Comprendo! Learn A New Language, Boost Your Brain Power

Exercise, brain food, and good quality sleep are proven essentials to keeping our minds sharp. But have you ever considered that one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to enhance brain health is by learning a new language?

As I read more about the significant benefits of bilingualism, I’m kicking myself for not learning a second language when I was younger. I took beginner Spanish as an elective in University and planned to immerse myself in the culture, perfecting my Spanish as I traveled across South America. Sadly, the trip got sidelined by life and linguistically, I never advanced much past, “Cerveza, por favor.”

So, here I am decades later, a regretful monolinguist. But all is not lost. While our brains may become less receptive to new languages as we age, it’s absolutely possible to learn later in life.

The perks of picking up a new language are just too appealing to ignore. Studies show that being multilingual can enhance memory, extend our attention span, and even delay the onset of dementia.

Bilingual people tend to have better cognitive skills than monolinguals. This is called the “Bilingual Advantage.” This advantage includes superior problem-solving abilities and enhanced creativity. As a monolinguist, I’m left to wonder what artistic masterpieces I might have created if I hadn’t dropped high school French in grade eleven.

I just read that bilingualism is linked to increased grey matter density in the brain, which correlates with better memory and cognitive function. The science connecting language learning and brain health is compelling. A study from the University of Edinburgh found that bilingualism could delay Alzheimer’s disease onset by up to five years.

That finding alone has me searching for my old Spanish textbook. Another study from York University in Toronto discovered that bilingual people tend to have more efficient brain networks. Hmmm, this could explain why I can’t remember where any of my old textbooks are.

Kidding aside, learning a language at any age is so good for us. The cognitive workout required to learn and practice a new language increases the neuroplasticity of our brains and can delay cognitive decline.

Celina Gutierrez, founder of Speak Spanish Academy in Oakville, says that students learning Spanish not only sharpen their memories but also build multicultural networks and advance academically and professionally. “Learning a second language not only enhances brain development and boosts our attention, but understanding a new culture through language enriches our world view,” Gutierrez says.

Fern Hill School in Burlington teaches Mandarin to students from preschool to Grade 7. This early exposure helps students master Mandarin’s unique tonal sounds, which differ significantly from English and French and are more challenging to learn later in life.

SCIENCE SAYS

As people live longer, the world population is more at risk of cognitive decline, a natural consequence of aging. Studies show that learning a foreign language may be an effective non-pharmacological way to protect our brains from decline.

Learning a new language can…

promote thinking skills
increase mental agility
delay the aging of the brain

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health also found that bilinguals are better at multitasking.

For anyone who’s ready to learn a language and explore a new culture in the process, there are plenty of in-person and online options:

LANGUAGE SCHOOLS: Schools like Alliance Française, German School Halton, My French Club, and Speak Spanish Academy provide specialized instruction, often using native speakers and immersive teaching methods.

ONLINE PLATFORMS: Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone are convenient and go at your own pace with interactive lessons and community forums to enhance the experience.

LANGUAGE TUTORS: Private tutors, online or in-person, provide a supportive environment for learning, practice, and improvement.

Learning a new language offers so much more than just communication skills – it’s fun and très très bon for the brain. Whatever language you decide to learn, the rewards are significant. Why not enroll in a local program and take the linguistic leap?