9/12: Why Study Languages?

Welcome to a new weekly segment of the CLS newsletter! This section will discuss an interesting topic related to language learning or languages in general, as well as point you toward some resources to continue learning about the topic. We welcome reader feedback and would love to hear your thoughts to include in a future newsletter.

This week, to celebrate the start of the new school year and the excitement of shopping period, let's talk about some of the well-documented benefits of learning a new language - and some reasons why you should consider adding a language course to your cart this fall!

A compilation of research from the past few decades created by the National Education Association suggests that language learning has a wide range of benefits, like boosting academic progress in other subjects, enhancing career opportunities, building cultural understanding, and protecting against cognitive decline as we age.

You might have heard that language learning is most effective and beneficial during the crucial early childhood period between birth and adolescence. While the research does show that adult language learners may need more time to study than childhood ones, it also shows that you can still gain the cognitive and experiential benefits that come with second language familiarity as a student or early adult.

For more, check out this study on virtual Mandarin Chinese language learning during the pandemic, or this one on how being bilingual affects cognitive function.