Language Learning

An Analytical Report by Maribel Rodarte

June 28, 2015

Abstract: Learning of a new foreign language has become so greatly important, but also so difficult for many
people. Learning a new language has many great benefits and importance. The greatest benefit is that learning a
second language can improve brain health. Dementia is a common disease that occurs in the brain and it has been
found that learning a second language can delay the process of it. Learning a new language stimulates the brain and
results in many great benefits for students, as well. Students that know a second language are more likely to have
greater academic success than those who are monolingual. Just as there great benefits resulting from younger
people learning a second language, it also the key step to a better understanding of a new language. Learning a
second language at a young age, results in becoming fluent in the language easier. At a young age the brain is more
ready to absorb new information and easily combine it with other information, than at an older age. At an older age,
it becomes more difficult to learn a new language because one already knows a new language and it interferes with
the new language. This is why the difficulty of learning a new language has no time frame as to how long one will
learn a new language. Some languages closer to the family of the first language of the learner will be easier, as to
how the languages further away from the first language will be difficult. Many reasons add on as to why there is no
certain time. There is also no certain process as to how one will learn a new language because everyone learns in
different ways. This is why many people become discourage and give up on learning the new language.

Letter of Transmittal
From: Maribel Rodarte, Learning language
consultant
To: Learning Language Learners and
educators
Subject: Difficulty of learning a new
language

Reaseach should be done to answer this

question. The following questions should
give into that research

What is the importance of

learning a new language?
Concentrate on importance of
language

What is the process of

learning a new language?
Look into the process of
learning a new language.

How long does one take to

learn a new language? Seek
time frame to language
learning

What are the benefits of

learning a new language on
the brain? Focus on the
benefits on the brain

Often times many people who are learning a

new language decide its too hard and give
up. This analytical report will discuss the
importance of learning a new language and
why it is difficult for one to become fluent
in a new language.
When one person is learning a new
language, they often encounter problems
that make it difficult to continue the process.

The business world is full of

They do not stop and think of the many

communicating with foreigners.

benefits and the reason as to why they had

It is important to understand the

begun to venture into the process of learning

difficulty of learning a new

a new language. The question that should be

language, so one can be

asked then is why is it so difficult for

successful in the business world.

somebody to learn a new language.

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 1

Executive Summary

Introduction
Language learners have a difficult time
learning a new language. They take their
personal time to learn the new language and
sacrifice great hours to learn this new
language, but still some cannot seem to
become fluent in the new language. There
are not many resources out there truly can
help the language learner on their journey.
They are self-learning programs that do not
provide the correct resources that can truly
help one to become fluent in a new
language.

Purpose
To help one understand as to why it is
difficult for one to learn a new language.
Learners are encountering the problem of
putting in many great hours into trying to
become fluent in a new language and not
getting the right result of the sacrifice. These
problems are discouraging them to give up
and stop trying to learn the new language.
Looking and researching into the learning a
new language should give possible answers.

Scope

What are the benefits of learning a

new language on the brain?

Methods
To analyze these four questions, information
will be supported to answer these questions.
This information comes from articles written
articles from the web and a categorized
website service.

Limitations
This information that is included in this
analytical report is limited to the references
that are noted.

Conclusions and
Recommendations
It has been shown that not one person learns
in the same style as another person. One
may learn by having to see it, while the
other may learn by having to hear it.
Consumers need to provide a learning
program that can benefit each type of
learner. Consumers need to become aware in
the different type of learning styles to be
able to accommodate for the different type
of learners. Understanding these different
type of learning styles would help the
language learner greatly.

The goal is to inform consumers of the facts

surrounding learning a new language. It is
important to know these facts, so that one
can see and figure out a manner that which
can make learning a new language easier.
Looking into these four questions can
achieve this goal:

What is the importance of learning

a new language?
What is the process of learning a
new language?
How long does one take to learn a
new language?
Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 2

Table of Contents
Abstract...Cover Page

Appendixes:

Letter of Transmittal.....1

Appendix A: References.15

Executive Summary...2

Glossary16

Table of Contents...3

Table of Figures:

