The United States is a diverse nation, with individuals relocating here from various regions of the globe. Interacting with people from distant lands offers a chance to acquire different languages. Many parents initiate language education for their children at a young age for academic reasons. However, are you aware of the health perks associated with it? Below are six explanations of how being multilingual can enhance your cognitive well-being.
1. Mitigating the Risk of Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline affects numerous Americans yearly. Individuals experiencing cognitive decline struggle with memory retention and decision-making. While the majority of affected individuals are older adults, there are cases where younger people are also impacted. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cases of cognitive decline are projected to almost triple by 2060. Engaging in multilingualism can be a small step in preventing cognitive decline.
Proficiency in three or more languages is an excellent mental workout. A recent study conducted by the University of Waterloo established a correlation between multilingualism and reduced risk of cognitive decline. The study focused on nuns aged 75 years and above.
The researchers assessed the likelihood of cognitive decline in these women and recorded the number of languages they were proficient in. The study found that women who could speak four or more languages exhibited significantly lower risk of cognitive decline compared to monolingual women.
2. Decreasing the Likelihood of Alzheimer’s Disease
Many individuals, particularly seniors, suffer from cognitive decline. It’s important to note that cognitive decline encompasses various ailments such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia, with Alzheimer’s disease being one of the most recognized forms. This condition affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans. Nonetheless, multilingualism offers a beacon of hope by reducing the risk.
Researchers from the University of Toronto’s neuroscience and physiology departments studied the impact of multilingualism on neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Drawing data from multiple sources, the study examined how multilingualism influenced the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
The findings concluded that multilingualism plays a pivotal role in preventing brain degeneration and fortifying cognitive reserve. Additionally, the study suggests that multilingualism is more effective than bilingualism in preventing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. Alleviating Stress and Anxiety
Each day, various factors may contribute to heightened stress levels. These stressors could stem from work, school, or other aspects of daily life. For college students, the pursuit of graduation can be overwhelming due to the requisite number of credit hours. Some students leverage their multilingual skills to earn college credits and test out of courses, thereby saving time and reducing stress levels.
Multilingualism also benefits individuals engaged in foreign language studies. Learning a new language can induce stress and involve a mix of positive and negative emotions. A study published in the European Journal of Applied Linguistics examined the link between pleasure and anxiety in language learning. The outcomes highlighted a significant positive correlation between multilingualism, enhanced enjoyment, and reduced stress levels, underscoring the advantages of acquiring multiple languages.
4. Fostering Innovation
Innovation is fundamental to daily activities, propelling individual passions and fostering improved methodologies. Whether developing solutions at work, seeking medical cures, or addressing various life challenges, creativity plays a crucial role. Multilingualism serves as a catalyst for stimulating creativity and enhancing cognitive processes. Researchers from Switzerland’s University of Geneva investigated the nexus between multilingualism and creativity.
They studied factors like multilingualism, travel experiences, and residency abroad, subsequently examining creative potentials, interests, and diverse activities. The findings unveiled a positive association between multilingualism and creativity, indicating that multilingualism and deep cultural immersion are strong predictors of heightened ideation.
5. Enhancing Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is indispensable throughout our lives, from early education to later years. It enables us to make informed decisions, fosters creativity, and broadens our perspectives. In numerous sectors, critical thinking is pivotal for everyday tasks and problem-solving. Embracing multilingualism expands cognitive horizons and cultivates a sharper critical thinking aptitude.
In their book, “Postmonolingual Critical Thinking,” authors Michael Singh and Si Yi Lu challenge the predominance of academic English in post-secondary international education. They advocate for leveraging students’ multilingual abilities to enhance critical thinking and engender innovative problem-solving skills. By tapping into multilingual resources, students can elevate their critical thinking prowess, leading to groundbreaking research outcomes.
6. Facilitating Stroke Rehabilitation
In the United States, strokes rank among the leading causes of mortality, affecting nearly 800,000 individuals annually, with approximately 160,000 succumbing to the condition. Survivors may grapple with paralysis and other impairments affecting their mathematical cognition and visual acuity. Ischemic strokes, induced by blood clots obstructing brain arteries, are a prevailing subtype.
A study published in The Egyptian Journal of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Neurosurgery explored the positive impact of multilingualism on stroke recovery. The study focused on a trilingual woman proficient in French, English, and Arabic. Her subconscious ability to switch between languages aided in overcoming post-stroke language challenges. The researchers concluded that cognitive reserve and multilingualism might offer favorable prospects for post-stroke aphasia rehabilitation.
Multilingualism Enhances Brain Function
Learning a new language equates to venturing into uncharted territories. Acquiring languages like Spanish, Japanese, and Swahili not only fosters cross-cultural understanding but also enhances brain function. These six health benefits underscore the importance of promoting language learning for oneself, children, and acquaintances.
