the same level of proficiency in both languages simultaneously – racing ahead in one while the other lags behind.

Additionally, if you speak two languages from childhood, you may also confuse the grammatical structure of the two languages, leading to mistakes in both languages in the early stages of language development.

However, you likely overcame these potential struggles as you grew up and your language skills improved. The pros of being bilingual definitely outweigh the cons. Here are our top six benefits of bilingualism:

#1 Academic advantage

Studies on executive function have shown that bilingual students can outperform monolingual students in a number of subject areas. If you’re bilingual, you have strong mental skills, including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control – all of which can help with overall academic development.

#2 Easy travel and social success

Being able to speak a second language can make travel more accessible and enjoyable. The ability to easily converse with people around the world can lead to a greater sense of global citizenship and enhanced social skills—a win/win!

#3 A greater sense of personal identity

If you grew up in a bilingual household, speaking both languages likely helped you to feel more connected to your ancestry. Acknowledging the importance of family culture and heritage is an important part of developing a strong sense of personal identity.

#4 Increased appreciation of different cultures

You don’t have to speak a culture’s language to learn about and respect it, but being bilingual can allow for a more immersive and direct experience with different communities.

#5 Access a more exciting job market

The global job market is increasingly international with many companies operating in locations across continents. Being able to speak more than one language will make you a more competitve and desirable candidate when it comes to applying for jobs and opportunities.

#6 Becoming multilingual is easier

Bilingual people have a better grasp of the ability to analyze different aspects of a language including sounds, syntax and words. This enhanced aptitude for languages, in general, makes it easier to learn a third or fourth language too!

Overall, the relatively manageable challenges that might crop up in the short term are well worth it when you consider the multitude of benefits in the long term. Being bilingual is a gift that keeps on giving.

If you haven’t spoken a second language from a young age, you may believe that you won’t be able to learn one now. However, you absolutely can! If you’re interested in learning a second language, why not join one of our inlingua International Language Centers – inlingua?

Sources:

https://insights.gostudent.org/en/top-6-benefits-of-bilingualism
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-43947365
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/22/growing-up-bilingual-can-improve-attentiveness-efficiency-study.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-81545-5
https://multiculturalkidblogs.com/2021/07/12/10-childhood-benefits-of-being-bilingual/

Is it really possible to learn a foreign language after 60?

Studies show that the oldest language learners have the strongest willpower. In addition, life experience, discipline and patience play key roles in the language learning process. Older learners can usually draw from a large reserve of memory and learning strategies. In this respect, they clearly have the better cards than adolescent learners.

Brain research is also encouraging. The brain of a person of advanced age is still malleable, “plastic”, as described by scientists. Short-term memory is affected by our aging processes, but not long-term memory, which is responsible for language comprehension and factual knowledge. This is because biological degradation of the brain caused by age, or the decline in learning ability, does not occur in a healthy person until after the age of 80.

Luckily for us, learning a foreign language can be crowned with success even in our later years.

What’s the point of learning new languages at a certain age?

There are as many different reasons for learning a foreign language as there are people – perhaps you’ll recognize yourself in some of the reasons mentioned here?

Traveling and learning about foreign cultures

Of course, it’s much easier to make new contacts in the destination country and to tap into cultural idiosyncrasies if you speak the local language.

Meeting new people

New contacts can be made not only in a foreign country, but also while learning the language at home. In a course you may meet people with similar interests, which can lead to new friendships.

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Lifelong learning & staying mentally fit

For many people, education and training are priorities with a high personal value. Their entire lives have been characterized by curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. In addition, it has been proven that learning languages keeps you mentally fit. It acts like a workout program for the brain and challenges the memory. As a result, this mental jogging counteracts the aging processes of the brain.

Personal interest

Often there are specific individual reasons for wanting to learn a particular language even at an advanced age. The great mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, for example, was so interested in the publications of his Russian colleague Nikolai Lobachevsky that he learned Russian. He was already 63 years old when he began studying Russian. Family ties or ties to a specific country can also be decisive factors for studying a language.

How does it work to learn successfully at a certain age?

As you get older, you learn differently – but not worse – than when you were still at school. Here are a few learning tips.

