Improving wellbeing: Language learning with all five senses

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Language learning does not just help us communicate better; it also opens up pathways to personal growth and well-being. By engaging all five senses in the learning process, you can elevate your experience, making it more immersive and enriching. The association of senses can also make it easier to remember words, giving you an excuse to take some time for yourself while still giving you a way of passive learning. Here’s how tapping into your senses can foster wellness through language learning.

Using your senses to improve language learning
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Touch

Incorporate touch into language learning by using physical objects associated with the culture of the language you're studying. Handling items like traditional textiles, pottery, or even tools can create a tangible connection to the language. As you touch and describe these objects in your new language, you activate sensory memory, which can improve retention and understanding.

You can do this with the clothes you wear or the objects around you, take a moment to clear your mind and feel the fabrics on your skin, or the furniture around you, using words from your target language think of ways to describe them. Is the fabric soft, scratchy or furry? Is the furniture cold, hard or smooth? We don't often pay much attention to the things around us every day, so giving them a little attention can pull us away from all the busy thoughts in our minds.

Additionally, engaging in activities such as calligraphy or crafting can link language learning with creative expression, further enhancing well-being through relaxation and mindfulness.

Smell

Smell is a powerful sense that can evoke memories and emotions. Use this to your advantage by exploring the aromas associated with the culture of the language you are learning. For instance, cooking or visiting markets with spices and foods specific to the region can stimulate your sense of smell while expanding your vocabulary. Describing these smells in the target language can help anchor words and phrases through scent associations, enriching your learning experience.

You can also do this in your everyday life, and it could be as simple as smelling food being made or drinking something you love; think of the ways to describe it in the language you're learning - is it woody, spicy, etc.? Take the time to take in and experience the different kinds of smells and simple everyday things you come across.

Sight

Sometimes, we get so used to the spaces we frequent we often overlook the finer details and features around us. It's easy to get so absorbed in studying or life in general that it's important to step away and take a breather.

Take a few minutes to look around you and look at the environment's fine details. What colors are around you? What textures and objects can you see on the walls? You can also take the time to do this outdoors. Think of the words in the language you're learning to describe the environment and colors around you. You may already go for walks as breaks from studying, so adding this step isn't much effort. Exercises like this can gently encourage learning and support well-being.

Sound

Listening is a crucial part of language acquisition and engaging with the auditory aspect of your target language can significantly enhance your learning journey. By now, most people know about listening to music, podcasts and audiobooks in the language you're studying to help you learn, but you can use sounds as an excuse to meditate and try to listen and take in the sounds around you, thinking about what they are and how they make you feel.

Think of words in the language you are learning to describe where they're coming from and what kind of sound they are (loud, sharp, quiet, etc.). If done right auditory engagement also reduces stress levels and boosts mood, as music and sounds often have a calming and grounding effect, contributing to overall well-being.

Taste

Explore the culinary traditions of the language you are learning to experience taste as a dimension of language learning. Trying authentic recipes or dining in culturally significant restaurants allows you to encounter the language in a practical setting while savoring the flavors that define a culture. This sensory experience creates a memorable context for language use, such as ordering in a new language or reading recipes, which aids in vocabulary retention.

This doesn't have to be for new foods or going out to eat either; it can be for familiar everyday things you eat and drink in your own home. Make sure to focus on the tastes you are experiencing and think of descriptive words in your target language to describe them (Sweet, chalky, sour, etc). This can also be a way to expand your vocabulary with more specific and nuanced words related to food and taste.

The power of multisensory learning

By engaging all five senses in language learning, you create an immersive experience that goes beyond just memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules. Multisensory learning allows for a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and people associated with the language you are studying. This not only promotes personal growth but also fosters a sense of connection and well-being as you develop a stronger bond with the language and its speakers. So, use all your senses to enhance your language learning journey for improved wellness.

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    Learning a new language can be daunting, requiring time, effort, and consistent practice to master. One learning tool that’s been researched and examined over the years for its effectiveness, is music and sound.
    Music is sometimes overlooked or forgotten about, but it can be a beneficial tool when learning a new language. Today we will explore how music can aid language learning and what benefits it can provide. Here’s how:

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    Song is a powerful tool that can help us memorize new words and phrases. When listening to a song, recollecting the lyrics and melody long after it's finished can often happen. This is because our brains retain information better when associated with a melody/rhythm.

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    Pronunciation and tone

    Music can improve our pronunciation and tone. When singing along to music, listeners may mimic the singer's pronunciation and cadence when listening to a song. This can help us develop a more natural and authentic accent when speaking the language.

    Additionally, it can broaden our knowledge and comprehension of diverse dialects and accents. Exposure to different accents and pronunciations can make real-world interactions with a foreign language less daunting or confusing.

    Two people may speak the same language but pronounce words very differently due to accents, a great example of this is in the UK and how the English language varies throughout areas.

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    Cultural understanding

    It can expose us to the culture of the language we are learning. Music can be a deep-rooted part of a culture, and hearing music in a different language can provide insight into that culture's beliefs, practices, and heritage. This can give us a deeper understanding of the language and help us communicate more effectively with fluent speakers.

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    They're typically motivational, clear, and repetitive and give an insight into a country's culture without causing problems for the learners. Listeners may even feel inclined to discuss or research that situation – which could be a good learning opportunity.

    Listening skills

    In addition, music can improve our listening skills. When we listen to a song in a foreign language, we’re often compelled to pay close attention to the lyrics, melody, and rhythm. This can help us develop our listening skills and train our ears to distinguish different sounds and accents in the language.

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    An enjoyable way to learn

    Finally, music can make language learning more enjoyable. Learning a new language can be challenging and sometimes even frustrating. However, listening to music in a foreign language can make learning more enjoyable and engaging.

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    So when you find yourself taking on a new linguistic challenge, give music some 'airtime' – and watch how it helps you expand your vocabulary and improve your language skills.