Learning English can re-wire the brain.

Learning English can re-wire the brain.

Food for the brain is energy for the mind!

According to a published article on Inverse Talking Head, language learning in adulthood kickstarts plasticity in the brain.

Children acquire language and absorb it from their surroundings, whilst adults need to learn it. Adult inhibition is a major hindrance to language learning. Self-consciousness keeps adults from experimenting with expression, brought on by a lack of confidence in themselves.?This is the SAME theory for almost anything an adult would learn. We have learnt that dancing is a great way to stimulate a dying brain. It also takes confidence and courage for one to engage in this activity as an adult. Therefore, the only real tool you need is the courage to venture into the learning arena and be prepared to absorb.

A few things may be of help when stepping into daunting waters. If you have a buddy or two that will join you in the learning process, it will make it more comfortable and fun. Joining a program that is designed for the level or purpose you are seeking will also make it more attractive. Above all, your objectives for wanting to learn must be valid.?Language is not a subject acquisition where it's about gaining information – it's an interactive learning process whereby the more you use it the more progress you will make.

One question I get asked frequently is about the quality of pronunciation. How can the way we speak English to be improved? Due to first language interference, some alphabetical sounds are mimicked or mirrored in conversation, giving a low impression of language proficiency. One way to raise the bar on this is to undertake vocabulary exercises that involve training the muscles in our mouth, jawline, and throat to move in the way they are required to sound the words out better. We cannot speak with our mouths shut! Repetitive tongue twisters and vocabulary tutorials support the improvement of a better ‘accent’ for English.

In children, we know that learning a language moves through five predictable stages:?Preproduction, Early Production, Speech Emergent, Intermediate Fluency, and Advanced Fluency?(Krashen & Terrell, 1983). Most adults are in the speech emergence, intermediate, and advanced fluency phases when it comes to a second language. The transition between speech emergence (where ideas are developed and expressions are formed) and intermediate fluency (the formation of an expression using the vocabulary available) is the challenging phase as this is where inhibitions are active. To overcome this difficulty a courageous attitude and determination are required. ?

Let’s not forget the positive impact that improving language skills has on our brains. It’s like an electrical jumpstart to the wiring that has been redundant. The stimulation of learning anything has a similar effect. It becomes food for the brain and energy for the mind. If we remember to feed our bodies with good food, why then should we not feed our minds too? ?

Article by Krishani Hewavisenti