| COGx |
In the article “A screening test of English naming ability in bilingual Spanish/English speakers”, Casas, Calmia and Tranel discuss the level of difficulty of lexical retrieval between bilingual and monolingual speakers. This aspect, according to the article, is a frequent problem in many neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, head injuries, stroke and even multiple sclerosis.
This study was conducted with a set of visual tests (i.e. picture naming) to compare the lexical retrieval performance between the two aforementioned groups. Researchers provided the tests developed to target Spanish speakers and English speakers individually instead of a standarized one for both speakers.
In total, 67 adults participated on the research. Individuals were from different family origins and countries, and reported being native Spanish speakers with the ability to also communicate fluently in English, and vice-versa. In average, the participants were around age 30 with an education level of 16 years and had been living in the U.S. for around 14 years.
One of the aspects addressed in this study is the common question of whether there is a critical period beyond which it'll be impossible to achieve linguistic competence. While it is stated that age is not a main factor to language acquisition, researchers argue about its importance on language proficiency since it's widely believed that the younger one starts learning a language, the higher the proficiency. This temporary limitation no doubt refers to that found in the acquisition of first languages. Generally, we acquire our mother language without excessive effort if we've received such linguistic input before puberty. On the other hand, some feral children who had reached puberty without having acquired a mother tongue could later learn to speak (i.e. Genie), but their linguistic behavior was never that of a native speaker. The fact that we can naturally acquire a language from a very early age suggests that this advantage could be used to learn more languages even simultaneously. Bilingualism and multilingualism are possible as long as the different linguistic contacts are done "naturally".
This study was conducted with a set of visual tests (i.e. picture naming) to compare the lexical retrieval performance between the two aforementioned groups. Researchers provided the tests developed to target Spanish speakers and English speakers individually instead of a standarized one for both speakers.
In total, 67 adults participated on the research. Individuals were from different family origins and countries, and reported being native Spanish speakers with the ability to also communicate fluently in English, and vice-versa. In average, the participants were around age 30 with an education level of 16 years and had been living in the U.S. for around 14 years.
One of the aspects addressed in this study is the common question of whether there is a critical period beyond which it'll be impossible to achieve linguistic competence. While it is stated that age is not a main factor to language acquisition, researchers argue about its importance on language proficiency since it's widely believed that the younger one starts learning a language, the higher the proficiency. This temporary limitation no doubt refers to that found in the acquisition of first languages. Generally, we acquire our mother language without excessive effort if we've received such linguistic input before puberty. On the other hand, some feral children who had reached puberty without having acquired a mother tongue could later learn to speak (i.e. Genie), but their linguistic behavior was never that of a native speaker. The fact that we can naturally acquire a language from a very early age suggests that this advantage could be used to learn more languages even simultaneously. Bilingualism and multilingualism are possible as long as the different linguistic contacts are done "naturally".
| Clive McGoun |
Another concept explored in this study is executive functioning, which deals with self-regulation and mental control. This type of functioning takes place in the frontal lobe, and assesses vital processes in the brain such as concentration, language, learning, reasoning and memory. While English-dominant speakers performed better than the Spanish-dominant speakers in a set of picture naming tests targeted to the native language, native Spanish speakers showed higher language and memory proficiency as well as higher performances in conflict processing and resolution.
Since learning multiple languages contributes to a healthy development of executive functioning, it can help delay neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dysphasia (a communication disorder). When learning another language or simply switching from one to another we build more pathways in the brain’s network, an amazing process known as neuroplasticity. Additionally, the brain develops greater cognitive reserve or resilience as it ages much as it is acquired through mental practice, studying, life experiences, etc. Studies have indicated that cognitive reserve is lower in monolinguals. Notwithstanding, when symptoms of degenerative diseases do appear in bilingual people, the progression of the disease against that of monolinguals is not yet clear.
This and many other studies remind us that tearning other languages allows us to enrich our lives, experience new ideas, exercise our minds, benefit from world cultural diversity, obtain scholarships for postgraduate studies, work in a transnational company, as well as the ability to express yourself in many different ways, thus increasing social relationships. Although at an earlier age the benefits are greater, it is never too late to start learning language; so consider learning one as an investment not only for your studies or your career, but also your long-term health. Your brain will thank you.
Further Reading
6 Potential Brain Benefits of Bilingual Education
Bilingual baby brains show increased activity in executive function regions
Bilingual Cortical Control of Between- and Within-Language Competition
This and many other studies remind us that tearning other languages allows us to enrich our lives, experience new ideas, exercise our minds, benefit from world cultural diversity, obtain scholarships for postgraduate studies, work in a transnational company, as well as the ability to express yourself in many different ways, thus increasing social relationships. Although at an earlier age the benefits are greater, it is never too late to start learning language; so consider learning one as an investment not only for your studies or your career, but also your long-term health. Your brain will thank you.
Further Reading
6 Potential Brain Benefits of Bilingual Education
Bilingual baby brains show increased activity in executive function regions
Bilingual Cortical Control of Between- and Within-Language Competition
