Learning another language does more than just help you get by in a new country—it actually changes the way you see things. Suddenly, your brain feels sharper, and you notice details you’d probably miss otherwise. Scientists have found that being bilingual boosts your memory, helps you solve problems faster, and even keeps your mind younger for longer. But honestly, the science is just part of the story.
The real magic happens when you’re out in the world, trying out a few local phrases. You start having conversations you never expected, laughing with people you just met, and stumbling into moments that turn into the best stories. Even if you only know how to say “thank you” or order a coffee, you feel more connected—like you’re not just passing through, but actually belonging for a little while. Whether you’re diving deep into Mandarin or just picking up a bit of Italian, every new word pulls you closer to the heart of a place. Suddenly, travel feels less like ticking sights off a list and more like a real adventure.
Imagine your brain as a lively city. Picking up a new language? That’s like building brand-new subway routes, shifting how everything operates and making the whole network run more efficiently.Here’s how:
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s hidden superpower. Basically, your brain can reshape and adapt, almost like clay in your hands. When you learn another language, your brain actually develops more grey matter—the kind that manages thinking and decision-making—and boosts the white matter that links different regions. People who are bilingual have denser grey matter in areas like the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is pretty much the headquarters for memory and problem-solving.
Bilingual brains are experts at multitasking. Flipping between languages constantly gives your anterior cingulate cortex—the brain’s focus traffic controller—a solid workout. This section helps you filter out distractions and handle conflicting thoughts. That’s why some people can juggle GPS instructions and a spirited chat without skipping a beat. That’s what comes from all that language-switching practice.
There’s also something called cognitive reserve, or what I think of as brain backup power. Alzheimer’s disease tries to damage brain connections, but language learners have extra “side routes” in place. Research from Toronto hospitals showed that bilingual folks show symptoms about five years later than people who speak only one language. It’s like having a set of backup tires for your brain cells.
Fun fact: Even when you get mixed up and blend words together (“Was it la mesa or le table?”), that confusion is actually a workout for your brain. Every time you hunt for the correct word, you’re giving your mind a mental workout.
Bilingualism reshapes how you connect with others. Studies from the University of Chicago reveal that juggling multiple languages:
Constantly switching between languages actually trains your mind to consider perspectives outside your own. It strengthens what psychologists call “theory of mind”—basically, the skill to figure out what someone else might be thinking or feeling.
Multilingual people activate the part of the brain that deals with conflict and helps you adapt—namely, the anterior cingulate cortex. This isn’t just theoretical. It means people who speak more than one language often navigate challenging situations better, especially when cultural differences arise. Picture the classic travel scenario: a Parisian waiter seems rude. Rather than getting upset, a bilingual person might pause and think, is he just overwhelmed? Or did I mispronounce something? That mental flexibility changes everything.
Actionable Tip: Try narrating your everyday interactions or disagreements in your target language. Even just retelling a conversation from the other person’s perspective helps you understand their view—and the more you practice, the easier it gets.
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 study in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology turned up something fascinating—people learning a new language start adopting the gestures and social behaviors of a new culture long before they’re anywhere near fluent. Seriously, watching a Bollywood film in Hindi or a K-drama in Korean isn’t just entertainment. It tunes your ear to jokes, sarcasm, and those subtle emotional signals no textbook ever covers. Try switching on subtitles in the language you’re learning—your reading speed will thank you!
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 a delicious way to put your language skills to the test? Check out our post and explore Singapore’s vibrant hawker centers! They’re the perfect place to try ordering in Mandarin, Hokkien, or Malay while you dig into Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and other tasty dishes.
Language isn’t just a handy travel tool—it transforms how you experience a place. Here’s why even learning a few words makes a dramatic difference:
When you speak, even if you make mistakes, you unlock a side of a place most tourists never see:
Ready to build these real-life skills? Even knowing a handful of phrases goes a long way. Try Preply, a language learning platform that gets you speaking from day one. You’ll be ordering coffee and finding your way around like a local in no time.
Ditch the phrasebook. Preply pairs you with native-speaking tutors who actually show you the slang, gestures, and customs you’ll need out in the real world. Book a 1-on-1 trial lesson in any of 50+ languages, whatever your level. Plus, get 30% off your first lesson—any language, any tutor, anytime!
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 visiting places. It’s about real connection. The best travel stories always begin with, “So I tried to say…”—because that’s how language turns awkward moments into unforgettable memories. Jhumpa Lahiri said, “Every language is a world.” Why limit yourself to only one?
What’s the one phrase that changed your travels? Or your favorite “language luck” story? Share it with us below!
*Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality content.*
If you ask me, hospitality in Chengdu is pretty incredible. From sleek skyscrapers to little…
Dry skin can feel like a mystery that cracks and flakes when you least expect…
Welcome to Shenzhen, the "Silicon Valley of China," a city that defies imagination and evolves…
As the first true chill of winter descends, a magical transformation begins in Northeast China.…
The Rise of C-Beauty and the Douyin Lips PhenomenonIn recent years, C-Beauty, a term representing…
Stepping into Chinese culture, whether for business or pleasure, is an exciting adventure. It's a…
View Comments
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!
This post really captures how powerful language learning can be… not just for travel, but for shaping how we think and connect with people. I love the point about even trying to speak the local language opening doors that most tourists miss… I’ve definitely experienced that!
I’m curious, do you think it’s more beneficial to focus on mastering one new language deeply, or to learn the basics of several languages depending on where you travel?
Hi Jenny, that's a fantastic question that many travelers grapple with. While there are benefits to both approaches, for the goal of creating deeper, more meaningful connections, I'd generally recommend focusing on mastering one language deeply. Achieving even an intermediate level allows for genuine conversations, access to local humor and media, and a much richer understanding of the culture that basic phrases can't provide. Learning the basics of several languages is wonderful for practical navigation and showing respect across multiple destinations, but true mind-rewiring and those "unlocked doors" you mentioned most often come from the profound proficiency gained by deep, dedicated study of a single language. But, of course this depends on your personal values and what you want to get out of your travels!