Can you improve your memory by learning a new language?

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Do you think your memory has suffered over the past few years? I definitely do! But why?

It’s called digital amnesia. Nowadays, we are entrusting our phones with all the things we used to remember on our own, effectively diminishing our memory. One in two people can’t remember their children’s phone number, one in three can’t even remember their partner’s phone number. I am so guilty of that one, and he’s had the same number for the 12 years we have been together! How often do you remember the date of an appointment without your phone reminding you? Very rarely if you’re me.

How can we train our ability to remember?  Learning languages can help the brain improve concentration and aid memory, as explained in the infographic “SOS memory: does learning languages help the brain?” by Babbel, the world’s first language learning app. 

From Plato’s aversion for writing, the culprit of taking away some of our memory, to fun facts about polyglots and the language of space, this infographic will take you on a journey into our ability to remember, and the help that learning one or more languages can provide. 

Short lessons, a new routine and spaced repetition are all useful tips and practices to help one’s memory not only with a new language, but also in all everyday situations, as proven by a Swedish study: Those who take language courses are better at remembering names of the people they just met.