Language is the way we communicate with each other. It includes speaking, writing and using hand and face movements, known as sign language. Unlike countries, languages have no borders and can connect people around the world. The United Nations celebrates six of the world's most widely used languages every year. Chinese Language Day, on 20 April, and Spanish, on 23 April, are good chances to try learning a new language.
Speaking another language helps us talk to people we may not understand in other ways, and makes us feel more connected to them. Havana, aged 12, says speaking Hungarian as well as English means she can talk to her relatives in Hungary. This makes her feel closer to her cousins because they can share each other's interests. Learning another language can also boost our confidence — for example, by being able to chat to native speakers when we travel. Studies show that being able to speak two languages also exercises the brain and makes us better at concentrating on more than one thing at a time.
Alex Rawlings is a language teacher and writer who speaks more than 15 languages. He finds it's easier to learn words that he can hear, rather than from a list.“For example, the lyrics of a song are more memorable because they rhyme and are sung,”he says. It's also important to stay motivated. Rawlings recommends writing down reasons why we want to learn the language and keep reminding ourselves of them.“I've met lots of friends through my languages,” says Rawlings. “The more we learn the easier it gets.”
