Using language learning as a form of self-care for wellbeing

Charlotte Guest
Woman standing outside with a coffee and headphones
Reading time: 6.5 minutes

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for self-care is more important than ever. Among a range of traditional self-care practices, learning a language emerges as an unexpected but incredibly rewarding approach. Learning a foreign language is a key aspect of personal development and can help your mental health, offering benefits like improved career opportunities, enhanced creativity, and the ability to connect with people from diverse cultures.

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The therapeutic power of foreign language study

Learning a new language is an immersive experience that requires focus, discipline and creativity. This immersive quality makes it an excellent form of mental escape, allowing learners to momentarily step away from their day-to-day stresses.

It transports you into a different world, one where the rhythms and sounds of an entirely new language stimulate your brain in refreshing and exciting ways, enhancing your communication skills by improving listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities. It offers a unique form of personal development that nurtures both the mind and the soul. So, what are the mental health benefits of learning a second language?

Cognitive benefits

The cognitive benefits of learning a new language are well-documented. It enhances memory, improves attention and can even delay the onset of dementia. However, its advantages extend beyond mere brain health. Engaging with a new language challenges your brain, keeping it active and engaged, and thereby promoting a healthy mind.

Learning more than one language can slow cognitive decline and improve memory, offering a significant advantage in maintaining cognitive health. Additionally, Alan C. Frantz's publication ?highlights the cognitive benefits of foreign language study, further emphasizing its importance. Read more about how language learning can help your brain here.

Mindful learning

In a world where multitasking and distractions are the norm, foreign languages offer an opportunity for mindfulness. The process requires your complete attention, allowing you to disconnect from external stressors and be fully present in the moment. It's a form of active meditation that can reduce anxiety, improve mood and promote overall well-being. By focusing on the present moment, you can let go of worries about the future or regrets about the past.

Personal growth

During your studies, you will inevitably come across cultural nuances and different ways of thinking. Such exposure broadens our perspective and promotes personal growth by challenging our existing beliefs and biases.

Studying foreign languages not only facilitates this by offering new ways to view the world but also enhances our understanding of our first language and makes learning a second or even third language easier. Learning a foreign tongue can significantly boost self-confidence, improve social interactions, and earn respect from others, making the learner more well-rounded, respected, and providing new perspectives and understanding. Soft skills like this are also very sought after by employers and are marketable skills. Read more here about how language helps your marketable skills here.?

Emotional and psychological advantages

In addition to cognitive improvements, language learning

Practicing with fluent speakers, in particular, offers unique emotional benefits such as building confidence and making new friends, which further contribute to the learner's sense of happiness and satisfaction. These interactions not only enhance language proficiency but also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and personal growth, fostering a deeper connection and understanding between individuals from different backgrounds.

Some research suggests that the process of acquiring an additional language can contribute to an individual’s overall mental health by offering a sense of accomplishment and self-fulfilment.

Furthermore, this sense of progress and achievement fosters resilience, helping learners to better cope with challenges both within and outside of language contexts.

Emotional wellness and mental health

Learning a language is also deeply connected to emotional wellness. It instils a sense of achievement and confidence as you reach milestones and comprehend concepts that were once foreign. This sense of progress and accomplishment is crucial for building self-esteem and fostering a positive mindset.

Furthermore, the process of learning a language—filled with its ups and downs—teaches resilience. Each misunderstood word or grammatical error provides an opportunity for growth, encouraging learners to develop persistence and adaptability.

Your mental well-being also impacts your physical health; that individuals with strong mental health are more likely to have robust physical health, indicating that psychological well-being plays a crucial role in mitigating risks associated with various physical conditions. Mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, or depression can worsen or contribute to the development of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes and stroke. It can also help with things like anxiety according?.

Engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as learning a new language, can, therefore, indirectly contribute to improving overall health by alleviating stress, improving sleep patterns, better attention span and boosting the immune system.

