I have always been fascinated by new languages. They feel like a secret code that only a select few can translate. I was brought up in Belfast, Ireland where the main language is English, however, I was given an Irish name. It’s very common for English-speaking Irish people to have or to name their children names from the Gaelic language. It always intrigued me that my name didn’t look anything how it sounded, Gráinne is said as Grawn-ya. I grew up surrounded by Irish names such as Caoimhe (key-va), Seán (shawn), Saorise (seer-sha), etc. I began to learn the Irish language in school, and so forth, and I grew a love of learning languages. Since then, as I lived in Germany for a period of time, I learned German and recently began to learn some Spanish. I will admit that I’m not someone that languages come easily to. I have to work hard learning the vocabulary and the grammar. The grammar in particular, for me, and for most other linguist enthusiasts, is the most difficult part. Having to think structurally differently from the language you are most familiar with is like trying to dress an octopus! Plus, having to learn a new language as a mom seems even more impossible!
I think as moms, we underestimate our abilities and assume that taking on a new hobby, such as learning a language, is taking up time that we already don’t have. However, learning a language can be done in five minutes a day and can be incorporated into our social lives—or, let’s be realistic, can create a social life!!
According to the University of the Potomac, there are many benefits to learning a new language, such as:
- Stimulates your brain, which will improve brain and memory function
- Improves your attention span
- Boosts creativity and self-esteem
- Improves your first language
- Can broaden your career opportunities
- Slows down cognitive decline
I also would add increased empathy to the list. Learning a language and trying to speak it with natives gives you a better understanding of all the tourists or new residents who come to your country with English as a second or third (or even more) language.
There are many ways to learn and language and many resources out there. Here are my top tips for learning a new language as a mom.
It does not need to take up a lot of time.
Start as slowly or as quickly as you like. Some amazing free apps, such as Duolingo and Babbel, allow you to set goals and send you reminders. I used Duolingo a lot when I was learning German, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Integrate it into your social life.
Joining a local language class is a great way to spend time away from family and work. It gives you the opportunity to get away and focus on something other than the chaos at home. Language classes focus on cultural lessons, and you will get to meet a whole lot of very interesting people.
You don’t have to know the language to a high standard.
My approach and understanding of learning a new language have changed over the years. I used to think that you had to understand every word that was being said and only speak ‘perfectly’ in that language. However, as I have learned along the way, even a basic level of a language will give you a better understanding of the culture and personality of a country. Even at an A1 level, you can have a basic conversation in another language and what a beautiful way to explore a new country when you are able to bumble along with a few words and phrases.
Plan a vacation.
Give yourself the goal of using your new language on vacation. Go to a beautiful, new country where you can practice your language skills. I promise you will see the country in a whole different way when you have a little bit of the language, and the locals will treat you differently when you take the time to learn their language.
Learning a new language will allow you to see a different dimension of the world, and honestly, I don’t think English-speaking countries put enough emphasis on learning new languages, which leaves us limited to what we can do and where we can go later in life. I also think many English speakers believe learning a new language is impossible rather than seeing it as a process that can be stimulating and fun. Give it 5 minutes a day for a month, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can pick up!
