Learning a New Language Is Hard, But Your Brain Will Thank You

Every night, no matter how exhausted I am, I carve out at least 5 to 10 minutes for a quick lesson on my language learning app. I might not be fluent yet, but according to the experts, my daily lessons have serious brain-boosting benefits.

"Learning a new language can be immensely helpful for cognitive health, particularly as we age. This is because language learning engages a wide range of complex cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving, which can help to create and strengthen connections in the brain," explains Dr. Roy Hamilton, MD, trustee of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation. 

The benefits go beyond protecting the brain against the effects of aging. Experts also note that language learning can help foster social connections and empathy. We are all citizens of the world, and it’s important for us to stay connected with other cultures and people from different backgrounds.

Of course, knowing the benefits doesn’t necessarily make the process easy. Learning a new language takes time, practice, and diligence. Even if you stick with it every day for a long time, it can still be a struggle. But that’s exactly why learning a new language can be so beneficial. It challenges your brain in unique ways that, ultimately, help your mind stay healthy and strong.

Why Learning a New Language Is So Hard

My daily Duolingo sessions aren’t my first foray into trying to learn a new language. But, like many people, my motivation dwindled once my high school foreign language credits were completed. Time and dedication are two common challenges when it comes to learning a new language. But a big part of the reason it’s so tough comes down to how your brain is wired.

Dr. Hamilton explains that there is an optimal developmental period–usually spanning infancy to around puberty–when the brain is particularly receptive to language. During this age, the brain's language networks possess a high degree of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change.

"Because of this, [children] can easily organize and reinforce themselves in response to being exposed to language. This allows children to learn languages naturally and efficiently—essentially automatically—if they are regularly exposed to those languages," Dr. Hamilton says.

Other factors that might affect your ability to pick up a new language as an adult include:

• Language complexity: Sometimes, other languages have linguistic complexities that can be challenging, especially if they’re very different from those of your native tongue. Dr. Hamilton notes that adults tend to rely on the thoughts and structures of their native language, which makes learning the sounds and grammatical rules of a new language trickier.
• Anxiety and self-consciousness: Dr. Hamilton explains that adults are more likely to feel anxious or self-conscious about learning a new language, which can stand in the way of their progress. Being scared to practice or embarrassed about making mistakes certainly doesn’t make it any easier!
• Learning methods: How you learn and practice is also important. Traditional learning methods may focus more on things like memorization and vocabulary, which may work for some people. However, others may find that approach tedious and difficult to stick with.
• Age: Let’s face it, it really can be harder to teach an old dog (or brain) new tricks. Experts suggest that the ability to learn new languages starts to decline once someone reaches adolescence and adulthood. “While the adult brain remains plastic, the rate at which new connections form slows down over time, making it harder to acquire new skills, including language,” Dr. Hamilton says. Plus, the stress and busyness of everyday life can make it difficult to find time to practice.

The Benefits of Learning a New Language

Learning a new language can definitely be a challenge–but that’s exactly why it can be so rewarding!

According to psychotherapist Kristie Tse, LMHC, clinical director and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling, “Learning a new language has profound benefits for brain health. It encourages the brain to be flexible and adaptable, as it requires quick thinking and problem-solving skills to comprehend and construct new sentences.”

Cognitive Benefits

Learning a new language doesn't just make you *sound* smarter. In one analysis, 90% of the studies they examined found that learning a new language leads to improvements in other academic subjects as well.

Such benefits don't just stem from increased literacy skills. Other research has found that second language learners also appear to make gains in their working memory, concentration, and creativity.

Dr. Hamilton also points to research findings showing that people who speak two or more languages have a delayed onset of dementia compared to those who only speak one.

"Speaking more than one language may improve so-called executive functions, such as the ability to switch fluidly between mental tasks, and may even positively impact other cognitive skills like visual-spatial abilities and reasoning," Dr. Hamilton says.

Emotional Benefits

On an emotional level, developing new language skills can also give you a greater sense of confidence and purpose. Such benefits can spill over into other areas of your life. You might not be a polyglot yet, but tackling one language can give you the boost in self-efficacy you need to keep working toward your language-learning goals.

Social Advantages 

Hint: Knowing more than one language can be a great conversation starter. People are often interested in learning more about your learning journey. Plus, learning a new language can be a great opportunity to meet new people and forge new friendships over your shared interests.

Building these meaningful connections not only helps widen your social circle (and improves your social support system), but it also brings a deeper sense of cultural perspective.

How the Brain Changes When You Learn a New Language

So, what exactly is going on inside your head when you're conjugating verbs and learning how to roll your Rs? Learning a new language does a lot more than just expand your linguistic skills–it actually leads to significant changes in your brain. 

Researchers have found that the brain actually starts to rewire itself in response to learning a new language. Such changes not only challenge your brain, but they can also help you stay more adaptable as you age.

What other kinds of brain-boosting benefits can you expect?

It Can Protect Your White Matter

White matter is the fatty substance that covers brain axons, which allows signals to travel through the brain quickly and efficiently. Evidence suggests that learning a second language helps protect white matter from the effects of aging, which can help you keep your brain healthier as you grow older.

It Can Increase Grey Matter Volume

Grey matter is the brain material associated with learning, movement, emotions, and memory. Learning and using a new language helps to increase grey matter volume in important areas of the brain.

It Leads to Changes in Brain Structure

One study found that bilingualism increases the size of certain brain regions. Such increases also tend to grow as people gain more bilingual experience. The findings suggest that learning a new language creates complex changes in brain structures that are similar to those of other cognitively demanding tasks.

Practical Tips for Learning a New Language

Learning a new language as an adult can be really challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of effective (and fun) ways to achieve your language-learning goals:

Try a Language App

Language-learning apps can be a great way to get started with a new language. Babbel, Duolingo, and Memrise are a few options you might consider.

Practice Daily

Consistency is the key! Even just 5 to 10 minutes a day can help.

"Being exposed to and using the target language on a daily basis, even in small amounts, can significantly boost retention and fluency," Dr. Hamilton says.

Immerse Yourself

Don't just limit your daily learning to your lessons. "It's important to immerse oneself as much as possible in the language one wants to acquire. This can be done through media, such as movies, music, and podcasts, which helps to build listening skills and exposes the learner to the language being used in its natural context," Dr. Hamilton suggests.

Memorize Vocabulary

Rote memorization may not be the most exciting part of learning, but it’s important for laying the foundation you'll need to succeed when learning a new language. Flashcards, whether you’re using an app or making them yourself, can be a great tool for nailing those basic vocabulary terms.

Learn Grammar

Getting used to the grammatical structure of a new language can be tough. Start with the basics, like verb conjugations and sentence structure. Then, challenge yourself with more complex sentences. A grammar book or app can be a helpful tool.

Find a Conversation Partner

Getting actual experience speaking your target language is vital! "Finding a language partner or joining a conversation group can provide the necessary practice in speaking and listening, which are critical components of language proficiency," says Dr. Hamilton.

Integrate Other Learning Tools

As you gain more skill and experience, start looking for other tools and resources that can help you build your language abilities. Listening to podcasts or radio broadcasts in your target language can be a great way to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the nuances of the language.

Try reading a book in your target language! Kids' books can be perfect for beginners, and as you get more advanced, you might try reading a book you already know and love in your new language.

Takeaways

Learning new things is good for your brain, and experts suggest that learning a new language, in particular, can have numerous important benefits for your cognitive functioning and health. Dr. Hamilton recommends managing your expectations as an adult language learner.

"Language learning is a gradual process," he says, "and embracing mistakes as part of the learning journey and staying motivated through setting achievable goals can make the experience both effective and enjoyable."