Learning how to speak a language, our first language, is an accomplishment that probably all of us take for granted. But yet, learning to speak a language -even our first one- is a challenge that we all should feel proud of. As children, in order to be fluent, master a new tongue and be able to communicate, we had to learn 50,000 words. According to several studies, for the first six years of our lives, we learned an average of three new words per day. And to top it off, we also learned how to construct sentences with the use of tenses and word syntax to communicate effectively.
Can you imagine what is like to do the same thing one, two, three or more times? Multi-linguals do. And they have the ability to understand and communicate in two or more languages. An ability that makes their brains move faster and experience greater amounts of brain plasticity than monolinguals do. Brain plasticity means that a brain changes and adapts its neural pathways and synapses based on experiences, environment and other neural processes. Our brains basically experience lasting functional changes that occur when we memorize or learn something new. Studies have shown that maintaining an active brain leads to a healthier mental health, keeping the brain younger for a longer period of time and even delaying diseases like Alzheimer’s or Dementia for as long as 4 to 5 years. These studies showed multi-linguals scoring higher on intelligence tests, and on reading and verbal fluency. Knowing more than one language may also improve certain mental functions; mostly those related to the frontal lobe, such as motivation, planning and social behavior.
But there is good news for those who don’t know how to speak a second or third language. Fergus Ian Muirden Craik, known for his research on memory and considered a leader in the area of attention and cognitive aging, believes that learning a second, third, or fourth language is basically a great form of brain training, just like playing Sudoku, Puzzles or Crosswords would be.
So if you are not well versed in any other one language, no need to worry. Get your hands on some Sudoku or other brain games and we’ll take care of your language needs. Call or email us today for a free quote!
