Sunday 14 June 2020

LEARNING A FOREIGN LANGUAGE. SENSE OR NOT?







Hi my lovelies!

So I decided to ask you all, what did you spend your quarantine, self isolation, lock-down on? I know some people spent an ample amount of time on ALL the social media, while some were actively involved in online gossip. I am SMH @ you!

The reason for this post is to remind you that your internet data can be used for much more. Yes! Instead of sitting and surfing the interet with no intent purpose that you can now enjoy yourself with no disturbance, a little more knowledge is worth it, and today, that knowledge I introduce you to is A New Language.

In our globalized world of today where mobility is facilitated, learning a language is a wonderful benefit. Not only does it help when travelling, it is also a great advantage for studying in general and for career prospects abroad. Acquiring a second language enables us to develop various mental abilities at all ages.

1. Boosts Brain Power: Learning a new language means your brain has to cope with complexity as it makes sense of and absorbs new patterns. As our brains work out the meaning, endeavoring to communicate, we develop key learning skills such as cognitive thinking and problem-solving. 

2. Improves Memory: Use it or lose it. How many times have you heard that phrase? It is a simple fact- the more the brain is used, the better its functions work. A new language requires not only familiarity with vocabulary and rules, but also being able to recall and apply this knowledge. Learning a language gives your memory a good work out in the brain gym. This means that multilingual people have brains that are more exercised and quick to recall names, directions, facts, and figures.

3. Enhances The Ability To Multi-Task: multi-tasking is very stressful for those who are not used to it or don’t do it well. According to a study from the Pennysylvania State University, people who are multilingual and proficient at slipping from one language system to another are practiced at this very demanding work for the brain. People who have developed the ability to think in different languages and move from one to the other become much better multi-taskers, reducing stress levels.

4. Sharpens The Mind: A study from Spain’s University Of Pompeu Fabra revealed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. They easily spot anything that is irrelevant or deceptive. They are also better at spotting misleading information. The study was conducted comparing multilingual and monolingual subjects and the former notably had the edge. 

5. Enhances Decision-Making: According to a study from the University Of Chicago, decision-making ability becomes an easier process for multilingual people. Aside from the rules and vocabulary that go with learning a foreign language, there are nuances and regional expressions that a student of language frequently judges for appropriateness and hidden meanings. Multilinguals are more confident in their decision making choices as a result of practice, practice, practice!

6. Increases Networking Skills: Opening up to a culture allows you to be more flexible and appreciative of other people’s opinions and actions. As a result, if you are multilingual, you have the advantage of seeing the world from different viewpoints, enhancing your ability to communicate in today’s globally connected world.

7. Provides Better Career choices: Multilingual employees add value to the workforce. A multilingual ability is definitely a competitive edge in today’s world. Language learning helps develop strong cognitive skills, such as a better concept formation, mental flexibility and problem-solving, in addition to improving social connection between peers.

There are various apps that are useful in learning a new language. Some of them are:
  1. Rosetta Stone. 
  2. Duolingo. 
  3. Memrise.
  4. Busuu. ...
  5. HelloTalk.
  6. Babbel. ...
  7. Beelinguapp.
  8. Clozemaster, and lots more...
Tell me in the comment section, what language will you like to learn?

Image Credit: Google Photos


VACATION DESTINATIONS







Soon, we will all return back to our normal, or well, slightly normal lives and hopefully, we can begin to travel, see new places and have fun again. Now this post is for that time *winks*.

We all dream of perfect vacations- often they are faraway places that we have seen in pictures and on-screen throughout our lives. In television and movies, iconic scenes take place in romantic and exciting locations. *Inserts* I am a Korean and American movie junkie!

For some of us, dream vacations are hard to come by, sometimes because of time, money or health. However, we all want to escape from the realities of our everyday lives sometimes and after years of hearing about these incredible destinations and seeing amazing pictures, it’s no wonder that thousands of people have many of these vacation spots on their bucket lists.

Below are some historic sites that you can consider:

  • Taj Mahal, India: One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal in India, was built as attribute from Emperor Shah Jahan to his late wife. A close inspection reveals incredible details including verses from the Koran written in calligraphy and in laid gemstones throughout the translucent marble surface. Additionally, because millions travel to the Taj Mahal annually, the lines are exhaustingly long, and visitors can expect to be bombarded by those attempting to hawk their goods. So get prepared!
  • Great Wall Of China, China: The great wall of china is an impressive structure, spanning over 13,000 miles and passing through many Chinese cities. The Great Wall is comprised of a total of 16 different sections dating back as far as 3rd century B.C.
  • Copacabana Beach, Brazil: Rio de janeiro in Brazil is considered one of the must visit cities in the world. The ocean lies at the feet of the mountains creating an idyllic beauty that is unparalleled with many attractions that continue to draw people from everywhere in the world. Copacabana Beach is one of those attractions that makes the list of must-see locations. However, the beach itself is very narrow and overly crowded. The beach is surrounded by apartment blocks stretching high toward the sky and obscuring the views. Pishure toh bad *in slangs*
  • Eiffel Tower, France: Paris, France is home to many incredible vacation highlight locales, including, of course, the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower in France has been synonymous with romance in film and photography for generations. Paris sees over 40 million visitors annually because of its iconic attractions. The Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair is the most famous Paris attraction, making it a must-see on everyone’s vacation list. However, do note that even if the tower is open, getting to the top is no small feat- requiring tickets to be purchased months in advance or standing in line several hours to catch an elevator ride to the top.

For me, I would want to visit a quiet and calm island that may not be so visible in the world map, lolz, but give me that peaceful ambience that I so much crave after this global turnaround.

Keep safe my darlings!

Image Credit: Google Photos