For this reason, Social Media Day on 30th June 30th is an ideal time to probe the glorious, chaotic, endlessly entertaining, frustrating and polarising world of social media – and what it means for language learning.

Even the science says so.

“Interlocutors play an important role in the process of language learning. The interlocutor can be peers, instructors, and even native speakers of the target language,” observed Mohammad Shams Ud Duha and his team in their recent study for ScienceDirect The effect of social media use on language learning: A meta-analysis.

“The interlocutor type may affect students’ communication strategies. Then, the interactions of students using social media can be textual, audio-based, video-based, and a combination of text, audio, or video.”

The more the merrier… and the speedier.

The Potential Impact of Social Media on Learning a Language in 2026

The digital world is colossal, with an estimated nearly 5 billion active users on social media platforms globally, spending almost 2.5 hours each scrolling every single day.

Meta’s platforms alone – Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp – pull in around 4 billion daily users, closely followed by YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Now, usage is a hotter topic than ever, with the UK government’s under-16s ban making headlines.

The point is this. Social media isn’t going anywhere. So, you may as well make it work for your language goals, rather than not tapping into it as an expedited learning resource.

Turn Your Feed into a Classroom

You might not realise it, but your phone is already a language lab. You too can use it to your advantage to speed up a gradual language learning process. And here’s how:

• Flip your settings – Switch your device and apps into your target language.

• Create a dedicated alt account – Follow local news, meme pages, and native creators for full immersion.

• Stop lurking and start commenting – Drop a reply in your target language. Scary, but practice makes progress.

• Follow related communities – Dedicated Reddit threads and Facebook groups are goldmines of tips, corrections, and solidarity.

• Shadow short form video – Repeat after TikTok and Reels creators to nail the accent and natural rhythm of the language you’re learning.

Your Excuse Just Left the Chat

Get in touch with us, at la Academia, to learn a new language at our Cheadle school, or remotely on Zoom.

And when class is dismissed? Remember social media gave the world a shared voice. Now, let it give you an extra one.

But it’s certainly a prime moment to celebrate Gaeilge, the language at the heart of Ireland’s identity.

This ancient Irish language is making a lively resurgence in 2026, supported by music, television, education, and public services.

And the sheer volume of younger people signing up to learn Irish is proof the Emerald Isle’s rich culture currently has a cool factor.

A Cultural Comeback

The scrum down to learn Irish is highest among Millennials and Gen Z, accordingly to Éanna Ó Caollaí’s latest Irish Times article Adults aged under 35 and women most enthusiastic about learning Irish language, survey finds.

He reports: “… greater interest in the language among younger demographic with 74% in the 25-34 age group stating a desire to learn or improve their Irish, and 71% in the 18-24 age group”.

As for the reason, he states: “Respondents under the age of 25 (93%) showed the strongest agreement that musical artists and other people in the public eye using Irish have a positive impact on how people view the language”.

The data clearly reflects Ireland’s cultural influences on the younger generations, driven including:

• Direct influence of artists such as Irish language rap group Kneecap igniting interest in Gaeilge

• Indirect influence of TV hits like Kin, Trespasses, Say Nothing, House of Guinness, Derry Girls and The Walsh Sisters instilling national identity and pride

For these reasons, Gaeilge is no longer perceived as traditional, but trendy.

Why Learn Irish Now?

 Have Irish roots? Love the culture? Learning a few phrases is an inspired way to: 

• Connect with Ireland’s rich heritage
• Discover a unique and expressive language
• Share your newfound Irish charm with friends near and far

Get in touch with us, at la Academia, to learn Irish and start finding your own pots of gold and rainbows’ ends in your everyday life.

Travel writer Liv Kelly analysed recent survey results in her Time Out article These are officially Europe’s happiest cities in 2025, according to locals, which was based on criteria such as:

• How joyful everyday life feels
• How positive people are
• Whether their city genuinely makes them happy

The results were revealing. And very Spanish.

What You Can Learn from Spain’s Happy Cities

 Four Spanish cities landed in Europe’s top ten happiest places to live:

• Seville – Europe’s happiest city overall
• Valencia – Relaxed, sunny, and community-oriented
• Bilbao – Where every single local surveyed said they’re happier there than anywhere else
• Madrid – Vibrant, social, and bursting with energy

As for what these places have in common:

• Strong social connection
• Everyday joy
• A culture where communication is highly valued

You could say exactly the sort of mindset that makes learning a language feel dynamic rather than dull.

