How Learning a New Language Boosts Different Types of Memory

What drives you to learn a new language?

For some, it’s a key part of personal development while others simply find pleasure in it as a hobby. Yet, many people hesitate to start as they don’t feel confident about their memory abilities. Despite the willingness to the time commitment, they still perceive the cognitive demands intimidating.

As I mentioned in the previous article, the success of language learning primarily lies in developing the right mindset and using appropriate strategies for learning. Having a strong memory is beneficial, but it’s not a sole requirement. In fact, improving your memory is often a result of learning a new language, not a prerequisite for the journey.

Recent studies highlight the positive effects of language learning on different brain regions associated with memory, particularly relating to memory formation and retention. Here are some ways memory can be improved with language learning.

Benefits on Working Memory

Working memory: it is the system in the brain responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information while actively performing mental tasks. It is limited in capacity and can hold only a certain amount of information at a time.

Without a doubt, language learners often need to process and switch between different linguistic elements during listening, speaking, reading, and writing tasks. While learning new vocabulary and applying grammar rules and sentence structures, they need to constantly hold and decode information in working memory to comprehend and construct sentences correctly.

An obvious example of multi-tasking in language use is when learners engage in mental translation or interpretation between their native language and the target language. In this process, cognitive flexibility and working memory resources are required, which, in turn, help enhance and strengthen learners’ working memory capability.

With that, here are some studying tips for you. To prevent the working memory from being overloaded, use tables, flowcharts, schematics, or multimedia presentation to help the brain better perceive and process information. Methods like reiteration, retelling, and reading – either aloud or silent – could also help strengthen the retention of the information in short-term memory.

Benefits on Associative Memory

Associative memory: it is a type of memory that is linked to forming connections or associations between pieces of information. For example, when you think of “tree”, you might associate it with “green”, “brown”, “leaf”, and “flower”. The brain creates mental links between different elements based on their similarities, relatedness, co-occurrence or even classical conditioning.

The process of language learning and language comprehension largely involves associative memory. As learners associate new vocabulary with meanings and contexts, they create memory connections between words and concepts. These associations facilitate better memory retrieval when encountering similar words or concepts in the future.

Strengthened associative memory, in turn, helps us make sense of the world by connecting new information with existing knowledge stored in long-term memory. When one element of an association is activated, it can help with the retrieval of other associated elements.

Benefits on Spatial Memory

Spatial memory: it is the ability to encode, store, and recall information about the spatial environment. Think about when we explore and interact with new surroundings, our brain forms mental maps that help us understand spatial relationships, find our ways around, and remember the location of objects in the environment. For example, recalling where you left your keys or phone requires spatial memory.

In language learning, learners often encounter new scripts, characters, writing systems, or cultural contexts. This exposure can lead to mental map formation. Studying techniques like the Memory Palace often associate words with specific locations or objects, creating spatial connections that enhance memory retention.

The improvements in spatial memory are typically a by-product of experiences associated with language learning. It’s not only important for practical purposes but also contributes to our overall understanding or the world and our ability to interact effectively with our environment.

Benefits on Emotional Memory

Emotional memory: it is the memory of past experiences or events that evoke strong emotions. It’s characterised by the strong recall of events or situations that triggered intense feelings, such as joy, fear, sadness, anger, or love.

Language learning is often tied to emotional experiences. Positive emotions can enhance memory encoding, leading to better recall of language-related information.

According to a study published in the System Journal, it concludes that by experiencing positive emotional experiences during language classes, learners can build a favourable connection not only with the target language but also with the entire learning experience.

Positive emotional memories created by emotional stimuli are an applicable strategy that can be transferable across various cultural and language contexts. However, it should also be noted that even the most positive emotions involved still can’t substitute for long-term practice and the right strategies, particularly in language learning.

Positive emotional memories are essential for various aspects of our well-being and overall cognitive functioning. They provide emotional resilience when we’re faced with challenges while keeping us motivated and working towards our goals

In essence

Engaging in language learning utilises various memory systems, and in the process, it also reinforces and enhances our memory abilities. Since language learning offers a variety of cognitive challenges and benefits that engage memory-related processes, I highly recommend it for anyone who is looking for a rewarding, yet brain-stimulating, activity.

Spending just 15 minutes a day learning and practising new vocabulary of the language of your choice can result in acquiring around 100 words or more per month. Consider the significant difference in learning potential between dedicating 15 minutes to your language learning journey and the same amount of time on social media.

With that, what’s the next language would you start learning today?

DeepGamma.