These days it is quite common to see parents seeking out preschool and elementary schools that offer foreign language programs for their budding geniuses. Well known among the parenting community, foreign languages have been proven to benefit the brain’s health by promoting cognition growth and development.
Studies show learning a foreign language also benefits the maturing population. Actively learning a new language at an older age can improve cognition, memory and acuity. While learning any new subject can benefit the mind, learning a language specifically forces an individual to remember and associate vocabulary with everyday objects and activity.
Learning a new language does not have to be intensive or take place in a classroom with a teacher. There are many online resources that can help language beginners. Memorization techniques and learning aids can also help with remembering vocabulary. A good way to remember vocabulary is to use a Post-it, write a word on it, and stick it to the corresponding object. Watching TV shows or movies in the language you are learning along with English subtitles works to enhance oral comprehension.
Language learning can be a fun, social activity for seniors. Forming language conversation tables at communities brings a social element to learning. Having residents partner with native speakers at their community will not only facilitate a one-on-one learning experience, but also promote the exchange of cultural ideas and customs. Residents will find they can experience another country without leaving home!
Some tips to start the learning process: for native English speakers it is easier to learn related language such as Spanish, German, or Italian. Languages that use an alphabetical system can be easier for learners as opposed to learning languages without a system – such as Chinese.
Some resources to get started online:
Spanish: http://www.studyspanish.com/ - a comprehensive and informative guide
http://spanish-word-a-day.com/ - you can bookmark this site and learn one word and an example sentence everyday
Italian: http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/italian/ - a fun and helpful guide to Italian
http://italian.about.com/library/word/blwordofday1027.htm - word of the day site for Italian
German: http://www.deutsch-lernen.com/ - online guide to German
http://german.about.com/library/blworttag.htm - German word-a-day
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