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Be patient with yourself

Basically, with increasing age, short-term memory decreases and you need longer and more repetition to utilize your long-term memory. Therefore, do not put yourself under unnecessary pressure to learn a language without errors in the shortest possible time. Plan a little more time and choose to learn only a few new vocabulary words a day and repeat them more often.

Learn from life

If you can apply what you learn right away, you learn especially effectively. Therefore, when learning, you should start with the vocabulary you are most likely to use. So, if you are planning a trip, start by learning how to say hello, goodbye and thank you, how to ask for prices or directions to a hotel. This way, you'll strike up conversation right away during your trip and increase your vocabulary that way.

Practice outside of the learning situation

Create as many opportunities as possible to use your newly acquired foreign language. Meet friends who speak the foreign language and have conversations with them. You’ll become more confident and secure with the new language and lose your inhibitions! Read books and magazines, listen to music in the target language and watch movies in the original language. Immerse yourself in this foreign world.

Book a language course

Since learning a foreign language on your own can be exhausting and boring, it’s recommended to join a language course. This way you get to know new people who have the same goal as yourself. In a course you not only read and practice the target language, but you also hear it – with the correct pronunciation and intonation.

Use your experience

One advantage you should use as an older learner is your ability to attach new knowledge to old. This allows you to draw from a wide range of appropriate learning techniques and use tricks as well as mnemonic devices to outsmart your flagging memory. At the same time, you have a wealth of experience to help you grasp the complex system of language.

The clear conclusion is, it’s never too late to learn! Good luck, your hard work and perseverance will pay off.

Would you like to learn a foreign language with a motivated and experienced trainer? inlingua has 50+ years’ experience in teaching languages in over 250 regions around the world. Get in touch here!

Sources:

Sprachen lernen im Alter? Ja, unbedingt! – Erfolgreiches Sprachenlernen

There’s an adage in English that says, “Anything worthwhile in life takes time and effort”. This wise saying clearly applies to acquiring foreign language skills.

There is no quick remedy to effectively learn a new language; however, there is a fun tool that can help you in your endeavours. Let’s take a closer look at a helpful resource which can go hand in hand with your inlingua courses: podcasts!

That’s right, podcasts! As you may have noticed, there has been a steady increase in the number of podcasts available on streaming platforms such as Google or Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Overcast, Audible, Player FM, Spotify, TuneIn, and Stitcher. Podcasts are very appealing because they are easily accessible (all you need is a phone or electronic device!) and most are also free of charge. There is also a wide range of topics you can choose from (sports, mystery, true crime, comedy and of course language learning).

Here are 5 ways in which podcasts can help you learn a new language:

1. Vocabulary

Imagine a large toolbox full of tools which are available to help you accomplish different tasks. If your knowledge of a foreign language could represent a toolbox, the words you acquire while learning a new language can be compared to the tools within the toolbox. Podcasts give you the opportunity to add more tools to your language toolbox by learning new vocabulary. You can either listen to a podcast that is geared towards learning the foreign language of your choice (more for beginners), or by listening to a podcast that talks about a specific topic of interest in the language you are learning (for more advanced learners).

When learning new vocabulary words, it is recommended to keep a pen and paper nearby to jot down new words and phrases. You may find that this active form of listening is more productive than the passive alternative of listening while multi-tasking and doing other activities.

2. Culture

Language and culture go hand in hand. Fall in love with the rituals, customs, and cultural practices of a foreign country by listening to podcasts that feature these aspects of a language.

Culture can be a great motivator to keep learning the language. Furthermore, something you learn in a podcast could be great material for an interesting conversation with a native speaker one day.

Podcasts can open a door to different societies, traditions, art, music, practices, foods, festivals, and customs.

3. Slow it down or speed it up

Did you know that a lot of streaming platforms allow you to slow down or speed up the audio? If you are a beginner, you might want to consider slowing down the speed of the podcast to allow you to understand what is being said or write down words and phrases. More advanced learners may want to practice listening at a more “native” speed and might consider speeding things up a bit.

Manipulating the speed of the podcast might also come in handy if you print out the transcript of the podcast and read along with the audio.

4. Idioms, Expressions and Pronunciation

As you can imagine, listening to a podcast has certain advantages over reading a book. By listening to a podcast, you can get used to the natural sounds of a language including accents, syllable stress, intonation and different forms of pronunciation that are almost imperceivable in written text. Intonation and slang can also be picked up more easily.