Introduction4

Figure 1: SAT-Scantron

Study Focus One: The Importance of

Learning A New
Language.5-6

Figure 2: Child learning words

1. The Benefits for Students.....5

2. The Business World and Foreign
Languages.6
Summary...6

Figure 3: Three Learning Styles

Figure 4: Time to Learn
Figure 5: Language Difficulty
Figure 6: Growing Brain

Study Focus Two: The Process of

Learning a New Language...7-8
1. Learning at a Young Age.7
2. No Process to Learning...7-8
Study Focus Three: The Time Frame of
Learning a New Language....9-10
1. No Time Frame to Learning..9
2. Difficultness by Time9-10
Study Focus Four: The Effects of
Learning a New Language on the
Brain....11-12
1. Brain Growth....11-12
2. Dementia.12
Results Discussions..13
Conclusions and
Recommendations...14

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 3

Introduction
Throughout the entire world, there are

learning to speak. Some languages are

people who are trying to learn a new

simple to learn, but some are very difficult.

language. Being fluent in more than one

It has become a burden to some to even

language has become very important in this

want to begin to learn a new language.

generation. Cultures around the world are

Learning a new language should not be a

being mixed greatly; whether it is from

burden to anyone.

business to personal reasons. Through the

means of technology, it has become easier to
connect with other countries and their

Research should analyze the

following questions:

What is the importance of

foreign languages. Certain technologies, like

learning a new language?
video chatting, have made it easier to speak

What is the process of

with others from foreign countries. Just in

learning a new language?
the United States, many who migrate

How long does one take to

encounter the difficulty of learning to speak

learn a new language?
English. This problem has been the cause for

What are the benefits of

many arguments over the fact of immigrants

learning a new language?
living in the United States. If this is a
problem in the United States, there must be
a greater more general problem throughout
the world.
Learning a new language is always
difficult; its just as when a toddler is
Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 4

Study Focus One: The Importance of Learning a New Language

Everyone has come across or will

in college for high school students.2

come across a different language throughout

Scoring higher on the SAT can give the

their lifetime. Whether they come across it

student the opportunity to further their

in their home country or they are traveling

education in a top notch university. The

outside of their home country. Throughout

SAT is scored by a point system in each

the entire world, there is about 6,909

category, and it has been shown that

distinct languages1. To know just one

students with four or more years of

language, with so many being out there, is

foreign language study score on average 140

quite difficult. The importance of language

points higher (out of 800) than students with

learning varies from health benefits to

half a year or less experience on the Critical

personal benefits. The importance of

Reading section, and almost another 140 in

language learning also varies from students

the Math section and over 150 points higher

to adults

on Writing.3

1. The Benefits for Students

Figure 1: SAT-Scantron

Children who are bilingual seem to do

better academically wise, than other
children. Research has shown that learning a
second language lead to improved scores
on the ACT and SAT, and academic success
Source:campusbound.com

Anderson, S. (n.d.). Linguistic Society of America. Retrieved June

21, 2015, fromhttp://www.linguisticsociety.org/content/howmany-languages-are-there-world

Why learn a second language? | GreatKids. (n.d.). Retrieved

June 21, 2015, from
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/learn-second-language/
3
Dinay, T. (2011, November 25). Advantages of learning a
foreign language at an early age.Retrieved June 21, 2015, from

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 5

These points have a great impact on the

more companies have begun to work with

decision of what university a student can be

foreign companies because more if offered

admitted to. In addition to scoring higher on

for a lesser price. The means of being able to

the SAT, the sole fact of knowing a foreign

reach out to international business partners

language may distinguish the student from

is financially beneficial to both the company

the many applicants to a university. College

and employee. McMunn states that those

graduates are the workers of the future; this

entering the workforce in 2014 with second

is why it is important that they prosper in

language fluency can expect an additional

college academic success.

10 to 15 percent pay increase (as cited in

2. The Business World and Foreign

Languages

Chau, 2014)4 Knowing a foreign language in

the business world is a key skill that one
must have.

