How to Improve Language Skills
We use language every day to communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas. When the ability to produce or comprehend language is lost, people find themselves not able to work, go to school, participate in social situations. This may also be an influence of a patient’s increase in depression and isolation.
Why does Language Matter?
Does A Loss of Language Make Someone Less Intelligent?
On the contrary, no. People with speech and communication disorders such as aphasia are often very intelligent. Because people with language disorders may not be able to articulate what they would like to say, people may mistake a loss of language as a loss of intellect. Many different conditions may affect a person’s ability to communicate, but it does not correlate to intellectual ability. Language is a cognitive skill, rather than a form of intelligence.
What are Some Ways to Improve Language?
Be a Curious Learner
See a word you do not know? Look it up! Try integrating that word into your vocabulary. There are also plenty of free online resources such as free language worksheets, thesauruses, and dictionaries that can help you expand your vocabulary and learn new words.
Read
There are plenty of articles, magazines, inspiring and attention-grabbing novels to read. Think about a topic you would like to learn more about, and search for books, articles, and websites that can teach you more about your topic of interest. Some websites that we suggest for finding interesting topics are Medium, the Skimm, and the New York Times Smarter Living.
Get Out There
Socializing is a way to practice conversation skills. Get together with friends or relatives who make you feel good and ask about how their day is. Joining support groups are a great way to meet other people who may be experiencing the same things as you are. Connecting with others will help you not only practice your communication skills but join a group of people who you can relate to and develop social connections.
Try a Cognitive Rehabilitation Program
Cognitive rehabilitation programs are designed to help improve areas of cognition that have been affected by trauma or diseases. People who have experienced neurological damage, have a neurological or psychiatric condition, or are trying to maintain their cognitive abilities during aging can benefit from cognitive rehabilitation provided by a licensed clinical provider. Consult your physician or look up therapists who perform cognitive rehabilitation in your area.
Conclusion
Language is a skill that can be improved using a variety of techniques. Being a curious learner, reading, making conversation with others, and participating in a cognitive rehabilitation program are some ways people can improve their language skills. Improving language skills is critical for all people and patient populations. It is important for people to remember that a loss of language is not a loss of intellect. Language is a skill that can be improved using a variety of speech and language therapy techniques.
