Article: learning languages boosts brainpower

luckat

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3739690.stm

(not a huge study, but interesting)

Learning languages 'boosts brain'


Learning a second language "boosts" brain-power, scientists believe.
Researchers from University College London studied the brains of 105 people - 80 of whom were bilingual.

They found learning other languages altered grey matter - the area of the brain which processes information - in the same way exercise builds muscles.

People who learned a second language at a younger age were also more likely to have more advanced grey matter than those who learned later, the team said.


Scientists already know the brain has the ability to change its structure as a result of stimulation - an effect known as plasticity - but this research demonstrates how learning languages develops it.

*snip*

simu

Ní chuireann an scéal sin aon iontas orm. Bíonn ort an-chuid páirteanna den intinn a chur ag obair do dian chun teanga nua a fhoghlaim.