It is a fact that the world has changed a lot in 2020. But, fortunately, as human beings we are incredibly adaptable and creative. Even when the reality around us changes, we see that there are things that we can continue to do and others that we can do in new ways. That way, while this period of social isolation is not over, we can try to make the best of it. One way to do this (which has several advantages!) Is to learn a language at home. Know 6 of the main reasons for you to do this!

Reasons to learn a language at home during quarantine

1. Will prepare you to travel again (or for the first time) when the pandemic passes

Traveling expands our perspectives and opens us to new and enriching experiences. These experiences impact us to some extent, but they can touch us even more deeply when we learn the language – or at least a little of the language – of the places we travel.

Seeing the world through our own “lenses” is a unique way of understanding it. Learning new languages, however, gives us a different lens and a deeper understanding. With that, we understand that the world is a charming place. It can also be a little scary, but none of us are perfect. None of our cultures is perfect. Humans are complex beings and that is precisely the beauty of the world.

Then start learning a language at home and, when you travel again, you will better understand the multicultural nature of the world and thus you will be more confident, prepared and open to connect with people. in the places you travel.

2. It’s good for your brain

Taking care of our brain is as important as taking care of our body! Human beings like to be stimulated mentally and discover new things. In that case, learning a language at home can be very frustrating at times, but it can also be exciting and rewarding, which is extremely beneficial for your brain health.

3. Makes you smarter

Research shows that learning a new language has a positive impact on the white and gray matter of the human brain, and that short and long periods of learning foreign languages ​​can lead to changes in brain structure, increased neural plasticity and reorganized circuits neural.

In addition, learning a language at home can involve an even larger brain network than other forms of cognitive training, such as math problems and crosswords.

4. Bilingual people get ahead

Bilingual people (having learned languages ​​during childhood or adulthood), have greater mental flexibility, since they are accustomed to adapting to constant changes and processing information more effectively than monolinguals. So, learning a language at home is great, at any age, to keep our brain young, sharp and flexible.

5. It is responsible consumption of information

We are currently overwhelmed with information and news. We have visual and auditory stimuli throughout the day, every day. As we spend more time working from home and connecting through technology, we are more connected than ever to our electronic devices.

As such, we are all seeing and feeling the pros and cons of today’s immense technological connection. Thus, it is advisable to disconnect from time to time, limit access and decrease the time in front of the screen (computer, television, cell phone, etc.). It is important to be a conscious consumer of media and information and learning a language at home gives you a period of “rest” from these other stimuli.

6. Makes quarantine a little easier

We have a lot to process about what’s going on in the world, but we also need to take a break from time to time. Learning a language at home is a good way to make this break without necessarily getting involved in a cultural connection.

That’s because learning a language at home will help you connect with new people, new cultures and new ways of thinking. This learning will help you to remember that the world is small, that we are more alike than different and that, even when we cannot travel physically, we can still find ways to access other parts of the world.

Learning a language at home will also help you understand what’s going on in parts of the world that you may not see on social media or in the news. When you practice a language, you learn more than grammatical rules and vocabulary. You find out about society and the people who live that language every day!