As most podcasts are produced by native speakers, it will also give you a glimpse of what native speakers sound like. Podcasts may also give you an introduction to expressions and slang found in a more casual setting which might not always be the case with academic recordings and books.

One of the more difficult aspects of learning a language is understanding idiomatic expressions. Storytelling and context found within examples can help non-native speakers understand what is meant with these popular yet often confusing phrases.

5. Read, Write and Speak while you listen

Believe it or not, it is possible (and recommended) to exercise more than just your listening skills when listening to podcasts.

As most podcasts come with a transcript, practice your reading skills by reading along with the podcast. Reading along while listening may increase your focus. While having a candid conversation in real life with a native-speaker or a teacher is the ideal way to develop your speaking skills, you can also record yourself reading out loud and practice your accent, pronunciation, and intonation.

Keeping a pen and paper nearby will allow you to write down handy words and phrases which you can later study/practice. Keep a vocabulary journal and use the notebook to make a fun flash card game so that you can review the words later. Podcasts are a great way to practice comprehension based on context. Not sure what a specific word or phrase is? Perhaps the answer lies within another part of the text (transcript) or audio.

So, can you learn a new language only with podcasts?

The short answer is no. Nothing quite beats a professional instructor who can correct and guide you on the spot as well as practice with other language learners and native speakers. This is one of the reasons inlingua courses are proven to be so successful. Nevertheless, you would be surprised by the progress you can make by listening to a podcast in a foreign language 20 minutes a day outside of your inlingua classes. Podcasts are convenient and helpful because they are easy to access and enriching. Perhaps the best solution would be to incorporate podcasts to your evening, weekend, and holiday schedule.

Written by: Chris A.

Sources:

Lenhart, Jan. Incidental Vocabulary Acquisition from Listening to Stories: a Comparison between Read-Aloud and Free Storytelling Approaches, Jan Lenhart, Sept. 2017, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319465425_Incidental_vocabulary_acquisition_from_listening_to_stories_a_comparison_between_read-aloud_and_free_storytelling_approaches.

Palombo, Marielle. “5 Benefits of Using Podcasts to Teach Academic Language to Els.” Listenwise Blog, Marielle Palombo, 9 Sept. 2022, https://blog.listenwise.com/2022/03/using-podcasts-to-teach-academic-language-to-els/.

Qiang, Wei. Effects of Podcasts and Learning Styles on Language Proficiency and Attitudes, Wei Qiang, https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED546877.pdf#page=175.

The fastest way to prepare for Italian conversations is to learn words and phrases that are likely to come up in everyday conversation. This means going against the traditional classroom way of learning languages: you don’t need to memorize all the rooms in a house, or names of sports before you can start having conversations with Italians. Just recognize the key words and observe the situation. The topics in a basic conversation are mostly the same.

Let’s start with names

It usually begins with basic greetings and pleasantries. The easiest (and most natural way) to introduce yourself to someone is to shake their hand and say:

Sono… [+ your name]

For example: Sono Katie (I’m Katie) Sono Matteo (I’m Matteo) Or you get asked: Come ti chiami?

Asking and answering small talk questions

After basic pleasantries, it’s time to pick up some common conversation questions in Italian. As in English, the first two questions that are most likely to come up in conversation are:

Di dove sei? Where are you from? Che lavoro fai? What do you do/is your occupation?

The simplest way to tell people where you’re from is to use “sono” (I am) + your nationality. For example: Sono italiano (I’m Italian – for males) If you want to name the city, you can say “sono di” (I’m from) + the city: For example: Sono di Londra (I’m from London) To describe your job, use “sono” (I am) + your job. For example: Sono insegnante (I’m a teacher – for males and females)

When you meet Italian people, they’ll probably ask you about yourself and your interests. It helps to have some prepared soundbites so you can talk about these topics without having to stop and think too much. One way to do this is to memorize a paragraph or two with basic personal information like your hometown, country, your job or your family. Italians love to ask your opinion of Italy and the Italians. The stereotype is true – talking about food is one of their favorite topics. Learning how to talk about food will also give you a great basis for light conversation in Italian. And making some nice comments about Italian food is bound to get you in the good graces of/regarded favorably by your conversation partner! Another classic small talk topic is the weather – Italians talk about it just as much as the British!

