Have you thought about writing New Year’s resolutions yet? If not, you should consider learning a new language, a type of learning that is so valuable that it not only expands your vocabulary , but is also capable of breaking down boundaries that have been limiting you in many ways.

In fact, there is no reason why this type of initiative should benefit you; there are several.

Reasons why you might want to learn one more language

Let me tell you why you should learn a new language next year…

1. Improve the command of the first language

Goethe, the German poet, said “he who does not know foreign languages knows nothing of his own”.

2. Improves listening skills

People generally focus on their ability to speak and express themselves believing that this is the only requirement for optimal communication. Knowing how to listen involves directing attention to the other person’s words .

3. If you already know one language, it is easier to learn another

You’ll be challenging your brain and I assure you he’ll rise to the occasion. And no excuses… If you already know a language, you can learn another one online or become self-taught quickly .

4. Increases attention and improves memory

These days, we spend our lives between electronic devices, so it is very interesting that an activity can increase attention and improve memory. Both are faculties of our mind that we must exercise frequently . So you know, you must “send your brain to the gym”.

5. Improves self-esteem and confidence

Reaching goals and achieving objectives gives you an increase in self-esteem and a strong dose of confidence to continue.

6. Bilingual people possess certain virtues

Bilingual or even multilingual people are more creative, more tolerant, more flexible and have a more open mind to the world.

7. Bilingualism makes us better at multitasking

Multitasking is the ability of a person to do several things at the same time.

8. Improve your expectations about the future

Studying, working and even living abroad will be dreams come true. Traveling will be different from now on.If you are a student or a professional, your job and training horizon will change as you learn another language.

9. You know other cultures

Learning another language means immersing yourself in a new universe. You will soon learn another way of conceiving the world, other ways of thinking and living.

10. You meet other people and make new friends

It is clear: with new forms of expression, come new social contacts .

11. Helps you make better decisions

When people manage to think in another language they are more likely to make better decisions or more deliberate choices that are less dependent on emotions.

12. Improves cognitive flexibility

Learning a language improves the ability to adapt to new situations . In addition, the brain grows especially in the area of the hippocampus when the area in charge of language is activated.

13. Prevents senile dementia

Speaking at least two languages can reduce dementia. Bilingual brains delay the effects of aging. Being bilingual is one way to keep our brains active.

14. Reduces Alzheimer’s

Bilingualism delays the appearance of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s by about five years. People who have spoken two languages during their lives have a greater cognitive reserve that allows them to cope with the disease much later.

15. Improves brain plasticity

People who learned more than one language as children activate only one area of the brain while those who learned a language as adults activate more than one region. That is, one region that controls the mother tongue and another that would be activated by the late learned language. This implies a greater effort for the brain, having to redesign new brain circuits.

Expand your world through languages

So you know, now you just have to choose the language for next year. If you don’t want to choose English, I suggest you think about the following languages:

  • Mandarin Chinese
  • French
  • Italian
  • German
  • Portuguese
  • Arabic
  • Japanese
  • Sign language of the country where you reside