For as long as people have been communicating with each other, stories have been an essential part of learning. Children read and listen to stories to learn valuable skills like empathy, resilience, and problem-solving. In adulthood, stories play a big role in getting us to pay attention to and remember new information.

When someone starts studying a new language, they learn about more than just syntax and grammar rules – they also learn about the culture. Culture and language are deeply intertwined, and the way we communicate with one another plays a huge role in shaping cultural norms and expectations. The language or languages we speak, write, and/or sign help us build communities and connect with other people who share the same values and experiences that we have.