Learning a new language is probably the last thing you want to do when you’re immersed in study and assignments. Why learn and study something you don’t have to? But did you ever consider that learning a language can actually help you in your studies, that it can make you smarter?
A large amount of research has been done into the impact of learning a language on the brain. Much of this has confirmed the fact that when you learn a language at any age, it can actually change the structure of your brain. Not only does this have implications for neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, but it means that technically learning a language can actually make you smarter. In fact a group of Swedish scientists discovered that it can actually increase the size of your brain. They undertook MRI scans of a group of young military recruits learning Arabic, Russian or Dari and discovers that specific parts of the students brains had developed in size. This in turn led to improved language and communication skills.
Scientists are still figuring out why this happens, but there is a theory it has to do with the fact that understanding a language is one of the hardest things your brain does, so ti gives you brain a really good workout, and serves to strengthen it. In fact studies have shown that adults who speak multiple languages are:
- more likely to have higher intelligence
- more likely to be better at planning, prioritizing and decision making
- be more perceptive of their surroundings
- have better focus, concentration and attention
- have better memory and memory skills
- have better mental flexibility
- are more creative
- have good listening skills
So, while it might seem like “ one more thing” to do , if you can squeeze it into your busy schedule, it makes sense to try an d pick up another language. It cetrtainly makes you more wordly. What language would you like to learn?