UDK 378:801.89(045)
THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF LEARNING A FOREIGN
LANGUAGE
Burkitova N.
Supervisor: Dalmukhanova F.
Sh.Yessenov Caspian University of Technologies and Engineering, Aktau, Kazakhstan
Annotation. This study examines the positive and negative effects of learning a foreign
language. Language learning and proficiency have their pros and cons not only in speech, but
also in physiological and other senses. A person can learn any language with the help of their
skills, a huge desire and work.
Keywords: monolingual, bilingualism, language learning, the problem of bilingualism
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, research has been devoted to the study of foreign languages, with the
emphasis often placed on strategies and methods of language learning. For a long time,
researchers, educators and politicians considered bilingualism an obstacle to the academic and
spiritual development of a child. In this study, I aim to explore any effects on young students
and their relationship to foreign language attitudes. I analyzed the language learning process in
connection with not only one but also with a number of other various factors and I think this
adds value to the article.
Language learning and proficiency have their pros and cons not only in speech, but also
in physiological and other senses. A person can learn any language with the help of their skills,
a huge desire and work.
DISCUSSION
Scientists from all over the world are conducting research on the impact of language
learning on our personalities and brain function. And one day they come to surprising
conclusions. So, in January 2015, British scientists conducted a large-scale study, the
participants of which were immigrants who had studied English for at least 10 years, and local
residents who had never studied other languages [1]. Magnetic resonance imaging allowed us
to establish that the brain structure of people from the first group is much better developed than
that of monolingual Britons.
First, let's consider the negative effects of learning a foreign language.
Bilingual language acquisition is a rather difficult question. When a child grows up in a
house where two or more languages are spoken, they learn two languages absolutely normally
and speak them fluently. However, it is known that the vocabulary of bilinguals is on average
less than the vocabulary of a monolinguistic native speaker of each language.
Mixing of two languages leads to speech disorders. For example, the influence of the
Russian (non-native) language on the Chuvash (native) language [2]. Here we can observe a lot
of negative results: there is a feeling of difficulty in pronouncing words, stylistic, phonetic,
grammatical errors are allowed, there is a mixture of words of these languages. If a child is
influenced by two different language systems from an early age, then he has abnormal speech
development. For example, a child stops talking in a particular language altogether, begins to
be silent. The native language is clogged with various forms of another language. There is a
mixing of language systems. Such teaching of two languages also affects the mental formation
of the child.
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Scientists have found that bilinguals use a zone deep in the left side of the frontal lobes
of the brain (the so-called Broca's center) to solve tasks such as sorting objects by shape or
color. For ordinary people, "monolinguals", the right side works when solving the same tasks.
So, now let’s consider the negative aspects of learning foreign languages.
Scientists have shown that bilingualism affects the brain not only at the linguistic level.
The brain as a whole begins to work differently. According to the scientist, this indicates the
importance of learning languages at a very early age, as it can help in improving thinking
abilities.
Bilingual students tend to score higher on standardized tests than monolingual students,
especially in areas such as vocabulary, reading, and math. As you learn to switch from one
language to another, you improve your multitasking abilities. It has also been shown that
bilingual people are more logical and rational, have better decision-making skills and are more
receptive and aware of their surroundings.
Learning a second language also improves your native language as it teaches you the
mechanics and structure of any language, not just new languages.
A recent study by a group of scientists from the University of Edinburgh involved stroke
patients. A large sample of patients who spoke two languages and patients who spoke only one
was taken. Scientists investigated the ability of patients to restore their mental abilities after a
stroke and found that twice as many bilingual patients could restore their cognitive abilities[3].
The figures were very significant: 40% of patients with bilingualism and 20% of patients who
spoke only one language were able to recover after a stroke. Patients with bilingualism have
the concept of "cognitive reserve". We know that there are many things that a person can do
throughout his life to maintain his cognitive functions: solve crosswords, participate in social
groups, attend lectures, and so on. These activities stimulate the brain and support cognitive
processes. Bilingualism is another factor that supports cognitive reserve.
Learning a second language improves your memory and increases your attention span.
The process of mastering bilingualism trains your brain, forces you to concentrate and increases
your problem-solving skills.
CONCLUSION
Thus, learning a second language is a complex and lengthy process. It is important to
note that there are more advantages in learning a second language at an early age than in
adulthood. By learning a language, we study the world, understand the world around us.
Bilingualism helps communication, cooperation and promotes broad cultural exchange between
peoples. Mastering a second language contributes to mutual enrichment and mutual influence,
replenishment and expansion of the lexical stock of each of the languages.
We think we cannot be sure of one of the positions and this topic needs further
consideration.
REFERENCES
1.Andreeva S.V. Bilingualism and its aspects // Scientific notes of ZabGU. Series:
Philology, History, Oriental Studies. – 2016. – №3.
2.Weinreich U. Monolingualism and multilingualism // New in linguistics. - M.:
Progress, 1972. - Issue 6. - pp. 25-60.
3.Stepanova Anastasia Vasilyevna: Dissertation work, Bilingualism, Chuvash Republic
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