Viorica Marian

Psychologist and researcher Viorica Marian discusses the cognitive benefits of being bilingual, including improved executive function, delayed onset of Alzheimer's, and altered perception. They challenge the notion of languages being switched off and on in the brain, explore the definition and power of language, debunk the myth of a critical age for language learning, and discuss the impact of AI on language diversity.

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.