From sharper cognition to richer cultural connections, speaking another language changes how you think—and how you explore the world. Language learning does more than help you order food or ask for directions—it rewires your brain and transforms how you travel.
Research shows that bilingualism sharpens memory, enhances problem-solving, and even delays cognitive decline, making your mind more resilient. But the benefits extend far beyond neuroscience. When you speak the local language, even just a few phrases, doors open that most travelers never see. Conversations become richer, cultural insights deepen, and serendipitous moments turn into unforgettable stories. Whether you’re mastering Mandarin or just learning to say “thank you” in Italian, every word brings you closer to the heart of a place, unlocking a smarter, more adventurous way to explore the world.
Think of your brain as a city. Learning a language is like adding new subway lines—it rewires the infrastructure to make everything run more efficiently. Here’s how:
This scientific term just means your brain can reshape itself like playdough. When you learn a language, it physically grows more grey matter (the “thinking cells” in your brain’s outer layer) and strengthens white matter (the “wires” that connect brain areas). Studies show bilinguals have denser grey matter in memory and problem-solving regions (like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex—your brain’s “command center”).
Bilingual brains are elite multitaskers. Constantly switching between languages trains your anterior cingulate cortex (a brain area that acts like a traffic cop for attention) to filter distractions and resolve mental conflicts. Imagine effortlessly toggling between GPS directions and a conversation—that’s linguistic juggling paying off.
Alzheimer’s attacks brain connections, but bilinguals build extra “detours” through language learning. Toronto hospital studies show symptoms appear ~5 years later in bilinguals. It’s like having spare tires for your neurons!
Fun fact: Even failed language attempts help. The mental struggle of recalling words (“Was it la mesa or le table?”) is like lifting weights for your brain.
Bilingualism reshapes how you connect with others. Studies from the University of Chicago reveal that juggling multiple languages:
The constant practice of switching between linguistic systems trains the brain to consider others’ perspectives more readily. This is linked to stronger theory of mind—the ability to attribute mental states to others.
Bilinguals show increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex, the brain region responsible for monitoring conflicts and adjusting behavior. This translates to better negotiation skills in cross-cultural interactions. That same mental flexibility helps navigate sticky travel situations. When a Parisian waiter seems rude, a bilingual might consider: Is he overworked? Did I mispronounce “croissant”? instead of assuming hostility.
Actionable Tip: Practice perspective-taking by mentally narrating daily interactions in your target language. Even simple exercises, like describing a disagreement from another person’s viewpoint, can strengthen this skill.
Languages encode cultural values in their structure, like cultural X-ray glasses! Research highlights that this manifests in:
The way a language categorizes concepts (like time, ownership, or emotions) influences thought patterns. For example:
Spanish’s dual verbs for “to be” (ser vs. estar) reflect a cultural emphasis on context.
Korean’s honorific system reinforces social hierarchies in communication.
A Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology study found that language learners adopt mannerisms and social norms of the target culture faster, even before achieving fluency. Watching a Bollywood film in Hindi or a K-drama in Korean isn’t just fun—it trains your ear to humor, sarcasm, and emotional cues textbooks miss. (Pro tip: Use subtitles in the target language to boost reading speed!)
Actionable Tip: Combine language study with cultural immersion through:
Media analysis: Compare how news headlines or social issues are framed across languages.
“Untranslatable” word journals: Keep a log of culturally specific terms (e.g., Japanese ikigai or Portuguese saudade) and reflect on their contextual use.
Want to put your language skills to the test in a delicious way? Check out our post and explore Singapore’s vibrant hawker centers; the perfect place to practice ordering in Mandarin, Hokkien, or Malay while savoring iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and laksa!
Language is the ultimate travel tool—it doesn’t just help you get by, it changes how you experience a place. Here’s why even basic proficiency makes a dramatic difference:
Speaking the local language—even poorly—opens doors to experiences most tourists never see:
Want to start learning these practical language skills? Even basic phrases make a world of difference. Check out Preply, a language learning tool to begin your journey – you’ll be ordering like a local and navigating new cities with confidence in no time!
Skip the phrasebook – Preply connects you with native-speaking tutors who teach the slang, gestures and cultural nuances you’ll actually use abroad. Master key travel phrases fast with Preply’s 1-on-1 online tutors, available in 50+ languages at any skill level. Don’t hesitate to finally meet your language learning goals, book a 30% off trial lesson for any language, any tutor, at any time!