The interaction with foreign

languages has become greater within the

Summary: Knowing a second language will

time. More and more people are beginning

is important for both a student and an adult.

to interact with outside cultures. The

A student will receive higher test scores

majority of people who interact with foreign

which can lead to the student attending a top

languages are those who work in the

university. While the adult will be able to

business world. International business has

communicate with people from different

become fairly easy to reach, due to the fact

of all the new technology there is. More and

http://www.todayszaman.com/op-ed_advantages-oflearning-aforeign-language-at-an-early-age_263877.html

countries. In the business world it is

necessary to speak to a foreigner.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/economicintelligence/20
14/01/29/the-business-benefits-of-learning-a-foreign-language

Chau, L. (2014, January 29). Why You Should Learn Another

Language. Retrieved June 21,2015, from

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 6

The Process of Learning a New Language

1. Learning at a Young Age
Some may come to find that learning

communicate well. They know fewer words

and use simpler sentence structures, which

a new language can vary in difficulty. The

means they have less to learn (as cited in

easiest way that one can learn a new

Perkins)5

language is learning the language as a child.

When a child learns a language, they are

Learning the language as a child is much

learning the basics of a language; making it

easier than learning the language as an adult

easier understand the core sounds and

due to the fact that children absorb new

pronunciations of the language. When an

information easier. The Center for Applied

adult is learning a new language, they

Linguistics says that children dont need

encounter the problem of mixing their home

to master the complexity of language that

language with the new one. An adult is

older children and adults need to

already fluent in one language meaning the

Figure 2: Child Learning Words

adults accent is based on their home

language. Davidson states that When
youre an adult and you already have a
language, the one you already know filters
sounds and you get substantial interference
from it (as cited in Keen)6 This is a great

Source:www.privatehealth.co.uk

Perkins, S. (n.d.). Why Is it Easier for a Child to Learn a New

Language Than an Adult?Retrieved June 22, 2015, from
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com /easier-child-learn-new
language-adult-15590.html

Keen, L. (2010, July 27). How To Learn A Second Language.

Retrieved June 21, 2015, from
http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/27/learn-second-languagelifestyle-travel-study.html

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 7

factor as to why adults have a harder time

This is the most crucial rule in learning a

learning a new language.

new language because of the variety of ways

2. No Process to Learning

that have been thought up of. There have

been many studies that show as to what is

There is no certain process that one

the best way to learn a new language. There
can take to learn a new language. Although
are many different steps that many have
there is no certain process, there are many
come up with that state they are the best way
steps that one must know to learn a new
to learn a new language; this is why there is
language. One very important factor to
no certain process in learning a new
know is that everyone learns in a different
language.
way, not one person learns the same way.
There are 3 certain ways someone learns:

Summary: There is no certain process to

visual, auditory, and kinesthetic7

learning a new language. One can only

follow the tips to learning more efficiently

Figure 3: Three Learning Styles

by looking at the style of learning of which

they learn by. Although there is no certain
process, it has been determined that one
learns the language more effectively at a
young age.

Source:idenitfyandtype.wordpress.com

Three Learning Styles. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2015, from

http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/AcademicEnrichment/StudySkills/Learning-Styles/3-Learning-Styles

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 8

Study Focus Three: The Time Frame of Learning a New Language

1. No Time Frame for Learning
There is no certain time frame that

least, it depends on the level of

proficiency the person wishes to attain.8

one can be given for learning a new

language. Just as every person learns in

Figure 4: Time to learn

different ways, every person learns at their

own speed. There are many different
elements that affect the pace at which a
person learns. These elements mostly
depends on a persons language

Source: www.crowntv-us.com

learning ability, motivation, learning

All these different elements vary

environment, intensity of instruction,

amongst the people learning the new

and prior experience in learning foreign

language. The most common of those

languages. It also depends on the degree

elements is that of the similarity between the

to which the target language is similar to

learners first language and the new

or different from the learners first

language. If the new language that is being

language or languages that the learner

learned is very far from the family of the

has learned in the past. Last, but not

learners first language, this will make it

more difficult and more time consuming.
Thompson states that A language family is

Thompson, I. (2014, March 11). Language Learning Difficulty .

Retrieved June 22, 2015, from
http://aboutworldlanguages.com/language-difficulty
9
Thompson, I. (2015, April 29). Language Families . Retrieved
June 22, 2015, from http://aboutworldlanguages.com/languagefamilies

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 9

a group of related languages that developed

Ranking). These are just estimates and are

from a common historic ancestor, referred to

not the exact time frame the language will

as protolanguage.9 When two languages are

be learned.

from the same family, they have similarities

in the way that words are written and
pronounced; thus resulting in the new

The image below shows this

categorization
Figure 5: Language Difficulty

language being easier to understand.

