Foreign Languages
Is it still worth learning foreign languages today?
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) and translation software are becoming increasingly powerful, the question arises as to whether it is still worth learning a foreign language at all. Should you invest the time and effort at all? Can’t we understand everything in everyday life with Google Translate, DeepL or automatically translated subtitles? With our smartphones, we all have our “private translator in our pocket”. Read a few thoughts on this here.
Cultural understanding and travel
Learning a foreign language allows you to gain deeper insights into other cultures. It opens doors to new experiences and perspectives. The example of “bridge” makes this clear: while in German “die Brücke” tends to be described as elegant or beautiful, in Spanish “el puente” with a masculine article tends to be described as large and powerful. For those who enjoy traveling, speaking the local language can greatly enhance the travel experience. It facilitates communication and allows you to have authentic cultural experiences. Although translation apps can be helpful, they do not offer the same depth and nuance as speaking the language directly.
Mental fitness and cognitive health
Learning a foreign language challenges memory, attention and problem-solving skills. Almost all research on this topic shows that the cognitive functions of older people are preserved to a certain extent when they begin intensive foreign language training. In some cases, studies have even shown an improvement. For example, it has been shown that neuronal networks can be remodeled by participating in short-term language training. These results are considered a breakthrough in neuroscience. However, these studies must also be viewed critically, as control groups are sometimes missing, and it is sometimes difficult to understand how the language courses were conducted. There are also a few studies on language learning that have failed to show any improvement in memory performance (Klimova & Pikhart, 2020).
Well-being and self-confidence
The findings also show that language courses are perceived as stimulating and can improve general and emotional well-being. Participants also reported feeling optimistic and self-confident (Klimova & Pikhart, 2020). Any progress, whether mastering a new grammar rule or holding a simple conversation, can be a sense of achievement that motivates and makes you proud.
Social networking and new friendships
Learning a new language opens up the opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Language courses, whether online or face-to-face, provide a social environment to meet like-minded people. These new connections can expand the social network and strengthen the sense of social cohesion (Klimova & Pikhart, 2020).
Is it ever too late?
This question can be answered with a clear “no”. Learning a foreign language has many benefits that can contribute to healthy and happy ageing. Today, we intuitively assume that learning a foreign language early on will inevitably lead to better results than learning it late. However, it is not that easy to say, as there is hardly any research on this and none that has been able to prove it clearly.
It is important that teachers use good concepts and teaching methods and that learners master good learning strategies. For example, the “keyword method” has been recommended. Imagine a camel lying in your bed (Gruneberg & Pascoe, 1996). You probably won’t forget the Spanish word “cama” for bed any time soon.
Conclusion
Although AI and translation software have made impressive progress, there are many reasons why learning a foreign language is still worthwhile. Language learning offers numerous benefits, from mental fitness and social networking to cultural understanding and personal fulfillment. It is an enriching experience that can improve your life in many ways.
If you’d like to read more about AI and language learning, you can find an interesting German article on the subject in DIE ZEIT here.
If you would like to start a course yourself, we recommend the Englisch Conversation Course. A small group of learners meets online for 45 minutes at a time and practises English in a very practical way: either in the form of a reading circle or as a discussion group about politics, society, and culture.
References
Gruneberg, M. M., & Pascoe, K. (1996). The Effectiveness of the Keyword Method for Receptive and Productive Foreign Vocabulary Learning in the Elderly. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 21(1), 102–109. https://doi.org/10.1006/ceps.1996.0009
Klimova, B., & Pikhart, M. (2020). Current Research on the Impact of Foreign Language Learning Among Healthy Seniors on Their Cognitive Functions From a Positive Psychology Perspective—A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 765. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00765
The images used are from the age-positive image library and www.freepik.com.