Cultural connectivity

One of the most beautiful aspects of studying a language is its ability to connect us to cultures different from our own. This connection fosters empathy, understanding and respect for diversity. By learning a second language, we gain insights into the way other people see the world, which, in turn, enriches our perspective and sense of connectedness to the global community, enhancing cognitive abilities, improving career opportunities, facilitating cultural exchange, delaying the onset of age-related mental decline, and boosting creativity and self-confidence.

Foreign language study goes further than cognitive and emotional benefits, stepping into ?It’s debated that individuals who engage in learning another language exhibit higher levels of cultural sensitivity and global awareness. This perspective highlights how language is not just a tool for communication but a gateway to understanding the complexities of different societies and their cultural nuances.

Language wellness activities

To further integrate foreign languages into your self-care routine, here are some wellness activities that combine the joy of language acquisition with relaxation and personal growth:

Mindful language meditation

Set aside time to meditate using simple language exercises. For example, practice mindfulness by repeating positive affirmations in your target language. This not only aids in language retention but also in cultivating a positive mindset.

Relaxing language audiobooks

Choose audiobooks in the language you're learning that are light and enjoyable or specifically designed for language learners. Listening to stories in a different language can be a calming experience, especially if you select genres that you find relaxing.

It not only helps in improving your listening skills but also allows you to enjoy storytelling in a whole new dimension. Engaging with content that captures your imagination and soothes your mind is a wonderful way to combine leisure with learning, making it a perfect addition to your self-care regimen.

Singing along to music in your target language

There's something uniquely therapeutic about singing. It allows for emotional expression and has been . Incorporate singing by listening to music in the language you're learning and singing along. Not only does this improve your pronunciation and listening skills, but it also gives you a fun, uplifting way to engage with the language. Choose songs that resonate with you emotionally for an even deeper self-care experience. This method combines the joy of music with language learning, creating a mood-boosting activity that nurtures your mental health and linguistic abilities simultaneously.

Foreign languages: Not just a way to improve communication skills

In conclusion, foreign language study is more than something for conventional educational goals; it can become a compelling form of self-care. By blending cognitive benefits with emotional and cultural enrichment, it offers a holistic approach to personal development and your mental health.

Whether through mindful meditation, engaging with relaxing audiobooks, or singing your heart out to foreign tunes, studying a language equips individuals with the tools to not only survive but thrive in our interconnected world. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, challenges our mental faculties, and ultimately, contributes to a richer, more fulfilling life experience.

Remember to take some time out of your day for some self-care, keeping in mind how languages can be an option to add into your routine. It’s important to stop and take some time for yourself.

Get started with your language-learning journey here

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    What are the most spoken languages in the world?

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Have you ever wondered which world languages are spoken by the largest number of people globally? Whether you’re a language enthusiast or someone looking to learn a new language, understanding the most spoken languages around the world can be incredibly insightful. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top languages by number of speakers, shedding light on languages with the most native speakers and widely spoken languages globally.

    Introduction to spoken languages

    Spoken languages are a vital part of human communication, culture and identity. With over 7,000 languages spoken worldwide, each language has its unique characteristics, nuances and significance. Understanding the most spoken languages globally provides valuable insights into geopolitics, economics and social dynamics. In this article, we will explore the top languages spoken in the world, their distribution and use.

    Why knowing the most spoken languages matters

    Knowing which languages are most popular worldwide can influence your language learning decisions. Enhancing your language skills in these widely spoken languages can significantly boost your communication abilities and cultural understanding. It can open up opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Additionally, understanding global language popularity can give you a broader perspective of the world’s linguistic diversity.

    Criteria for measuring language popularity

    Measuring language popularity is a complex task that involves various factors, including the number of native speakers, global influence, and use as a second or foreign language. The criteria for measuring language popularity include:

    • Number of native speakers: This refers to the number of people who speak a language as their first or native language. Languages with the highest number of native speakers often have a significant cultural and historical impact.

    • Global influence: This measures the extent to which a language is used in international communication, business, science and diplomacy. Languages with a broad global influence are often used as lingua francas in various regions.