2. Difficultness by Time
Although, there is no certain time
frame that has been given for learning a new
language; foreign languages have still be
categorized by difficulty of learning them.

Source: www.youngandglobal.com

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) has

Summary: It has been proven that there is

created five different categories of language

no certain time frame to learn a new

difficulty and how much estimated time it

language; it solely depends on the person.

would take for one to learn the languages in

The Foreign Service Institute has

that category. The FSI ranks the estimated

categorized the languages difficultness by

duration of the first category as 23-24

estimated times they have come up with

weeks, the second category as 30 weeks, the

third category as 36 weeks, the fourth
category as 44 weeks and the last category
as 88 weeks (as cited in Language Difficulty

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 10

Focus Study Four: The Effects of Learning a New Language on the

Brain
1. Brain Growth
Learning a new language may seem

is a list that Aldan (2015)11 writes of the 13

benefits from brain growth:

like a tedious task, but there are a variety of

great benefits that result from it. The

greatest benefit there is that learning a

second language improves the brains

general intelligence
perceptivity to surroundings
and focus

standardized test scores especially in

health. This fact has been researched by

math, reading, and vocabulary
many and various reports have come up with

remembering lists or sequences

healthy for the brain Because language is

planning and decision making

complex, speaking or learning a foreign

ability to switch back and forth

these findings. Learning a new language is

language gives your brain a good workout.

Its good brain exercise that makes the brain

between tasks

ability to control impulses

understanding others points of view

focus, concentration, and attention

memory and memorization skills,

10

stronger. When you are learning the new

language, your brain is growing due to the
new knowledge that is being learned. When
the brain grows with new knowledge, there
are many benefits that come from it. Below

including better working memory

10

Alban, D. (2015, February 17). The Brain Benefits of Learning a

Second Language. Retrieved June 22, 2015, from
http://bebrainfit.com/brain-benefits-learning-second-language/
11
Alban, D. (2015, February 17). The Brain Benefits of Learning a
Second Language. Retrieved June 22, 2015, from
http://bebrainfit.com/brain-benefits-learning-second-language/

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 11

mental flexibility and ability to adapt

a new language can delay the beginning of

to changing circumstances

dementia in people. Professor Thomas Bak

creativity

listening skill

says that A leading theory as to why

bilingualism can affect dementia suggests
the key may be the constant suppression of

The brain is very important and it

always great to be able to feed the brain with
great new knowledge.

one language, and switching between the

two. This permanent switching and
suppressing offers you constant brain
training," (as cited in De Lange).13 When

Figure 6: Growing Brain

one speaks two languages, your brain is

constantly going back and forth between the
two languages. This back and forth between
the two languages stimulates the brain
resulting in the delay of dementia. These

Source: www.heartwiseministries.org

2. Dementia
Dementia is a disease where there is
a decline in mental ability severe enough to

health benefits towards the brain alone

should be the reason as to why learning a
second language should be a necessity.
Summary: Learning a new language

interfere with daily life.12There have been

benefits the brain greatly, from brain growth

many studies where it is found that learning

to delaying aging brain diseases.

12

What Is Dementia? (n.d.). Retrieved June 22, 2015, from

http://www.alz.org/what-isdementia.asp
13
De Lange, C. (2013, November 6). Learn another language to
delay three dementias. Retrieved June 22, 2015, from
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn24537-learnanotherlanguage-to-delay-three-dementias.html#.VYeXHPlViko

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 12

Results Discussion
Study Focus One: The Importance of

a new language as a child would result in

Learning a New Language

better fluency of the language.

The research has shown that learning a new

Focus Study Three: The Time Frame to

language is severely important. When one is

Learning a New Language

a student, the ultimate goal is to reach an Ivy

Research shows that there is no time frame

League university. Knowing two languages

to learning a new language, some may learn

can greater the possibility of achieving this

a new language faster as others may learn

goal. Knowing the two languages, not only

slower. The Foreign Service Institute has

helps the student, but also makes the student

categorized the languages difficultness by

out. When working in the business field, one

estimated times due to the reason that there

communicates greatly with many different

is no certain time frames.