Language is more than convenience—it’s a safety net:
A few words change how people perceive and interact with you:
You don’t need fluency—just smart preparation:
Learn the “Big 5” Phrases
Master Food & Transport Words
Focus on staples like menu items, directions, and numbers first.
Use Tech Wisely
Offline translators are great for complex questions, but try speaking first—it changes the dynamic.
Embrace Mistakes
Locals appreciate effort. Mispronunciations often lead to smiles and corrections, not judgment.
Travel isn’t just about seeing places—it’s about engaging with them. The best travel stories start with “So I tried to say…” , where language turns blunders into bonds and sights into memories. As novelist Jhumpa Lahiri wrote, “Every language is a world.” Why see just one?
Your Turn: What’s one phrase that’s made a difference in your travels, or your favorite “language luck” travel moment? Share below!
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This is really intriguing! I've been wondering lately if being bilingual (speaking two languages) is the maximum number of languages that a person can maintain as their 'main' languages in which they think? I know a couple of people that can speak four to six languages, but it's always only two of them that are their main languages and the others are just on beginner or intermediate level. Nonetheless, great research!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment! 😊 You raise a really interesting point—while many people speak multiple languages, it’s true that most have one or two "main" languages for deeper thinking. That said, some polyglots do reach high fluency in several languages, especially if they use them regularly in daily life or work. So it truly does vary a lot from person to person! Appreciate you sharing your perspective—glad you enjoyed the research!
As a polyglot myself, this is actually very interesting and insightful. 😮 I'll be sure to keep up the language learning!
'Polyglot', that's a word I love to see! I love studying Chinese, but maybe I should take my own advice and branch out to some new travel phrases too! :)
Great article! Do these points vary depending on if you have learnt a language/languages since birth, or if you learn them throughout life?
Great question! Learning languages from birth can definitely feel more natural, however picking them up later in life has benefits too—like faster initial progress and sharper problem-solving skills. I have also seen some studies about how you must have began learning Chinese before the age of 7 to truly be able to master its tones, which indeed shows the potential differences with the time of acquisition. But don't let this discourage you, the majority of the points are applicable to learning a language at any age! Both ways boost brainpower, just differently!
Hey. I’ve travelled a bunch and only ever learned a few basic words or phrases. This language site looks pretty good. Did you study through them yourself? Thanks - R.
Hey Rebeccah, Thanks for your comment! I was actually born in Hong Kong and speak Mandarin fluently (it’s been my lifelong language!). While I haven’t personally used Preply as a student, I actually teach Mandarin there as a tutor—so I’ve seen firsthand how effective their platform can be for learners. If you’re ever curious about diving deeper into Mandarin—or just want travel-friendly phrases for any languages—I’d be happy to share tips. Happy learning, and safe travels!
Hi Cian. I’ve always been interested in learning a second language but never made the time. Have you used this school in your post before?
Hi Ming! Thanks for your question. While I haven’t taken classes as a student on Preply, I occasionally work as a tutor on the platform, so I’m very familiar with how it works. It’s a great option for language learning because it offers a wide range of tutors, languages, and price points which makes it easy to find someone who matches your goals and schedule. The lessons are flexible and can be booked at your convenience—which is perfect if you’re busy. Many tutors offer trial lessons, so you can see if their teaching style works for you before committing. I’ve had a really positive experience teaching there, and I’d definitely recommend giving it a try! 😊
Hi Cian. I understand that Chinese is a seriously hard language to learn. Can you speak it yourself?
Hi! Yes, it can be tough, but it’s definitely doable with practice. I speak Chinese relatively fluently, and it’s been really rewarding and useful (especially when traveling)!. Stick with it—every bit of progress is worth it :).
i tried to learn Mandarin in the early 2000s. Got stuck on the tones so gave in. Do you need to be younger to develop this skill. I was in my 30’s then so just couldn’t stick it out. Thx.
Hi Robyn! Yeah, that’s a really common hurdle — the tones trip up almost everyone at first! Actually, I've heard that you needed to have learned Chinese before the age of 7 to truly be able to speak with no tone issues at all. However, I think you definitely don’t need to be younger to pick up learning again! People of all ages still learn tones very successfully; it’s more about consistent listening and practice than age. Apps and resources today are much better than in the 2000s, so it might be worth another try if you’re ever curious again. Either way, lots of respect for trying it out!