Human Language Learning

Discussions center on the benefits, challenges, and cognitive value of learning new human languages, often emphasizing speaking proficiency, critical periods, and contrasts with programming languages.

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Keywords

IQ C1 IMHO SAD TV wikipedia.org language languages learning learn english learn language second language native language verbal iq

Sample Comments

jared314 Mar 21, 2011 View on HN

You might not want someone who can't learn a new language.

yread Mar 15, 2024 View on HN

A very good reason the learn the language!

meowtimemania Oct 14, 2023 View on HN

I think it's for the same reason that you haven't learned a third language other than english.

sidoshi Jul 29, 2023 View on HN

The part about learning the language couldn't be more on point

kmlx May 22, 2019 View on HN

you shouldn’t let an article decide what language you learn.

GeoAtreides Aug 24, 2024 View on HN

This is not about learning a second language, this is about learning to speak in the first placefor example: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_period_hypothesis#Dea...

davidw May 1, 2008 View on HN

I think you should learn at least the basics of one other language. It's a brain-expanding thing.

mikekchar May 10, 2015 View on HN

Learn a new (human) language. It will change the way that you think (literally).

neuroelectron May 28, 2025 View on HN

Interesting. Learning a language means speaking it.

loewenskind Sep 20, 2010 View on HN

wtf? Learning another language is never a waste of time. If nothing else, it will help you learn your own language better.