    • Use as a second or foreign language: This considers the number of people who speak a language as a second language or foreign language. Languages that are widely taught and learned around the world tend to have a larger speaking population.

    By considering these criteria, we can better understand why certain languages are more prominent and widely spoken globally.

    Top 10 most spoken languages in the world

    Here’s a closer look at the ten most spoken languages by number of speakers:

    When evaluating these languages, it's important to consider not just the number of native speakers but also the total number of language speakers, including those who speak it as a second language.

    1. English

    Speakers: Approximately 1.5 billion

    Native speakers: Around 360 million

    Regions: Widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

    Highlights: English is the most widely spoken language worldwide when combining native and non-native speakers. It's the primary language in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. English is the dominant language in international business, science and technology.

    2. Mandarin Chinese

    Speakers: Over 1.1 billion

    Native speakers: About 920 million

    Regions: Mainly in China, Taiwan and Singapore

    Highlights: Mandarin is the language with the largest number of native speakers. It's one of the six official languages of the United Nations and has a significant cultural and historical importance.

    3. Hindi

    Speakers: Around 600 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 341 million

    Regions: Predominantly in India and Nepal

    Highlights: Hindi is predominantly spoken in India and Nepal, with approximately 341 million native speakers. It is one of the official languages of India and is spoken by a large portion of the Indian population. It has numerous dialects and is written in the Devanagari script.

    4. Spanish

    Speakers: Approximately 560 million

    Native speakers: About 460 million

    Regions: Spain, Latin America and parts of the United States

    Highlights: Spanish is the official language in 21 countries and is widely spoken in the Americas. In many of these countries, Spanish serves as the national language, playing a crucial role in government, education and media. It’s known for its rich literature and cultural heritage.

    5. French

    Speakers: Around 280 million

    Native speakers: About 77 million

    Regions: France, parts of Africa, Canada, Belgium and Switzerland

    Highlights: French is another of the six official languages of the United Nations. It's widely used in international diplomacy and has a significant number of speakers in Africa due to France's colonial history.

    6. Arabic

    Speakers: Approximately 270 million

    Native speakers: Around 310 million

    Regions: Middle East and North Africa

    Highlights: Arabic is a central Semitic language that is the liturgical language of Islam. It has many dialects, with Modern Standard Arabic being used in formal settings and media. Arabic has numerous spoken forms, with significant variations in dialects across different regions.

    7. Bengali

    Speakers: Around 265 million

    Native speakers: About 230 million

    Regions: Bangladesh and parts of India

    Highlights: Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh and the second most spoken language in India. Alongside other languages like Hindi and Urdu, Bengali plays a crucial role in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the region. It’s known for its rich literary tradition.

    8. Portuguese

    Speakers: Approximately 220 million

    Native speakers: Around 220 million

    Regions: Brazil, Portugal and parts of Africa

    Highlights: Portuguese is mainly spoken in Brazil, which is the largest Portuguese-speaking country. It has a growing number of speakers in Africa.

    9. Russian

    Speakers: Around 258 million

    Native speakers: Approximately 154 million

    Regions: Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia

    Highlights: Russian is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and is widely spoken in the former Soviet Union countries.

    10. Japanese

    Speakers: Approximately 128 million

    Native speakers: Around 128 million

    Regions: Japan

    Highlights: Japanese is predominantly spoken in Japan and is known for its three writing systems—Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. It has a rich cultural history and is influential in technology and entertainment.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the most spoken languages in the world can provide valuable insights for language learners. Developing strong language skills in these world languages can open up numerous opportunities for travel, business and cultural exchange. Whether you’re looking to enhance your travel experiences, broaden your cultural horizons, or improve your career prospects, learning one of these widely spoken languages could be a significant advantage.

    Ready to start your language learning journey? Learn a new language with Mondly by 色猫AV.

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    Learning a language while working full-time

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Mastering a new language can be a game-changer for your career. Whether it's for expanding your professional network, exploring new job opportunities, or simply enhancing your cognitive skills, learning a language is an invaluable investment. But how can you juggle language learning with a demanding full-time job? Here are some practical tips designed for busy professionals.