And you don’t have to cross Mediterranean waters to start sharing the feel-good factor. 

Why Learn Spanish in 2026?

 The good news is a leading language school like la Academia gives you the best of both worlds:

• Immersive, conversation-led lessons inspired by real life Spanish culture
• A confidence boost
• A sociable learning environment
• Skills you can use for travel, work, and everyday life 

Accordingly, progress follows when learning feels social, relaxed and human.

So, you’re in good company to learn Spanish in 2026 at la Academia. And you can start your journey without delay on one of our forthcoming Spanish courses:

• SPANISH – Conversation Group (Online)

Monday 19th January 2026 | 6.00 – 7.00pm
Six consecutive weeks online via Zoom | Tutor: Andrea | £75

• SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Daytime class – smaller group)

Wednesday 21st January 2026 | 10.00 – 11.30am
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Andrea | £120

• SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Evening class)

Thursday 22nd January 2026 | 7.00 – 9.00pm
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Liliana | £120

• SPANISH – Complete Beginners (Evening class)

Thursday 17^th February 2026 | 7.00 – 9.00pm
Six consecutive weeks at la Academia, Cheadle | Tutor: Gaby | £120

Get in touch if the happiest places in Europe are motivating you to finally learn Spanish in 2026.

Here’s your cue to stop right now. Because the latest research shows age is no barrier to picking up a new tongue. In fact, it might even give you an edge.

This is PROOF older adults in their 60s – 80s can absolutely learn a language – and make a really good job of it, without excessive brain strain.

Why There’s Golden Potential in Grey Matter

 Ageing causes hearing, vision, and processing speed to slow a little. But this is a lifetime of experience kicking, rather than cognitive deficit.

Karen Roehr-Brackin of the Department of Language and Linguistics at University of Essex explained in her recent article Your age shouldn’t put you off learning a new language – what the research says for academic news analysis site The Conversation:

“In this context, it is also important to highlight the fact that general and especially verbal knowledge can actually grow with increasing age.”

In short, you’ve simply got more knowledge to sift through. It takes time. But your verbal skills and general knowledge often improve over the decades.

It’s What You Do, Not How You Do It

Roehr-Brackin’s study found the end results are the same, whether you learn a language: 

• Explicitly – with detailed grammatical explanations
• Implicitly – by immersion and practice

In addition, she also spotted some fascinating patterns in terms of mindset and social status, such as:

• You’ll pick up new grammar and vocab more easily when you’ve got positive self-belief you can do it.

• You’ll learn faster if you’re still working or socially active than if you’re retired and slowing down.

The takeaway? Confidence, curiosity, and connection keep your brain in learning mode. And learning a new language is a prime example of doing just that.

Age is No Excuse Not to Learn a Language

At la Academia, there’s no expiry date on language learning. Just fresh opportunities to surprise yourself – and any doubters!

Get in touch for a chat about the language you’ve always wanted to learn. You might be astonished to find the only thing stopping you is yourself.

It’s a day when Welsh communities exchange gifts and re-indulge in the fun and frolics the rest of us have just left behind in December.

Kids play a starring role, offering decorated apples adorned with greenery to family, friends and neighbours, symbolising a verdant year ahead.

So, croeso! (That’s Welsh for “welcome!”) Let’s delve deeper into why this ancient language still packs a punch in today’s ultramodern world.

Why Learn to Speak Welsh in 2025?

Well, why not? But truthfully, when you decide to learn to speak Welsh, you’re also saying yes to a multitude of reasons you’ll feel fabulous on your learning path.

The outstanding benefits includes (but aren’t limited to):

• Rich Cultural Heritage – Welsh is Britain’s oldest spoken language, with roots dating back to the fifth century. And you’re helping keep this treasure alive for future generations when you learn to speak Welsh.

• Boosted Career Prospects – Welsh is a must-have language in many sectors, including education, tourism, and media. For this purpose, proficiency in Welsh could be your golden ticket when you want to stand out to recruiters.

