
Scientists from the Higher School of Economics (HSE) together with colleagues from the University of Helsinki have discovered that learning foreign languages enhances the brain’s elasticity and its ability to code information. The more foreign languages we learn, the more effectively our brain reacts and processes the data accumulated in the course of learning.
An article of Yury Shtyrov, Leading Research Fellow of the HSE Centre for Cognition & Decision Making, Lilli Kimppa and Teija Kujala (University of Helsinki) summarizing the new findings has been recently published in Scientific Reports.
According to the study, the neurophysiological mechanics of language and speech acquisition are underexplored when compared to the brain’s other functions.
Researchers carried out experiments where the brain’s electrical activity was measured with EEG (electroencephalography). Twenty-two students in total (10 male and 12 female) participated in the investigation, with the average age being 24. The subjects had electrodes placed on their heads and then listened to recordings of different words in their native language, as well in foreign languages, both known and completely unknown by the subjects. When the known or unknown words popped up, changes in the brain’s activity were tracked. Researchers especially focused on the speed at which the brain readjusted its activity to treat unknown words. Afterwards, the accrued neurophysiological data was compared to the subjects’ linguistic background: how many languages they knew, at which age they started to learn it, and so on. Apparently, the ability of the brain to quickly process information depends on one’s “linguistic anamneses.”
The experiment has shown that the brain’s electrical activity of those participants who had already known some foreign languages, was higher. The author of the study, Yuriy Shtyrov commented that the more languages someone mastered, the faster the neuron network coding the information on the new words was formed. Consequently, this new data stimulates the brain’s physiology: loading the mind with more knowledge boosts its elasticity.
Scientists believe that understanding how the brain functions in acquiring language is of crucial importance in diagnosing speech impediments after accidents, strokes, and other related conditions, and finding ways to treat them. Moreover, when we achieve better insight into the principles of creating and strengthening neuron networks, we will be able to harness these mechanisms, speed them up and improve the learning process.
.
© Edublox
Reading and learning made easy –
Video: It’s life-changing! Edublox helps overcome learning challenges
Watch Naeleigh’s heart-warming story of overcoming learning challenges. While Edublox’s Development Tutor is improving her cognitive skills like concentration, processing, memory and reasoning, Live Tutor and additional homework exercises provided by Edublox address her reading, spelling and math deficits. Continue Reading
Ashlyn, mom of Naeleigh, US Edublox Online Tutor May 26, 2022
Overcoming reading difficulties: Four children testify
Four children, Kelsey, Tshepo, Liam and Joshua share how struggling to read affected them, as well as how it feels now that they can read. Contact Edublox for help if your child struggles with similar problems.
Continue ReadingKelsey, Tshepo, Liam and Joshua Edublox Online Tutor March 5, 2022
Overcoming dyslexia: Elize tells her family’s experience
Elize tells her family's experience with Edublox. When her youngest daughter (now 25 years old) was in 4th grade, she realized her reading was not on par. The school said she should not worry. Continue Reading
Elize, mom of Marie-Louise Edublox Online Tutor March 5, 2022
Dyslexia & dyscalculia diary and video: “We can see her world getting bigger”
The whole Edublox system has helped Amy so much with reading and math, but it was hard for us to tell if it was helping her with this hidden, agonizing challenge. It certainly is! Continue Reading
Sandy, mom of Amy, US Edublox Online Tutor January 5, 2022
Video: Edublox’s online tutoring delivers demonstrable results
Dennis shares how Edublox is teaching his daughter Veronica to read after other programs had failed. She was diagnosed with apraxia. Apraxia is a neurological condition that makes certain motor movements difficult. It may affect speech and coordination, and may co-occur with learning disorders such as dyslexia and dyscalculia. Continue Reading
Dennis, Veronica's dad, US Edublox Online Tutor October 29, 2021
Dyseidetic dyslexia video: Measurable improvements in reading scores
Hilary shares her thoughts on "The Edublox Experience." Measurable improvements in standardized reading scores, confidence and fun. Continue Reading
Hilary, Rief's mom, US Edublox Online Tutor October 11, 2021
Video: Overcoming dyslexia and developmental delays
Vivienne was adopted from China at age 5. This video is about Susan helping her 11-year-old daughter overcome developmental delays, including dyslexia. They started with the Edublox program 13 weeks ago. This is their story. Continue Reading
Susan, Vivienne's mom, US Edublox Online Tutor August 22, 2021
“Carsten is reading 6 and 7 letter words and the most amazing part is he is spelling them as well!”
Now, after working with Susan and the Edublox program for the last 5 months, Carsten is reading 6 and 7 letter words and the most amazing part is he is spelling them as well! AMAZING! I never would have thought he would be spelling words that large so quickly. I asked his school teacher about what she has seen and she told me she’s seen a big difference... Continue Reading
Lisel Nielsen, Utah, US Edublox Online Tutor March 12, 2020
Video: Student with severe dyslexia improves from the 1st to the 55th percentile!
Meet Maddie, a 10-year-old who was diagnosed with severe dyslexia, moderate dyscalculia, ADHD and low IQ (low 80s). People who had evaluated her said that they had never seen dyslexia as severe as this before. Her parents had been told by more than one professional that Maddie would probably never read... Continue Reading
Kimberly, US Edublox Online Tutor May 23, 2019
“His ability to decipher words is phenomenal”
Kenny’s ability to spell now is stunning all of us. His ability to decipher words is phenomenal.... Kenny has learned that reading can be enjoyed and how to enjoy it... He is reading now on an above grade level average and scored above grade level on his State tests. Continue Reading
Donna, USA Edublox Online Tutor November 15, 2018