What in the World
Why speaking multiple languages is good for your brain
Mar 6, 2025
Victoria Uwonkunda, a BBC journalist and polyglot, shares her unique experience growing up fluent in multiple languages. She highlights the cognitive advantages of multilingualism, including delayed dementia and improved recovery from strokes. Uwonkunda discusses the challenges and joys of daily language use, while also emphasizing the cultural richness that comes with each language. Insights from cognitive neuroscientist Professor Frédérique Liégeois reveal how speaking multiple languages can enhance brain health and function as we age.
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Quick takeaways
- Speaking multiple languages significantly enhances cognitive abilities and promotes brain health, potentially delaying dementia onset as one ages.
- Personal experiences and cultural exposure empower polyglots, fostering a passion for language learning that transforms it into a lifelong journey.
Deep dives
The Passion for Language Learning
Polyglots express a deep passion for learning languages, often fueled by personal experiences and cultural exposure. For instance, one polyglot described growing up in Istanbul surrounded by diverse cultures, which sparked her curiosity and fear of missing out on different perspectives. This emotional connection to languages allows individuals to experience profound insights into other cultures and enhances their cognitive abilities. The enthusiasm and motivation to learn can transform language acquisition from a mere skill into a lifelong journey of discovery.
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