• Improved Wellbeing – Learning a new language sharpens your mind, boosts creativity and can even delay symptoms of Alzheimer’s. So, think about your Welsh studies as good for your brain and your future!

• Vibrant Community – Welsh connects you to a passionate and welcoming community, for Calennig celebrations to rugby matches. So, you’ll feel a deeper sense of belonging with every diolch (thank you) and hwyl fawr (goodbye) you master.

Wishing you a supersized Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! (Happy New Year) from la Academia. Contact us to make 2025 the year you learn to speak Welsh.

Mental Pilates

As Professor Li Wei from the Institute of Education at UCL puts it, “Learning new languages is an exercise of the mind. It’s the mental equivalent of going to a gym every day.” Who knew flexing those language muscles could work wonders for your concentration, problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity?

Anti-Ageing Properties

A groundbreaking study by Ellen Bialystok in 2007 revealed bilingual people have got a head start in protecting their brains against dementia. Dr Thomas Bak from the University of Edinburgh explains, “Bilingual people develop dementia four to four-and-a-half years later than those who don’t.” It’s a powerful tick in the box of cognitive reserve.

Cultural Expansion

Bilingualism goes beyond brain gains. Professor Antonella Sorace highlights how it cultivates empathy and understanding of different perspectives, while Dr Bak points out it influences emotional expression and rational thinking.

So, when is  the best time to hop on the bilingual bandwagon?

It’s Never Too Late

According to Professor Li Wei, there’s no such thing as too late! Learning a language as a child builds new neural networks. But tackling it later in life? It’s like upgrading your brain’s WiFi connection! The challenge is greater, but so are the rewards.

That said, recent research at Great Ormond Street suggests starting early has its perks too. Dr Frederique Liegeois found that early bilingual children had stronger brain connectivity, like indulging in a mental glow-up every day.

At la Academia, you’re assured a bonanza bilingual journey. We’ll have you mastering words, for sure. But it’s also about broadening your horizons, embracing diversity, and seeing the world through a kaleidoscopic language lens. Get in touch to start your own linguistic adventure, and watch your brain – and your world – expand!

History has often shone the spotlight on male literary giants like Shakespeare, who gifted us with new words “swagger,”. And Dr. Seuss, the inventor of “nerd,”. But now it’s all change.

Sociolinguist William Labov told National Geographic’s Rachel Fobar in her article New words are spreading faster than ever—thanks to teenage girls: “Women lead up to 90% of linguistic changes”.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s take a closer look at what they’re saying – and why the world’s listening.

Why Women Lead the Lexicon Revolution

Words and phrases from the charm-filled “rizz” to the introspective “goblin mode,” have come to prominence online. These terms are going beyond words to become cultural markers, many of which are started by women.

This trend has many and varied roots, including:

• The broad social networks women cultivate and influence
• Their role as caregivers
• Their knack for being linguistic trendsetters

Even female characters from popular shows like Friends have been linguistic pioneers, thanks to Rachel, Monica, and Phoebe using intensifiers like “so” and “really” more than their male counterparts. It’s a clear reflection of how women, through their roles and interactions, shape the way we speak and connect.

So, let’s hear it for the girls! After all, young women might be shaping the future of fashion and social media. But they’re also crafting the words that define our experiences. May their creativity and influence continue to inspire our dictionaries and our conversations!

At la Academia, we’re in agreement with University of Toronto linguist Sali Tagliamonte when she said “language has its own path, its own system, and it changes whether we like it or not”. Get in touch to start a thoroughly modern language learning journey that focuses on what’s happening right now, in addition to harnessing the lessons of the past.

Demand for Flamenco lessons has surged dramatically, thanks to the irresistible allure of stage and screen hits like Burn the Floor and Strictly. So, it’s no surprise toe-tapping Brits are queueing up for a piece of whirlwind armography and vivacious costumes.

But there’s a twist that isn’t about the dance…

Spanish Language and Cultural Bonanza

Spanish language students of all ages are flocking to educational and participative Flamenco events. Or how about organising your own? What better way to enhance your language skills than by immersing yourself in the rhythmic beats and expressive moves of this passionate dance?

