The Benefits of Learning a New Language

Written By: Maria Lopez, FLP Spanish Conversation Mentor and Social Media Consultant

Edited By:  Shatoyia Jones, FLP Personal and Professional Development Mentor

     I know so many entrepreneurs in Colombia (the country where I am living now), where everyone is learning and discovering new ways of selling their products. Others have decided to start their own cooking business and delivering food for others. Then there are others who are more creative, designing post cards to sell for those who are looking for thoughtful ways to reach out and check in with loved ones.

     Colombian artists are also giving free stay at home concerts on YouTube. There was an event on YouTube called Colombia Cuida a Colombia, more than 15 Colombian artists including Shakira, Carlos Vives, Sebastian Yatra, Puerto Candelaria, Fonseca, Andres Cepeda, Jessie Uribe got together and sang some of their best songs to fundraise money for some of the most vulnerable communities in Colombia.

     I also have friends who are determined to start learning Spanish, Portuguese, German and French during quarantine to eventually accomplish their dream of moving abroad with their loved one, visiting a new country and even working in a new country.

Learning a New Language

What is true about learning a new language is that there is currently a demand for it. People are looking to learn a new skill in new ways. The Coronavirus Crisis has been a boom to business language learning apps, as well as virtual language tutors like myself.

There are many benefits of learning a new language. Evidence shows that individuals who take up learning a new language learning find themselves with improved memory, significant self-improvement and finding great opportunities to connect with others they wouldn't otherwise have connected.

​The five top language courses according to data from Duolingo are

1. English for Spanish Speakers
2. Spanish for English Speakers
3. French for English Speakers
4. Portuguese for English Speakers
5. German for English Speakers

​     I have been a Spanish Conversation tutor since 2007. I started working for the Student Success Center for the University of South Carolina (USC) when I was a student there and had the chance to help several students improve their Spanish conversation skills. Most of the students I worked with simply needed more confidence in themselves, encouragement to simply take those first steps.

     I encourage you to challenge yourself to learn a new language, and connect with people in other countries who also want to learn your language.  There are many great apps out there for you to learn, and I can personally vouch for the fact that learning a new language is definitely going to boost your brain, enhance the ability to multi-task, enhance your decision-making skills and keep your mind sharp.

    Whatever you do, consider using this valuable time to do something different, to challenge yourself and exercise your mind.

​     When it's all over, you can look back and feel proud that you done something you've been wanting to do for a while.

​     If you're in the market for a Spanish Conversation partner, free free to reach out and get a free consultation to work with me today.