Showing posts with label learning a language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learning a language. Show all posts

Saturday, 9 April 2022

Can Learning a New Language Help Improve Memory?

Photo by Compare Fibre on Unsplash


{This post is written in collaboration with Emily Jones}

It's called digital amnesia: Nowadays, we are entrusting our phones with all the things we used to remember on our own, effectively diminishing our memory. One in two people can't remember their children's phone number, and one in three can't even remember their partner's phone number. me included and he has had the same number for around a decade, it's crazy!

How can we train our ability to remember? Learning languages can help the brain improve concentration and aid memory, as explained in the infographic below - "SOS memory: does learning languages help the brain?" by Babbel, the world's first language learning app.

From Plato's aversion to writing, the culprit of taking away some of our memory, to fun facts about polyglots and the language of space, this infographic will take you on a journey into our ability to remember, and the difference that learning one or more languages can provide.

Short lessons, a new routine and spaced repetition are all useful tips and practices to help one's memory not only with a new language but also in all everyday situations, as proven by a Swedish study: Those who take language courses are better at remembering names of the people they just met.  

Monday, 21 September 2015

Dear So and So - La Español Edición

A photo posted by Costa Brava Pirineu de Girona (@costabravapirineu) on

Hey Mich,

Who would have guessed it? After a 30 year break since you last tried to speak a foreign language you are back in the classroom and shock, horror - you enjoyed it!

Those lies you told yourself for the last 30 years - that you are rubbish at languages and don't have an ear for it, well they are just that - lies!  You are a very capable and well educated woman and you can do anything you put your mind to. This includes learning a second language.

Now you need to keep practising - reading, online, games and most importantly talking. You are in a very unique and privileged position because you live with lots of native Spanish speakers, so make sure you make use of them and try your hardest.

I have faith in you Mich, next summer when in Spain you'll be able to chat to the natives!

Mich x