5 REASONS YOU NEED TO LEARN A SECOND LANGUAGE LATER IN LIFE
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One of the biggest myths, we believe, is that people over a certain age are unable to learn a new language. However, the fact is that even at the later stage of life, you can still choose to study a second language, such as the Chinese Mandarin.
People over the age of 50 are interested in participating in social study groups and attending overseas study classes. They’re open to the idea of growing their mind and keeping their brains healthy, and they want to see the world while doing it.
In this blog post, we’re cutting ties with this myth and sharing five compelling reasons why you should learn a second language, such as learning the Chinese language later in life.
DELAY AGING
The first thing is that speaking two languages helps delay dementia (there are more benefits of speaking a second language). A study conducted by researchers at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences took 648 seniors with varying forms of dementia and literacy. Participants who spoke a second language could delay Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia by 4.5 years.
Speaking a second language requires a specific type of brain training, and switching between two languages needs a certain type of attention. That part of the brain, if used and exercised, could be what delays certain types of dementia.
KEEPING YOUR MIND SHARP & BRAIN HEALTHY
In addition to delaying dementia, learning the Chinese language in China allows you to remind yourself what is possible to achieve if you put your mind to it.
Studying Mandarin Chinese involves memorizing grammar rules, different tones, and all of the vocabulary. It’s a workout for your brain, and once you start practicing the language, your recall will improve. We also listed out useful tips to study basic Chinese content for Mandarin learners.
People who are bilingual or are learning another language are typically better at remembering lists, directions, and sequences.
GETTING MORE FROM YOUR TRAVEL ADVENTURES
One of the best perks of learning another language is that it allows you to travel abroad. Temporarily say goodbye to your house, get someone else to water your garden, and begin to live your worldly travel dreams!
One way to reach at least one of your bucket list locations is to study that country’s language. By learning Mandarin in China, you will be able to travel and visit many attractive Chinese cities. For example, when you study Mandarin Chinese in Kunming at Keats School, you cannot only enjoy a great time in the “Eternal Spring City” but also other beautiful locations. Dali and Lijiang are the most classical touring line; Puzhehei owns the amazing karst landscape of rivers and mountains; Yuanyang is the home of the Intangible Cultural Heritage – terrace fields; Xishuangbanna can bring you the most tropical experience in China; Tengchong and Jianshui are both important border ancient towns for exploring; Jingmai Tea Mountain will let you know more about the Chinese tea. Combining the Chinese language learning and touring together, you will gain more from your adventure.
Once you begin learning your second language, it will help traveling become easier for you (learn more about the benefits of learning Chinese as a second language). Even learning a few words will lead to experiences you wouldn’t experience if you stuck to the tourist streets.
SOCIALIZE
Signing up for a second language course, such as an Intensive One-on-one Chinese course, is a great way for you to meet other people who share the same interests in language and culture as you. There are more facts you need to know about the intensive one-on-one Chinese program. As a mature student, there is increasing interest in cultural meetups, community programs, and extracurricular activities. There are various things you can do when studying and living in Kunming.
These are all great ways to socialize and meet new people while studying a second language abroad.
The friends you meet abroad could become some of your longest-lasting friendships.
ENHANCING CULTURAL APPRECIATION
Learning the Chinese language is very useful. A new language gives you a newfound appreciation for the movies (8 films you need to watch for learning Chinese), books, and city streets of that country. It makes you want to become a local to be able to live like they do without thinking, “do I look out of place here?”
Once you start to understand the language, you will want to get outside the classroom more and experience your surroundings. Say yes to travel days, group trips, and volunteering experiences. These will deepen your connection with your new city and language.
Plus, once you get out and start reading and learning about the country and the city’s culture, your family will see you as a professional (learning more about the advantages of learning Chinese as an adult). They’ll be able to ask you anything, and you’ll probably know the answer.
That’s what having a love for learning, language, and education does to a person!
THE TIME IS NOW
For the monolingual people, the time to change is now. Research shows that adults who decide to learn a foreign language are completely capable of becoming highly proficient.
There are so many reasons to learn a second language as an adult. Not only will it build your social circle but it builds your brain power too.
If you’re interested in learning Mandarin in Kunming, China, contact Keats School today. We offer several different courses that could be of interest to more mature students.
FAQ
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1. Which language program can help senior group learn Mandarin fast and good?
