Every day we walk around with the world’s information in our pocket. Our handheld or desktop devices help us stay connected to our work, friends, families and hobbies. Before the advent of such technology, how did people connect with one another? They used their words.
In an ever changing world, acquiring the ability to speak more than one language can be highly useful. This skill can help connect us with our neighbors, colleagues or the stranger on the bus. The question then becomes; how can we learn these languages quickly? After all, we live in a society of instant gratification. The answer is technology. How is technology helping us learn new languages?
It is uncommon to find a language learning class, on any level, that doesn’t use some form of technology. Technology is being used for two reasons. First is to assist both the educator and the student. And second, to speed up the process of learning the new language. While technology plays a critical role in assisting and speeding up the process of learning a new language, it also offers a benefit that most people truly care about. That benefit is the ability to learn on their own schedule and from anywhere.
Language learning technology enables us to learn at any point during the day or night. Unlike signing up for a scheduled class, with deadlines and tests, using platforms such as Rosetta Stone and Babbel give us the freedom to learn at our own pace. Before these type of platforms, learning languages was arduous and drawn out. Not anymore!
Leonardo da Vinci’s Connection
We, as a museum, are named after Leonardo da Vinci. He is known for many of the skills he had. He was an artist, a scientist, an engineer, a mathematician and an inventor. But did you know he was also bilingual. He was born and raised in Florence Italy. His first language was Italian but as he matured and flourished he found a need to learn a new language. He learned that Latin language. Why Latin? At the time it was the universal language of European scholars and scholarships. By learning a new language, da Vinci’s work and talents were able to spread and grow.
It’s new year. If you have made the resolution to finally learn that second or third language, now is the time. Language learning technology continues to grow in popularity, and for good reason. It doesn’t matter the platform you choose, be it technology based or in a classroom setting. Learning a new language can open the door to numerous opportunities. Leonardo da Vinci discovered this over 400 years ago. What are you waiting for? Make resolution to learn a new language in 2017.
