Why are people more fluent in a foreign language when drunk?

You may have experienced it at some point as a language learner, especially when socialising skills kick in like a wave at a late-night foreign language exchange event. You're suddenly making great strides in your Spanish conversations, and you're able to express just about everything that crosses your mind. You're an invincible hispanohablante, right at the heart of the party.

The magic doesn't last long sadly, as the following week you're sat in class, unable to pull off that foreign language charisma once more.

If this speaks to you, you're not the only one. So how do we explain this phenomenon? Namely, why do people appear to be more fluent in a foreign language when drunk?

... people don't necessarily speak a foreign language better when they are drunk; rather, they simply have more courage to speak and care less about others' opinions when drunk. 

In reality, people don't necessarily speak a foreign language better when they are drunk; rather, they simply have more courage to speak and care less about others' opinions when drunk. This is mainly linked with emotions. When people get drunk, they have reduced levels of anxiety, and some may even feel more happy, sociable, and confident. They are not as conscientious of their mistakes and feel more 'brave' to put themselves forward, even as a language learner in training.

... while you may feel less inhibited with alcohol overall, a moderate dosage leads to an optimal speaking effect. Heavy drinking in a short amount of time does not lead to the same added edge in speaking.

Research also reveals details into the ideal amount for this language bravery phenomenon to manifest –while you may feel less inhibited with alcohol overall, a moderate dosage leads to an optimal speaking effect. Heavy drinking in a short amount of time does not lead to the same added edge in speaking.

In the long run, excessive drinking will only damage the brain, which evidently will not be helpful for the cognitive demands (such as memory and executive function) of language learning.

While alcohol does seem like a quick fix for an evening for any anxious learners, it isn't a long-term solution. In the long run, excessive drinking will only damage the brain, which evidently will not be helpful for the cognitive demands (such as memory and executive function) of language learning.