Communication is the basis of any relationship, right? But what happens when that communication is in a foreign language?
Love is by far the best motivation for learning a foreign language. And there are many other benefits too:
You’ll have more to talk about
Coming from two different cultures, and probably two different countries, you will have different cultural reference points and experiences. From the moment you fall in love you are inclined to embrace anything that is related to the person you love. Your passion for the person will encourage a passion for the language and culture.
This gives a huge boost to the language learning process.
You will surprise yourself
It can be difficult enough to communicate something as delicate as a feeling in your first language! The challenge of speaking in another language will awake unexpected skills. Being creative in a classroom is great, but when you need to share an idea you will be more resourceful and persistent with the language to get your point across. You will express things that you were unaware you had in you.
The mental challenge has another big benefit…
You’ll think before you speak
You know that moment when you regret what you are saying before you even finish the sentence? Yes, that moment.
In a second language you will have an additional chance to think about what you are saying and perhaps keep it to yourself. And if you say something awful anyway, you can blame mistranslation.
You’ll get lots of free language practice
The number one thing that all successful language learners share is strong motivation. And what stronger motivation could there be than learning your lover’s language and culture?
You will hear all the words that would never be spoken in a classroom. Whether idioms, slang, or simply the kind of everyday talk that is too informal for formal tuition, you will get all of it from your partner.
You get bonus points for dating a language teacher.
More non-verbal communication
It takes a long time to develop the more delicate points of a foreign language and you will learn to make allowances for some misunderstanding. And there will be silences. Being comfortable with silence is an important life skill.
You will also discover the true importance of body language.
Less conversation, more kissing
Blah, blah, blah… there’s more to a relationship than talk.
And if it goes really well… you can have bilingual kids!
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves here.
Who is your perfect foreign lover? Find out with our quiz! Image credits: Shutterstock, Keith L Hammond
What do you think?