Managing communication breakdowns

Let’s not forget about the most important skill – managing communication breakdowns – because once you’ve mastered this, everything else will be easier. When people say they’re nervous about speaking a foreign language, usually they’re not scared of speaking it (that’s the goal!), they’re nervous about all the things that could go wrong, such as long silences or embarrassing mistakes. In other words, if you’re nervous about speaking Italian, you’re probably nervous about the communication breakdowns that could happen. The longer you can keep the conversation going in Italian, the better you’ll get at speaking.

Stopping people from replying in English

You finally pluck up the courage to try speaking Italian, then something frustrating happens… They reply in English!

Getting “Englished” is a common problem for language learners and it can knock your confidence before you’ve even started. Keep in mind that the reason Italians reply in English often has nothing to do with your language skills. They’re either trying to be nice, are used to dealing with foreigners all day and use English out of habit or want to practice their English. If you can see that a person is very busy and you’re not sure about your ability to speak Italian quickly, it’s probably better to go ahead and use English.

In other situations, there are a few techniques that will reduce your chances of getting “Englished”. Have the first phrase ready in your head and sound confident. Looking and behaving like an Italian will also help you. Dress smartly and avoid showing too much skin. Don’t drink cappuccinos or lattes after midday – they’re considered a breakfast drink in Italy. They also never drink wine with their pizza – the traditional combo is pizza & beer. If you get the chance, visit small towns that aren’t popular tourist destinations. You’ll be less likely to run into Italians who speak English, which will give you a great opportunity to practice your Italian.

« Thinking words »

When you start having conversations in Italian, it’s normal to have epically long pauses while you search your brain for words and combine them into grammatical sentences. When this happens, it’s useful to have some Italian “thinking words” because they will help you sound more Italian when you pause.

Switching “uhm” to “ehhhh” is a simple trick, but it instantly makes you sound more Italian. « Tipo » for example is the Italian equivalent to saying “like”, “kind of”, or “sort of” in English. But a bit less annoying. Or you can use « Diciamo » for « let’s say ». « Come dire…? » might help you as well for « How can I put it…? (literally: how can I say it) ». When they say « Senti » they mean either « listen to me » or « we need to talk». One of the most common expressions might be « Dai ». It’s equal to «give it!» or « come on!/really? ». « Allora » is the one you can use as a “filler word” to take some time to think before blurting out a response during a potentially embarrassing conversation, or to fill an awkward silence.

Hand gestures

It may sound like a cliché, but Italians love hand gestures. It’s part of their culture. So, don’t be surprised if Italian people use body language during a conversation! Italian people have a gesture to express almost everything: surprise, anger, worry, fear, happiness, etc. Learning some of them could help you communicate with Italian people: sometimes, body language can be more effective in expressing concepts than words!

Intonation

Knowing words and how to pronounce them doesn’t guarantee that you will understand a conversation. Sure, it helps. But there’s another element that plays an important role in the process of understanding. Knowing intonation can give you an extra oomph when you’re in the middle of an Italian conversation and you want (and need) to understand what people are talking about. Sure, you can ask someone to repeat when you don’t understand, and it’s encouraged. But it can be disheartening, after a while, when you have to repeatedly ask that question. Learning Italian intonation will provide a big advantage if you want to understand conversations in Italian.

Sources:

http://speakita.com/how-to-understand-italian-conversations-and-engage-in-them/

http://joyoflanguages.com/italian-conversation/

Multilingualism is popular and a personal goal for many of us. What exactly makes multilingualism so special? What are the main benefits of multilingualism? In our most recent blog article, you will find out about the advantages of speaking various languages.

Cognitive Benefits

Learning and knowing several languages sharpens the mind and improves memory. It even acts as a protection against various diseases.

A study published by researchers at the Center for Brain and Cognition at the University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona revealed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. They investigated the differences between bilingual and monolingual people by observing structural images of both types of brains. They can easily detect anything that is irrelevant or deceptive. They’re also better than their monolingual peers at identifying misleading information.

