Don't be a bore, learn a new language!

I recently wrote a blog about the much talked about mantra created by Iris Apfel: "More is more and less is a bore".

Her mantra hit me as an encouragement to embrace abundance, diversity, and a richness of experiences in life. I also realized that combining her, maybe peculiar sounding philosophy with a sense of curiosity can in fact lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

One of the things you could consider is learning a new language. Whether as part of your new expat adventure, or just picking up a language that has connections to your own native language. Like Dutch! ? In fact, learning a new language is an excellent way to leverage your curiosity. Here's I how I think incorporating language learning aligns with the sense of curiosity and the benefits it can bring:

Cultural Exploration: Language and culture are deeply intertwined. Learning a new language provides a gateway to understanding different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. I learned a lot from working with both Japanese and American colleagues and even learn basic Japanese words and expressions.

Expanded Communication Skills: Learning a new language enhances your communication skills, not just in the target language but also in your native language. It challenges you to express ideas more precisely and broadens your ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Once you start dreaming in the other language, you know you are hooked!

Intellectual Stimulation: Acquiring a new language involves grasping grammar rules, vocabulary, and syntax. This mental exercise stimulates your brain, enhances cognitive functions, and keeps your mind agile. It's a constant learning process that taps into your natural curiosity. No matter what age you are, new languages can still be learned and keeps you mentally healthy.

Professional Opportunities: Knowing multiple languages can open doors to new professional opportunities. It makes you a valuable asset in a globalized world where multilingualism is increasingly sought after. Your curiosity-driven language skills can set you apart in various fields.

Personal Growth: Learning a language requires persistence, dedication, and resilience. Overcoming the challenges of language acquisition contributes to personal growth, building confidence and a sense of accomplishment. It teaches you to embrace challenges and stay curious about your own abilities. Even when you know another language, you could dive deeper and earn degrees.

Travel Enrichment: If you enjoy traveling, knowing the local language enhances your overall experience. It allows you to connect with locals on a deeper level, navigate unfamiliar places more comfortably, and fully immerse yourself in the richness of different cultures. And make new friends!

Increased Empathy: Understanding another language can lead to increased empathy. It enables you to better comprehend the nuances of different cultures, appreciate different worldviews, and builds a more inclusive mindset. It also taught me to appreciate my own native culture while looking at it from a distant.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Language learning involves solving linguistic puzzles, understanding different sentence structures, and adapting to new ways of expressing ideas. These skills transfer to other areas of your life, contributing to enhanced problem-solving abilities.

I'm convinced that incorporating language learning into your curiosity-driven lifestyle adds a dynamic and enriching dimension. It not only offers practical benefits but also deepens your understanding of the world, creating a lifelong love for exploration and discovery.

Don't wait any longer but find yourself a tutor showing you the way in that other, new language. Enjoy the new dimensions!