The Surprising Link Between Yoga and Accelerated Language Learning

Michelle

July 10, 2023

yoga and accelerated language learning

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Two of the most popular promises we make to ourselves at the beginning of the year are to do more sports like yoga and to learn a foreign language. Did you know that these two activities – physical activity and language learning – are connected and that by doing physical activity, such as yoga, several times a week can lead to accelerated language learning?

Studies have shown that there is a direct relationship between physical activity and cognitive abilities (learning, thinking, memory, and others) – after 12 weeks of playing sports 2-3 times a week, a group of study participants improved their cognitive abilities several times. After the cessation of classes, the abilities of the study participants returned to their previous level.

Yoga and Accelerated Language Learning

During physical activity, blood with the necessary nutrients rushes to the brain. In yoga, there are poses that are directly related to a rush of blood to the brain – inverted poses – a headstand, a dog pose with a muzzle down and a bend with legs wide apart.

Now, as you practice, remember that not only your body, but also your brain benefits from these postures.

Breathing

During physical activity, oxygen also flows to the brain, and in fact, in the practice of yoga, one of the most important elements is breathing.

Experienced teachers of foreign languages on LiveXP platform notice: when a person is afraid to speak a language, they stop breathing. They make automatic breaths and exhalations, but this breathing is not deep and measured, and, therefore, deprives the human brain of a large amount of oxygen. It is not surprising that in the state of “not breathing with fear” no one can connect even two words in a foreign language. Especially if it is an exotic and difficult language, like Turkish or Chinese.

The first piece of advice for anyone with a language barrier is to breathe like you do during yoga. While doing yoga, you have probably learned to “breathe” through different places – with your knees, etc. All language learners are encouraged to breathe into their language barrier. Feel where the tension is when you hit your tongue (usually the solar plexus or throat area), and exhale your fear there. And then start talking.

Accelerated Language Learning

To understand the surprising link between yoga and accelerated language learning, let’s consider Turkish, a unique language with fascinating linguistic characteristics.

The richness and diversity of Turkish vocabulary include unique words and expressions. By engaging in memory and cognition-stimulating yoga exercises, language learners can enhance their ability to recall Turkish words and phrases, leading to more efficient language learning.

Mastering the phonetics of Turkish can be challenging for foreign learners, despite its phonetic writing system that closely corresponds to pronunciation. However, there’s a way to improve pronunciation and speech patterns in Turkish—yoga practice. By engaging in yoga exercises, learners become more aware of their breath and vocal cords, helping them produce unique sounds and intonations specific to the language. This heightened mindfulness contributes to enhanced language learning and communication skills.

The fusion of yoga with Turkish language learning presents an intriguing approach for learners. This combination allows individuals to experience remarkable progress and fluency due to the harmonious blend of the two practices. By immersing themselves in the meditative elements of yoga while studying Turkish, learners can finely tune their phonetics, pronunciation, and rhythm in the language.

Moreover, the calming effects of yoga help alleviate stress, creating an optimal environment for retaining and applying linguistic knowledge. Overall, this holistic approach promises an enriching and effective way to master the intricacies of the Turkish language.

Turkish tutors at LiveXP can help you with any fears and anxieties you may have, and help you create a personalised learning plan.

The connection between yoga and accelerated language learning is not limited to specific languages but extends to various linguistic journeys. For learners seeking to master multiple languages, yoga serves as an essential companion. The heightened cognitive abilities developed through yoga practice transcend language barriers, enabling learners to approach each new language with improved focus, memory, and overall language proficiency.

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The Importance of Good Nutrition

Nutrition for everyone who practices yoga is different, but regular yoga classes tune in to the wave of “proper nutrition” – you don’t want to drink alcohol, junk food and fast food. In principle, you are drawn to simple and healthy food, which has a positive effect on brain and memory, and means it will be easier for you to learn a language and remember new information.

For example, greens, including spinach, contain a combination of vitamin B6 and B12 with folic acid, an excellent memory support cocktail that help prevent the ageing of brain cells and can help combat against diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Seafood is rich in B vitamins, iron and zinc, which have a beneficial effect on memory and other thought processes.

Berries are generally good for the brain, thanks to fisetin and flavonoids, which support memory. Egg yolk contains choline, which is important for building brain cells. Whole grains stimulate blood flow to the brain, nuts contain omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which help keep the brain in good shape.

Change of Activity

Changing activities helps you to forget about the routine for a while and relax. Indeed, during work, a short break for yoga can give you new strength, and helps the brain “reboot”.

If you are already used to taking breaks for yoga during the working day or working week, add to this habit a new, but always pleasant one, language learning. To benefit learning you could

  • Llisten and sing along to your favourite song in a foreign language,
  • Play an online game recommended by the tutor from LiveXP or another platform,
  • Communicate on social networks in the language you are learning for 5 minutes.

Look at language learning as a way to switch off and forget about business and work for a while, and not as another task to add to your workload.  Switching in this way can help to alleviate stress.

All yoga poses help fight stress, but shavasana is, of course, the first one that comes to mind. Try practicing your language after shavasana and watch the results.

Pleasure

yoga and accelerated language learning

When you practice yoga you raise the level of endorphins which helps to raise your mood. Unfortunately, learning foreign languages is rarely associated with pleasure and joy.

But we hope we have shown how it is possible to consolidate a positive reaction to the language. You just have to choose the ways of learning that are pleasant for you and interesting teachers like on the LiveXP platform, and come up with a reward for yourself.

Develop a positive response to learning a foreign language and you will get a surge of endorphins after each encounter with the language. Remember all the pleasant sensations that you have after yoga – these emotions are your reward. The same can happen with learning a foreign language.

In Summary

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, language proficiency becomes an invaluable skill that facilitates cross-cultural communication and understanding. The surprising link between yoga and accelerated language learning has unveiled a powerful method to expedite language acquisition in diverse languages such as Turkish, German, English, and beyond.

The cognitive benefits of yoga, combined with its capacity to reduce stress and enhance focus, create a conducive environment for language learners to thrive.

Whether you are a seasoned polyglot or embarking on your first language-learning journey, consider incorporating yoga into your language learning routine.

Embrace this harmonious fusion of mind and body to unlock the potential of accelerated language acquisition and enrich your linguistic horizons. Embark on a multilingual adventure with yoga as your guide, and witness the transformation of your language learning experience.

link between yoga and accelerated language learning

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