Another study conducted in Luxembourg investigated the protective effect of multilingualism on cognition in seniors and found that “practicing multilingualism from early life on, and/or learning it at a fast pace is even more efficient. This protection might be related to the enhancement of cognitive reserve and brain plasticity, thereby preserving brain functions from alterations during aging.”

Improvement of Ability to Multitask

Being able to speak in multiple languages allows you to perform better in many ways. A study by a cognitive scientist at Pennsylvania State University found that multilingual people who can juggle languages are more proficient at multitasking. As multilingual people are used to switching between different systems of speech and grammar, they are able to switch between multiple tasks faster. Another study by Ellen Bialystok, from Toronto’s York University shows that bilingual children are better at prioritizing tasks than monolinguals.

Another study by Ellen Bialystok from Toronto’s York University shows that bilingual children are better at prioritizing tasks than monolinguals.

Improvement of Communication Skills

Research shows that exposure to multiple languages enhances communication skills. As illustrated in a study by Liberman F. et al., children growing up in multilingual environments were better at understanding other people’s perspectives, a driver for good communication. Multilingualism can also bring heightened sensitivity towards cultural awareness. Speaking different languages makes you more open to dialogue with other cultures and allows you to talk directly to people from other countries and backgrounds, which improves intercultural communication skills.

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Would you like to learn a foreign language with a motivated and experienced trainer? inlingua has 50+ years’ experience in teaching languages in over 200 regions around the world. Get in touch here!

Sources:

Burgaleta, M. et al. (2016). Bilingualism at the core of the brain. Structural differences between bilinguals and monolinguals revealed by subcortical shape analysis, NeuroImage. Doi: 10.1016 /j.neuroimage.2015.09.073

Liberman, Z. et al. (2016). Exposure to multiple languages enhances communication skills in infancy, PubMed Central. Doi: 10.1111/desc.12420

Klein, D. et al. (2014). Age of language learning shapes brain structure: A cortical thickness study of bilingual and monolingual individuals. Brain and Language, 131, 20-24. Doi: 10.1016/j.bandl.2013.05.014

Perquin, M. et al. (2013). Lifelong Exposure to Multilingualism: New Evidence to Support Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis. PLoS One, 2013, e62030. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062030

Scientific American (2011). Being Multilingual Helps with Multitasking. Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/being-multilingual-helps-with-multi-11-02-18/

Gong Communications (2021). WHY COMMUNICATORS SHOULD EMBRACE MULTILINGUALISM. Retrieved from: https://gongcommunications.com/why-communicators-should-embrace-multilingualism/

Are you thinking about learning a new language? In this blog series, we would like to inspire you with interesting facts about different languages. Today, we will share the top 3 reasons why you should consider learning German:

German-speakers Are Everywere

Learning German can connect you to 120 million native speakers around the globe! German is the or one of the official language(s) of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Liechtenstein. It is also the native language of a significant portion of the population in northern Italy, eastern Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, eastern France, parts of Poland, the Czech Republic, Russia and Romania as well as in other parts of Europe. Furthermore, Germany ranks third among the countries with the most travellers abroad. Germans travel wide and far and are some of the world’s biggest spenders when on holiday. Knowing German allows you to connect with them and better understand their culture.

Career Opportunities

Are you striving after a global career? Knowledge of German increases your job opportunities with German-speaking companies in your own country as well as abroad. Furthermore, being fluent in German helps you to work productively for an employer with international business connections. Being able to interact with your German-speaking business partners in their mother-tongue improves your relations and leads to success. Would you like to work in Germany? Special visas are offered to skilled professionals and working holiday visas are available for young foreigners from a range of countries.

Enjoyment of Literature

Whether you are interested in studying German literature at University or just enjoy reading in your free time: German is the language of many famous writers and poets such as Goethe, Kafka, Hesse, Schiller, Dürrenmatt and Brecht. Must-reads include “Die Verwandlung” (“The Metamorphosis”) by Franz Kafka, “Der Besuch der alten Dame” (“The Visit”) by Friedrich Dürrenmatt or “Faust” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Indulge in reading their works in the original language.

So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in a new world whilst staying at home!

Can we help you create a personal learning path? inlingua offers flexible e-learning as well as blended learning options tailored to your needs. Contact your local center for more information.