Make life harder (and better): Learn another language.

Translation tech has improved a lot. So why learn a language?

A lot of people around the world speak English. For those who don’t, AirPods offer live translation – and Google Translate can fill in gaps, too.

So as English-speakers, why learn a second language? Well, it’s hard – but translation can miss a lot of cultural understanding.

Brittany is joined by Emily Kwong , co-host of NPR’s science podcast Short Wave , to explore why putting your brain through learning a new language offers surprising benefits and opportunities for connection. Support Public Media.

Join NPR Plus. Follow Brittany on Instagram: @bmluse For handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR’s Pod Club newsletter at .

See pcm. for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy