Language learning is one of the most enriching activities around. Not only because it allows us to communicate with people from other countries, but also because of the deep impact it has on our brains. 

Studying a new language not only involves memorising vocabulary and grammar, but also activating and strengthening different areas of the brain, leading to numerous benefits such as increased creativity and improved cognition. 

So understanding how our brain adapts and changes during this process can be an extra motivating factor if you are considering learning a new language.

But what is the relationship between neuroscience and language learning? Below, we explain the close link between the changes that occur in our brains and language learning, and what the benefits are.

Language learning and its influence on the brain

Language learning has a very positive influence on our brains, resulting in a number of fascinating changes. As we progress in our study, different regions of the brain are activated and strengthened.

As such, it is a process that not only helps to improve our language skills, but can also have wider cognitive benefits, such as improving memory and attention, as well as our agility in problem solving.

How speaking multiple languages changes your brain

When you learn a new language, your brain goes through some fascinating changes. First, areas of the brain related to language are strengthened, such as the Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas which are responsible for the production and comprehension of language, respectively. 

These areas become more efficient as we practice the new language, facilitating communication and comprehension. The brain has to process and understand new sounds, vocabulary and grammatical structures, resulting in greater flexibility and mental agility.

In addition, language learning enhances brain plasticity, which means that our brains become more flexible and adaptable to new experiences and knowledge. This is especially true for children, but adults can also experience significant benefits. 

  • Increases in grey matter density: studies have shown that speakers of several languages have a higher density of grey matter in areas of the brain related to language and cognitive control. This is associated with an improved ability to process information and solve problems.
  • Promotes cognitive reserve: learning and using multiple languages throughout life can contribute to increased cognitive reserve, which is the brain’s ability to compensate for damage caused by brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases. The more active the brain is, the greater its ability to resist the effects of ageing and disease.
  • Strengthens neural connections: language learning strengthens neural connections in the brain, especially in areas related to memory, attention and language. This can facilitate learning and retention of information in general beyond the language being learned.

Benefits of language learning for the brain

Language learning not only allows us to communicate with people from different parts of the world, but also yields a number of benefits for our brains. 

  1. Improves cognition

Learning a new language requires the use of cognitive skills such as attention, memory and reasoning. The need to remember vocabulary, understand grammar and communicate in a foreign language can help improve our cognitive brain function in general.  This can also lead to improved cognitive performance in other areas of our lives.

  1. Slows down ageing of the brain

Studies have shown that constant mental exercise that involves maintaining two or more languages can strengthen neural connections and preserve cognitive function as we get older.  Bilingual people therefore tend to experience a delay in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

  1. Increases multitasking ability

Speakers of multiple languages tend to be better at multitasking than those who speak only one language. Alternating between two languages requires constant inhibition and activation of language systems, which strengthens multitasking skills. 

  1. Improved decision-making

The decision-making process is influenced by the language in which the decision is made. Therefore, by taking into account different linguistic perspectives, a more complete assessment of the available options and a better understanding of the implications of each decision can be made. For this reason, polyglot speakers can make more rational and less impulsive decisions. 

  1. Increases creativity

By exposing ourselves to new ways of thinking and expressing ourselves, our brains become more flexible and receptive to new ideas, which can stimulate creativity and inspire new perspectives and creative solutions to problems.

In summary, language learning is not only useful as a way of communicating with other people, but it can also have a great impact on the long-term health of our brains, helping, for example, to improve our cognitive capacity and increase our ability to multitask. So if you are in two minds about learning a new language, just remember all the benefits it can have.