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Murtaza Hussain
@mazmhussain
I have heard some people say they will stop teaching their kids languages in the future due to advancements in translation technology. While I welcome this technology as an aid I think ending language learning is a mistake. I can speak four languages proficiently: English, Urdu, Persian and Turkish. I can also dust off my French and Arabic when need be. I cannot express how much this knowledge has enriched my life. Language is deeply wedded in culture in an intimate way beyond getting information across. Talking to your mother-in-law through an app just doesn’t establish the same human connection. Language learning has neurological benefits that studies suggest can slow brain aging and stave off degenerative disease. Where I see apps fitting in is as an augmentative tool for learning that makes training your brain easier than ever. But we should keep training our brains. I wrote an article on my method to help all language learners: https://mazmhussain.substack.com/p/how-to-teach-yourself-a-new-language
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Maretus
@maretus
Wow I had no idea that learning a language could stave off degenerative disease. My dad was just diagnosed with vascular dementia and he’s not long for this world. Apparently the conditions that led to it are hereditary, so I need to get on some language learning asap. Will check out your sub stack. 🤙🏼
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Murtaza Hussain
@mazmhussain
Very sorry for your dad, god bless him and you. Learning languages opens up new neural pathways which help fight against onset of Alzheimer’s and other neurological diseases according to research on the subject. It definitely feels like you’re working out your brain and switching channels.
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Maretus
@maretus
Very interesting. My wife is from Venezuela and speaks Spanish so I guess I’ll start there since I’ve been picking it up here and there anyway. 😅
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Murtaza Hussain
@mazmhussain
Spanish is a great one because it’s a relatively easy transition for English speakers (only tricky thing is genders)
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