At Keats School, there are multiple language programs for senior students to select from.
To better match up with the learning demand of the elder group, it is recommended to take intensive One-on-one Chinese classes, which are highly customized according to an individual’s learning habits and requirements. As an aged learner, this program can ease your tension of learning at most, for you don’t have to worry that you cannot catch up with other classmates and be embarrassed to ask questions in front of others.
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2. What is the senior Mandarin learner can do to know more about the Chinese culture?
There are various cultural activities and events organized out of class at Keats School. You may choose from paper cutting, Mahjong playing, traditional instruments playing, Chinese cooking, and Tai Chi. There is also free weekend excursion at public parks, museums, and squares. Language exchange events must be the most popular and the most lively event to enjoy at Keats School. If you prefer a peaceful time, the Thursday movie night is also an ideal option.
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3. Is the climate of Kunming comfortable enough for elder people?
Kunming is known as the “Eternal Spring City” in China, for it boasts the mildest climate in China. It also has the cleanest air, and you don’t have to worry about the air quality here at all.
Though there is no heat supply in south China in wintertime, including the Kunming area, Keats School thoughtfully installs a heating system throughout the school. It equips an electrical heater in each dormitory room to make a comfortable stay for Keats students.
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4. What touring attractions can be visited by aged group in Kunming?
There are many beautiful parks that you must visit in Kunming.
The Green Lake in the center of the city; the Nationality Village next to the Dianchi Lake; The Golden Palace; The Western Hill Park; The Daguan Building Park.
The above parks are all easy to reach and a good environment for the senior group to enjoy the fresh air and pretty scenery.
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5. Is Kunming a good city for senior age group to live and study?
Kunming owns the mildest climate in China, making it an ideal place for the senior group to live. A slow-paced living style here also makes it attractive for retired people to spend holidays here.
Though it is not as developed as Beijing, Shanghai, it also boasts many top standard medical institutions, bringing more insurance to your health management demands.
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HAVE STUDIED AT KEATS
My teachers are all excellent. They trained the teachers so professionally. I feel like I learn very quickly with my teacher. They are very serious about their students and I know every teacher is like this. I would highly recommend that you come to Keats if you are looking for the best Chinese school in China.
I decided to learn Chinese in Kunming because I like smaller cities and I like the climate here. We had four hours a day study here and my dear teacher taught me very much and never lost her patience with me. It was a really wonderful experience to be here and I recommend Keats school and the teachers here to everyone who likes to learn Chinese in China.
Before I came to Keats School, I had no confidence in my Chinese proficiency. I did not have the confidence to speak Mandarin Chinese and chat with Chinese people. However, after 4 months of study at Keats, I become more and more confident in speaking Chinese now. Studying Chinese in China at Keats School has been the best decision I have ever made. There are many games in the class, and my teacher’s teaching methods are also very interesting. My experience at Keats School has changed my view of China and Chinese people.
I’ve had a really great time here. I’ve studied a lot with my teacher who was fantastic. Keats School tried very hard to match its students with really good teachers that their personality works very well together. I really enjoy studying Chinese at Keats and I will definitely come back.
The visa application was really straightforward, because Keats School helps us a lot with that. Keats has a big emphasis on conversational practice, so we learn a lot of vocabulary and daily life plans which is very convenient for us to go around town and speak with Chinese people which is the whole point of learning Chinese in China.
This is my second time coming. Last year, I also came for about 12 weeks. This time I came for 13 weeks of a summer program in China. The reason why I particularly want to come to this school was because of the one-on-one classes. I was able to increase my level and learn Chinese more quickly than in group classes. If I have a chance again to come next year, I certainly will.
I’ve been at Keats school and Kunming now for one month doing the one-on-one Chinese lessons with two different teachers. I really enjoy it. Both of my teachers are very friendly and patient. They really helped me to improve my Chinese, both of my reading and speaking. I really enjoy studying Chinese in Kunming as well. This city is really beautiful and the weather is nice, the air is clean. It’s one of the best cities in China to study Chinese.
It is very convenient to come to Kunming from Thailand. I really like my Chinese class and my Chinese improved a lot in a few months. There are many benefits of learning Chinese. The best thing I like about Keats is that it is in Kunming, a city with eternal spring. There is so much to see in Kunming and you will love this city after you come.