Languages Are Good For You!

People learn a new language for all sorts of reasons – to work or study in another country, move abroad, or simply for pleasure. No matter the motivation, many students find that the experience of studying a new language enriches their lives. But did you also know a language changes your brain at a physical level?

Numerous studies have examined how learning a new language at different ages can make a difference to the way your brain works. Let’s take a look at how learning a second language affects your brain.

Bilingual people, who have learned two languages side by side from early childhood, have been studied by scientists for decades. They are keen to understand how speaking two languages fluently affects people on a cognitive level. And with the advent of MRI technology, researchers are now able to see on a very visual level the differences between monolingual brains and bilingual brains.

Everyone’s brain is made up of neurons, which have a cell body, and dendrites, which are the connections between neurons. This is what we call “grey matter.”

Bilingual people have more of these neurons compared to people who speak only one language. This means that their grey matter is denser.

What about people who learn a language later on?

Students who are learning a second language later in life can still benefit from some of the neurological changes that happen to speakers of second languages, no matter what level they are at. Having new experiences (novelty) is an important factor in forming new connections in the brain and strengthening nervous system links. These links and connections are maintained through regular practice.

Studying a new language combines novelty with practice. For example, students learn new words and grammatical constructs and spend time reviewing and building on their previous knowledge as part of the learning process.

How language learning boosts other skills

Given the measurable impact of language learning on the brain, it’s no surprise that these physical changes are accompanied by the improvement of certain other skills such as communication, creativity, recall and concentration.

Better academic performance

Learning another language boosts student literacy, which gives learners an advantage in core school subjects like mathematics and science.

Improved concentration According to a Cambridge University study, just one week of learning a new language has a positive impact on students’ levels of alertness and focus. This improvement was maintained with continuous language study of at least five hours a week.

A more powerful memory Studying a language engages memorization skills (learning new words and rules) as well as recall (producing new language in-class activities). So it’s no surprise that people who regularly use a second language have more powerful memories.

Stronger communication skills Speaking a second language can help to improve students’ ability to see things from another perspective. In turn, this can have a positive impact on their communication skills.

In addition, the practice of academic skills involved in language study, such as active listening, can improve learners’ communication skills in their everyday lives.

More creativity Bilingual children exhibit more creativity in problem-solving and flexibility than their monolingual peers. The same holds true for learners of a second language.

Language learning skills will help learners in all areas of their lives, improving their mental abilities, and helping them with problem-solving and decision–making. Ultimately, this all goes towards enriching their personal, social and professional relationships.

So, whether you’re a learner or a teacher of other languages, you’re building skills, exercising your brain and building your cognitive reserves every time you speak a second language