Science of Language

Learning languages can also boost processing centres in the brain. A study of Italian and English natives by researchers at University College London, found that bilinguals had a greater amount of grey matter than monolinguals in their parietal cortex, the area of the brain that processes verbal information. The amount of grey matter was related to how well bilinguals could speak their second language. Also, those who learned their second language as youngsters had even greater amounts of grey matter than those who learned a language as adults. This supports the theory that young brains are the most flexible and can adapt better to language learning.

Language barrier?

A language is harder to learn if its structure, meaning or basic speech sounds, called phonemes, are different from those in your native language. “There are so many ways that languages can vary. For example, some African languages have many more phonemes than English,” says Scott. “Also, although German is very similar to English, in terms of grammar it is much more complex and formal.”

The ability to become fluent also depends on the individual. “There is a lot of variation in the general population and some people are just better with linguistic information,” says Scott. “But we simply don’t know why that is.” Scientists are currently working on studies using MRI and PET imaging to figure out how the brain differs in those who are more adept at picking up languages.

But there are no shortcuts to language learning – it is best to start young and to keep practicing. According to Scott, the earlier you start, the more of your life you have to master it. So for those of you who are still deliberating over a language course, there’s no time like the present!

For more information:

Web MD - Being Bilingual Boosts Brain Power
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20041013/being-bilingual-boosts-brain-power

How Learning a Second Language Inhibits the First, at Least Temporarily
http://www.voanews.com/specialenglish/archive/2007-01/2007-01-23-voa4.cfm