New Things I’m Learning: Two Languages is Better Than One

Am I fluent in Korean? No, of course not. Am I learning another language anyway? Yes, of course. It’s more like three, but that’s a different blog post. “But you could do sooo much better if you focused on only one thing.” Yes, thank you I have never thought of that. However, I don’t think this argument considers that everyone is different. Specifically, the way we think and engage our brains is inherently different. Many people thrive on doing one thing and being the absolute best at that one goal, task, job, whatever it may be. I am not one of those people and have found that I am not the only one.

I thrive on the ability to reasonably bounce back and forth between interests of the same category. When applied to language learning I can (and prefer) to learn 2-2.5 languages simultaneously and comfortably. Below are some benefits I have found when learning this way.

Benefits of Learning Two Languages Simultaneously

• Consistency

  I will forever shout this from the rooftops. Learning two languages has done more for my consistency than one ever will. Some days, my head is just not in it. I get into these moods where Korean is just not it. I don’t want to look at it, I don’t want to read it, I don’t even want to veg out to a drama. This frustration can last one day to 2 months. I’ve been learning Korean for three years. For a portion of these years, I was in school, compelled to study every day, and here is what I have noticed. When I am frustrated, I am not learning anything new. I can muster up the willpower and sit to study for hours. When that time is up, I will have learned nothing. Now do this for three days in a row….That minor frustration can very easily lead to burnout. Learning two languages at once bypasses frustration and keeps me consistent. Instead of doing something I don’t want to do and diminishing my willpower, I temporarily switch my subfocus. The goal is still to learn a language at the set time for language learning.

• Mindset

  As a native English speaker, Korean is immensely difficult. Ten years ago, in high school, Spanish was the hardest language I had ever attempted, and I grew up listening to it on the playground. Korean has undoubtedly broadened my horizons. I have spent so much time and energy overcoming the challenges of learning a language so far removed from my language that I can now see other languages in a different light. Now, Spanish is easy comparatively. There are still challenges, as with every language, but I comprehend more at a faster speed.

• Increased Brain Function

  Now, maybe it is because I started with such a difficult language, but I do feel that learning two languages of different complexities has allowed me to learn both languages at a faster pace (even with month-long breaks). What I do know is that learning languages increases your neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to adapt, change, and make new connections. Neuroplasticity has a lot of benefits that all essentially make you smarter. In the article The Impact of Learning a Language on Brain Health, Hidaya Aliouche states, “Evidence suggests that as a product of learning a language and utilizing several languages, changes in brain anatomy are induced. These changes include the pattern of functional neurons and can occur rapidly and at any age.” Since learning multiple languages at the same time, I can understand both languages better and apply many of the same learning methods to each language, effectively increasing the pace at which I learn.

Still not convinced it’s the best route? That’s ok, learning this way is not for everyone. If you do find yourself wanting to learn two languages at once or have tried but couldn’t quite get into the groove, come back on Friday for tips on how to properly learn multiple languages simultaneously.