Brain Gym: Learning More Languages Is A Good Workout For The Brain

Studies from researchers have shown that learning a new language is good for the brain. But some would dispute this in favour of daily meditation and being calm.

According to the Journal of Neurolinguistics, it confirmed that

"Learning and practicing something new, for instance a second language, strengthens the brain," says Ping Li, professor of psychology, linguistics and information sciences and technology. "Like physical exercise, the more you use specific areas of your brain, the more it grows and gets stronger."

Dr. Li and his colleagues worked with a group of 39 native English speakers over the course of six weeks during which half the participants learned Chinese vocabulary words.

In the interest of tracking neural changes, the research team performed two fMRI scans on each participant, one before the Chinese classes began and one after the course ended.

Before the classes started, the most successful learners among the group had exhibited a more connected brain network than those who were slower to catch on.

According to the researchers, integrated networks make the brain more adept at language learning.

After Chinese classes ended, the successful learners had undergone functional changes that made their brain networks even better integrated.

Dr. Li and his colleagues say that these anatomical changes can occur in the brain at any age as a result of learning a second language.

So there you have it, how many languages do you speak, and how as it impacted your brain and general well being?