Speaking of Psychology Encore: The benefits of being bilingual, with Viorica Marian, PhD
Dec 31, 2025
Viorica Marian, a psychologist and cognitive scientist from Northwestern University, dives into the fascinating world of bilingualism. She emphasizes how speaking multiple languages can enhance cognitive function and even delay dementia onset. Marian shares insights from her own multilingual upbringing, explains the metalinguistic advantages bilingual children enjoy, and discusses the influence of language on moral decisions. She also warns about the threats to language diversity posed by AI and asserts that anyone can achieve fluency at any age.
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Bilingualism Is Widespread And Beneficial
- More than half the world speaks multiple languages and bilingualism is a common human condition.
- Speaking multiple languages may offer broad cognitive benefits like improved executive function and delayed dementia.
Research Roots In Multilingual Childhood
- Viorica Marian grew up speaking Romanian at home and Russian at childcare, later learning English, French, Spanish, and Dutch.
- Her multilingual upbringing motivated her research into how language shapes memory and thought.
Languages Provide Cognitive Reserve
- Bilinguals are diagnosed with dementia on average four to six years later than monolinguals.
- Using multiple languages acts like cognitive exercise, enabling functional compensation for brain deterioration.