5 interesting facts about language learning
Language learning is an intrinsically human activity and its dynamics, a whole world to discover. We collected 5 surprising facts about this process for you. From statistics on the benefits of language acquisition, to how much more you can potentially earn because of your bilingualism. Or again, from the impact technology had on language learning to how much it enhances the understanding of the culture and worldview around an idiom. Ready to find out more? Let's go!
While learning a language enriches the life and soul of those who learn it, this activity has demonstrated benefits and effects on the physiology of the brain too. It's well established that those who speak two or multiple languages since childhood have a denser gray matter (the ensemble of neurons and the connections between them). White matter (the nerve fiber connecting the four lobes of the brain) has also stronger integrity, which can delay the onset of certain diseases like dementia. It's been also discovered that in bilinguals, language-switching employs several parts of the brain that extend beyond its language networks. Pragmatically, this translates in better information processing, attention to detail and the maintaining of what's called the "cognitive reserve".
by Erin McGann
Updated by Valentina Rampazzo on January 3, 2025
Surprising facts about language learning
Cognitive benefits of learning multiple languages
Economic advantages of being bilingual
Bilingualism is good for the economy! It starts from the potential for increased earnings, depending on the industry, compared to your monolingual counterparts. Also, speaking multiple languages will allow you to access international job opportunities: think of tourism, diplomacy, translation and business. And these opportunities might bring you anywhere in the world. Finally, being able to communicate in several languages, makes you a valuable asset company won't want to lose.
Different languages, different alphabets.
Ever wondered how many alphabets or writing systems are out there? From research, this number seems to vary somewhere between 100 and 200. However, what we consider 'alphabets' aren't technically as such and have, instead, different nomenclature. There exist 6 categories of writing systems, according to Peter T. Daniel's research:
- Alphabets - Each grapheme (smallest functional unit of writing) represents a vowel or a consonant. In Italian, a grapheme is a letter; in Chinese, however, it's a character. European languages are based on different alphabets:
- Latin - for languages like Italian, English, French, Spanish
- Cyrillic - for Bulgarian, Russian, Bosnian
- Greek
- Armenian
- Albjads - In this writing system, only consonants are written in grapheme. Vowels, when written, appear as accents that describe how to pronounce them. Arabic and Hebrew are examples of languages that use this way of writing.
- Abugida - In this variant, used in Bengali, Tamil, Ge'ez Javanese or Thai, graphemes represent clusters of consonants and vowels.
- Syllabary - Each character = syllable. It differs from Abugida in that, in the latter, not all graphemes are actually syllables (but rather clusters). Cherokee is an example of a language that uses syllabary. Japanese, in a very specific way, too.
- Featural alphabet - Like Korean Hangul. The main feature of this alphabet lies in that each letter includes information about its pronunciation. Single graphemes are similar to the ones in the Latin alphabet but in the case of Hangul, they are regrouped as in a syllable.
More than 7000 languages are currently spoken
Despite some being endangered, as of today, people communicate using more than 7000 languages. Asia is home to the biggest variety, with 2,314 living languages across the continent. This makes up more than 32% of those 7000. In comparison, Europe "only" hosts 291 different languages, which amounts to 3%.
Technology and languages: new vocabulary and writing
Technology is a major driving force, not only in the way our appliances work but also in how language has changed.
- New vocabulary - As new technology sees the light of day, new terms also do. Think of words like 'smartphone' or 'app' which didn't exist up until a couple of decades ago. Also, words like 'cloud' is now soaked in new meanings.
- Informal communication - It's becoming widely more accepted and used, in part due to the surge of so many channels that prioritize speed and brevity. These are fertile grounds for abbreviations and slang that are penetrating also the spoken language.
- Grammar and spelling - All languages lean toward simplification over time. Technology is helping speed up this process. Grammar rules online are more relaxed and it's more and more common to spot creative spelling.
The future of language learning
As technology evolves, language learning will also become more accessible, efficient, and tailored. AI-powered apps and virtual tutors are already personalizing learning experiences, adapting to individual needs and pacing. At Lingoda too, we rely on AI to help make your post-classroom experience exactly what you need. However, we still maintain a human-centered approach where native-level teachers are available for you 24/7 in conversation-oriented classes. Whatever your approach is, learning a language is a great investment for your future and your soul.
Erin McGann
Erin McGann is a Canadian freelance writer focusing on travel, living abroad, parenting, history, and culture. After nearly a decade living in the UK, Erin settled in Heidelberg, Germany with her husband and son. Dragging her family to every castle and open-air museum is a favourite activity, along with sewing, archery, and historical reenactment. You can check out her travel blog, and follow her obsession with half-timbered houses on her Instagram account.
