There are many different ways one can go about learning a new language. This can either be formally, informally or a bit of both. Schools provide formal education which promotes the development of reading and writing skills. A learning method I use is called the Assimil method which is a mix of both formal and informal, which allowed me to progress quickly in learning languages throughout my life. The method consists of books with small stories, translations, simple writing exercises and tapes which are all used in unison to further increase the speed and efficiency of learning a new language.
The stories were usually light and provided insight into new and interesting cultures. This method equipped me with a basic level of communication in new languages which, at the time, was enough to interact on a simple level. As my curiosity grew, I further expanded on my studies with more formal education. I recommend selecting a method which is fun and interesting as learning a new language can be seen as a hobby.
Learning a new language
What exactly does it take to learn a new language in the first place? At first glance it may seem simple and easy enough for those interested. Working hard, studying consistently, using a good learning app and dedicating time to learn should lead to mastering the language eventually. However, looking at it from a psychological standpoint, it’s not as simple. Many factors take place when learning a new language. Two major factors are the reasons for learning and the method. In addition to this, there are multiple practical and cognitive aspects.
Motivation is one of the biggest driving factors when learning a new language. It comes in different forms. An example could be that you wish to watch something in a foreign language and thus are interested in learning the language. Another example can be a job offering a raise for speaking to certain clients in their mother tongue. These two examples showcase an important distinction between two types of motivation.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within, it is usually born out of personal interest in which you enjoy the show. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside, this is a response to our desire to achieve some sort of unrelated goal which is getting a raise at work. Intrinsic motivation is the more effective method of the two. When we are genuinely interested in learning a new language, our motivation is much higher and the speed in which we learn is faster and more effective.
Additional languages become easier to learn
Interestingly enough, once more than one language has been learned, any additional languages become easier to retain. The brain tends to develop the capacity to grasp the fundamentals of each language which lessens the amount of time needed to learn them. Even though English may be an essential language, it can be incredibly beneficial to learn the local language which helps you understand how these people think, what they value and what their culture is about. English as a second language does not do justice to this as it cannot quite achieve this effect.
Anyone intending to live in a new country should really go the extra mile to learn the local language. It makes a huge difference and the experience of living somewhere new is much more enjoyable and rewarding. The locals are adapted to the social climate surrounding them, knowing all the tips and tricks which can turn out to be quite helpful. Learning their language can also help you connect with them on a cultural and personal plane.
Beneficial for your mind
There are even more benefits which pertain to your mind when it comes to learning a new language. Bilingualism itself indicates greater memory capacity as knowing two or more sets of vocabulary expands our ability to remember in general. Bilinguals are also able to inhibit distractions much easier than monolingualism, providing them with the capability to multitask better. There have also been studies which show that learning more languages can decrease the likelihood of neurodegenerative diseases. Learning a new language can do to your mind what exercise does to your body, even if your level in the language is at least more than basic.
The languages which I am comfortable speaking on an advanced level are French, English and German, whilst Spanish and Italian are at an intermediate level. I have also obtained certificates in each of the mentioned languages. Originally, I am from Canada which has two national languages, incentivising my need to learn both English and French. Even though I came from Quebec which is a former French colony, the area I grew up in was more mixed from a linguistic point of view. Therefore, this meant that my acquaintance with English came much sooner for me.
I had also benefited from a program labelled as the “immersion program” where school classes are taught in English and French. Afterwards, I continued to learn Spanish since I travelled frequently, mainly to Latin America, during the winter. I then studied German as my wife was from a German region in Switzerland. What drove me to learn Italian was purely sheer interest and curiosity, garnering me a certain facility to learn new languages.
Understanding a local language helps with the adaptation to the environment
Understanding these local languages has really helped me adapt and understand the people I meet and have met along the way. I now have a business which consists of employees, clients and suppliers from all parts of the world. We really are worldwide business which feels amazing and I have definitely come a long way from where I grew up.
As for which language is the biggest asset for me that I have discovered through my travels, English definitely is the most beneficial, especially in business. English is one of the most spoken languages and certainly takes second place if not first. It is also mainly used for science, international communications, academia and much more which truly makes it a worldly language.
The beginning of my journey
The first meaningful trip I went on was at the age of 13. It was a long journey with my family, traveling for several days in the USA where we experienced many cities, changes in surroundings and people. This has been one of the most if not the most revealing experiences I have had in my life. There really was a much bigger world out there besides the tiny little island I grew up on. I enjoyed the majority of the countries I visited and found it fascinating the extent to which people go in order to live in their environment. People have different experiences and realities to mine, all coherent as well.
We also travelled frequently with our children before they began attending school and I have noticed the same characteristics in them on a much stronger level. They now venture off the beaten track and explore foreign countries as though they were just going to visit the village next door. Traveling, whether for business or pleasure, is a valuable investment after all.
Citizen of the world
Traveling, learning and discovering has opened me to the world on a massive level. I feel as though I am a citizen of earth itself. These days I travel mostly for business, however, I still enjoy travelling for the excitement of discovering new and interesting places, ways of thinking, cultures and people.
Marc-Andre Pepin 