You see, Flamenco events are a symphony of sensations, with the mouthwatering aromas of paella and tapas wafting through the air, while jugs of authentic Sangria clink together, and the dancers eddy and promenade.

Moreover, it’s a grand production starring Spanish guitars, soul-stirring singing, and a chorus of hand claps and finger snaps that elevate the dance to a lively art form. And guess who’s completely mesmerised by it? Children.

As a result, schools are booking on-site Flamenco sessions. And why not? There’s so much more to gain than fancy footwork. It’s a confidence-boosting, concentration-enhancing, and flexibility-fostering extravaganza!

So, what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to tap into the lessons, feasts, and language learning benefits spinning their way from the dance floor into hearts and minds?

At La Academia, we believe the fiery Flamenco is more than a dance. It’s a whole sensory experience that’s uniting cultures and generations, one vibrant step at a time. So, why not get in touch about our Flamenco event services for business or pleasure, or Flamenco dancing for schools.

Your “new learner glow” can soon fizzle out like a faded summer tan in October once the course is over. So, it’s time to embrace the mantra of “use it, don’t lose it” if you want to keep your Spanish sizzling!

The good news is there are many compelling antidotes to maintain and build on your newfound language proficiency.

Local Flavour, Global Language

Manchester is a treasure trove of culture and the perfect playground to keep your Spanish skills kicking. So, check out local cultural events to keep the Spanish vibes alive. Take the upcoming “La Boca to La Stocka” project, on 3-12 September as part of Stockport Town of Culture. It’s a splash of Argentina right in Stockport’s backyard, with prestigious native artists transforming the area into a vibrant haven for soaking up the culture and language.

Check out Adam Maidment’s Manchester Evening News article The crumbling corner of Stockport that’s going to be turned into a little Buenos Aires for more information.

Tune In, Talk More

Listen to podcasts, watch soaps, or sing your heart out to reggaeton. Why? Because listening and observing not only keeps your ear connected with the melody of Spanish. Additionally, it also keeps your language learning flame burning bright.

Hola, Amigos

Local meetups with fellow Spanish enthusiasts are natural next steps in your language learning lifecycle. For example, replace your beginners’ classes with conversation classes to turbo boost your language skills. Who knows, you might also make lifelong amigos while perfecting your Spanish.

Remember: the end of a Spanish course isn’t the finish line. It’s just the beginning. Treat it as such, and you’ll soon be dishing out orders at the tapas bar like a pro while keeping your passion for Spanish alive.

At La Academia, our Spanish intermediate and conversation classes are perfect for nurturing your Spanish mastery, with regular watering, nourishment, and plenty of sunlight. Take a look at our current timetables and get in touch to sign up. Vamos!

The highest appeals body in Italy, the Corte di Cassazione, has taken up the charge to get to the bottom of the matter. In order to do so, it asked the Accademia della Crusca, the institution responsible for safeguarding the Italian language, to provide an official opinion on the use of gender-neutral language in the country’s court system.

The crux of the argument is this… Some critics are opposed the ongoing expression of a dominant patriarchy in the Italian language in the 21^st century. To this end, they’re advocating for the introduction of gender-neutral noun endings, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community and those identifying as non-binary.

But it’s a big no from the Accademia della Crusca.

Why? Because they argue it would be well-intentioned but only supported by minority groups. Additionally, they concluded the legal language isn’t a befitting arena for linguistic innovations, while also maintaining that the Italian masculine plural form remains the most effective means of collectively representing all genders and orientations.

On a more positive note, they acknowledged the increasing use of the feminine form for professional titles, signalling a recognition of the broader trend for gender inclusivity.

What does this mean for the Italian language?

The decision has significant implications for the Italian language and the court system. In short, it reaffirms the traditional use of masculine forms in legal documents, and rejects the adoption of gender-neutral terms or symbols.

As a result, it’s perceived as too conservative by proponents of gender inclusivity, who argue for a more progressive and inclusive language that reflects and respects diverse gender identities.

The debate looks set to rage on between those advocating for change in the Italian language, and those seeking to preserve linguistic traditions and norms.

Read the full article by Athina Kontos in Language Magazine.

At La Academia, we’ll be watching this space with interest as the situation unfolds. For more details on Italian classes and Italian tuition, get in touch online, or give us a call on 0161 491 1444.