    1. Set clear goals

    Before you start, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals. Whether you aim to hold basic conversations, read professional documents, or become fluent, having a specific target will keep you motivated and focused.

    2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

    Finding time to study can be challenging, but integrating language learning into your daily routine can make it more manageable:

    • Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
    • Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
    • Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

    3. Use online resources

    Modern technology provides a plethora of tools to help you learn a new language without disrupting your schedule:

    • Language learning apps: Apps like Mondly by 色猫AV allow you to practice during your commute or lunch break.
    • Podcasts and audiobooks: Listen to language lessons during your commute or workout.
    • Online courses:? Many websites offer structured courses that you can complete at your own pace.

    4. Stay motivated

    Staying motivated is crucial to your success. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the benefits of being multilingual:

    • Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
    • Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
    • Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

    5. Explore company resources

    Some companies offer resources or discounted access for learning. It's always worthwhile to check if your employer provides:

    • Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
    • Learning platforms: Subscriptions to language learning platforms.
    • Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

    6. Use your work environment

    If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

    7. Be consistent and patient

    Consistency is key when learning a new language:

    • Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
    • Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

    Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

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    7 myths about learning a new language debunked

    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 3 minutes

    Learning a new language can be an incredibly rewarding experience, opening doors to new cultures, enhancing career opportunities and providing cognitive benefits. However, many myths about language learning can discourage potential learners or lead them astray. Today, we're debunking seven common language learning myths to help you on your linguistic journey.

    Myth 1: "You need to start young to be fluent"

    Truth:

    It's never too late to learn a new language. While children may pick up accents and intonation more easily, adults often have the advantage of better-developed cognitive skills and life experiences that can aid in understanding complex grammar and vocabulary. Numerous studies have shown that adults can achieve fluency with dedication and the right learning strategies.

    Myth 2: "You have to live in a country to learn the language"

    Truth:

    Thanks to technology, you can immerse yourself in a new language without leaving your home. Tools like language learning apps, online courses, virtual tutors and even social media can provide ample opportunities for practice and immersion. Living in a country where the language is spoken can be beneficial, but it is not a necessity.

    Myth 3: "You must be naturally gifted to learn languages"

    Truth:

    Language learning is less about innate talent and more about consistent practice and effective methods. Anyone can learn a new language with the right mindset and resources. Persistence, motivation and using varied learning techniques can significantly enhance your ability to learn.

    Myth 4: "It's all about memorizing vocabulary"

    Truth:

    While vocabulary is essential, language learning involves much more than rote memorization. Understanding grammar, practicing speaking and listening, and getting a feel for cultural nuances are equally important. Engaging in conversations, reading and writing in the language can make the learning process more holistic and enjoyable.

    Myth 5: "You can't learn multiple languages at once"

    Truth:

    Learning multiple languages simultaneously is possible, though it does require careful planning and organization. The key is to manage your time effectively and ensure that you are not overwhelming yourself. Using different methods and tools for each language can help keep them distinct in your mind.

    Myth 6: "Watching movies and listening to music doesn't count as learning"

    Truth:

    Consuming media in your target language can be an excellent way to improve your listening skills and cultural understanding. Movies, TV shows, music and podcasts expose you to natural language usage, slang and colloquial expressions that textbooks may not cover. It's a fun and engaging complementary method to more formal study.

    Myth 7: "If you can't speak perfectly, don't try"

    Truth:

    Perfectionism can be a significant barrier to language learning. Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. The more you practice speaking, the more confident and proficient you'll become. Focus on communication rather than perfection, and don't be afraid to make errors—they're your stepping stones to fluency.

    Conclusion

    By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage more people to take up the challenge of learning a new language. Remember, the most important factors are consistency, practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

    Ready to tackle a new language? Start today and immerse yourself in the endless possibilities that come with being multilingual. Explore the benefits with our post, 'Being bilingual can help keep your brain in good condition'.