We’re going to discuss lots of benefits of learning foreign languages but the biggest benefit of learning a new language can’t even be seen by the naked eye.
Researchers from Dartmouth have shown that the brains of bilinguals have more engaged and enhanced neural connections than monolinguals. Many people used to believe that knowing a second or a third language was detrimental because the rapid switch between languages excessively burdens our noggin.
As it turns out, our brain can easily handle multiple languages without any problems. In fact, multiple languages serve as “exercise” for the brain, and studies have shown that learning a new foreign language can lead to elevated mental capabilities.
It can, for example, improve memory. A study tested the working memories of monolingual and bilingual children by giving them memory tasks. They found that bilinguals outperformed their peers on all counts.
A foreign language can even have a positive impact on academic achievement. Believe it or not, it can improve your maths scores. A group of third–grade students was given 30-minute Spanish lessons three times a week for one semester. They were then given a standardized test called the Metropolitan Achievement Test.