languages. It is best to know different

Study Focus Four: The Effects of
languages and not just one.
Learning a New Language on the Brain
Study Focus Two: The Process of
The effects on the brain from learning a new
Learning a New Language
language are great. Brain growth is very
There is no certain process as to how one

beneficial to ones health. Delaying aging

can learn a new language. Everyone learns

brain diseases is always very important to

in different ways, not one single person

oneself. When learning a new language,

learns the same. Although there is no certain

both of these happen and should be very

process, it has been researched that it is best

important.

to learn a new language as a child. Learning

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 13

Conclusions and Recommendations

certain process or time for learning a new
This analytical report researched

language would be impossible. The best way

into the areas of learning a new language;

to understand learning a new language

the importance of learning a new language.

would be to look at the three different

Learning a new language has become a

learning styles.

difficult task for many to accomplish. Four

Consumers must really undestand the
study areas were looked into, researched and
concepts of the different styles of learning to
discussed which included the importance of
grasp the true effective way of making
learning a new lanuage, the process it takes
learning a new language easier. They must
to learn it, the time frame which it takes to
look into the styles themselves and
learn it and the effects learning a new
implement them into their learning
language has on the brain.
processes. Doing this would greatly benefit
The benefits of learning a new
language are greather than those stated in

the language learner and make the journey

of learning a new language easier.

this reoprt. Those were the selected few that

are truly important. The most imporant
being that of brain health. The brain is the
center of the human body, so it must be
taken care of.
There is no certain time or process
that learning a langugage can be done by.
Reasearch showed that to figure out a
Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 14

References
Alban, D. (2015, February 17). The Brain

dementias. Retrieved June 22, 2015,

Benefits of Learning a Second

from

Language. Retrieved June 22, 2015,

http://www.newscientist.com/article

from http://bebrainfit.com/brain

dn24537-learn-another

benefits-learning-second-language/

language-to-delay-three

Anderson, S. (n.d.). Linguistic Society of

America. Retrieved June 21, 2015,

dementias.html#.VYeXHPlViko
Dinay, T. (2011, November 25).

from

Advantages of learning a foreign

http://www.linguisticsociety.org/co

language at an early age.

ent/how-many-languages-are-there

Retrieved June 21, 2015, from

world

http://www.todayszaman.com/op

Chau, L. (2014, January 29). Why You

Should Learn Another Language.
Retrieved June 21,

2015, from

ed_advantages-oflearning-a-foreign
language-at-an earlyage_263877.html
Keen, L. (2010, July 27). How To Learn A

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/bl

Second Language. Retrieved June

gs/economic

21, 2015, from

intelligence/2014/01/29/the

http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/27/

business-benefits-of-learning-a

earn-second-language-lifestyle-

foreign-language
De Lange, C. (2013, November 6). Learn
another language to delay three

travel-study.html
Language Difficulty Ranking. (n.d.).
Retrieved June 15, 2015, from

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 15

http://www.effectivelanguagelearni

Enrichment/Study-Skills/Learning

g.com/language-guide/language

Styles/3-Learning-Styles

difficulty
Perkins, S. (n.d.). Why Is it Easier for a

What Is Dementia? (n.d.). Retrieved June

22, 2015, from

Child to Learn a New Language

http://www.alz.org/what-is

Than an Adult? Retrieved June 22,

dementia.asp

2015, from

Why learn a second language? | GreatKids.

http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/e

(n.d.). Retrieved June 21, 2015, from

sier-child-learn-new language

http://www.greatschools.org/gk/arti

adult-15590.html

es/learn-second-language/

Thompson, I. (2014, March 11). Language

Learning Difficulty . Retrieved June
22, 2015, from
http://aboutworldlanguages.com/lan
uage-difficulty
Thompson, I. (2015, April 29). Language
Families . Retrieved June 22, 2015,
from
http://aboutworldlanguages.com/lan
uage-families
Three Learning Styles. (n.d.). Retrieved
June 10, 2015, from
http://blc.uc.iupui.edu/Academic
Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 16

Glossary

A
Auditory: the sense of hearing

C
Culture: the way of life for a certain group
of people beliefs, language, etc. is passed
on within the group

D
Dementia: a group of thinking symptoms
that get in the way of living

F
Fluent: to be able to speak effectively and
articulately

K
Kinesthetic: the act of learning by doing

L
Language Family: a group of languages
that come from the same ancestor

S
SAT: standardized test used for college
admissions

Maribel Rodarte Analytical Report Page 17