Cognitive Benefits of Language Learning

This summer, I traveled to Spain on a scholarship to the University of Valladolid’s professional development seminar for teachers of Spanish. There I met educators from around the world. I was struck by the tendency of world language teachers to be bold, adventurous, adept at wordplay, precise in expression, and creative in problem solving. In fact, I’m convinced that the cognitive structuring from our language studies actually made us better travelers. Every attention was paid to details, comparing, contrasting, problem-solving, and negotiating. Our language learning not presented the ability to communicate in Spain, it awarded us a greater level of understanding and learning from the experience.

Stephanie Call, World Languages Specialist ♦ 402-471-4331 ♦ stephanie.call@nebraska.gov