Learning New Languages

By Desert Woman -



Do you speak more than one language?  Have you thought about learning new languages?  If not, you should:


-What is not so obvious are the cognitive benefits that take place when you do.

-Understanding language is one of the hardest things your brain does, making it the ultimate brain exercise.

-Thus, learning a foreign language is one of the most effective and practical ways to increase intelligence, keep your mind sharp, and buffer your brain against aging.


Presently, I am using a free online program called Duolingo.  I study Italian, German and Spanish.  I know a modicum of French from having taken years of it in high school.   


The biggest challenge for me in studying languages is in the comprehension, understanding what the speaker is saying.  Reading and writing are much easier to grasp.


I highly recommend trying that program. There are many languages to choose from on Duolingo, including not only the Romance  and Slavic languages, but more exotic ones such as Hebrew and Greek.  It’s fun and it’s challenging.  So instead of an hour of watching mind-numbing TV, build some new neural pathways by working on learning a new language.


Thoughts, comments?




 

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