Start Developing Bilingualism Now (Or Regret It Later)

Do you know the surprising reason behind why developing at least some level of fluency in more than one language is good for your brain?

It has a protective effect.

At least in most cases.

And that's especially important for those of us who want to keep mentally sharp long into old age.

The proof?

Research shows that bilingualism develops “cognitive reserve.”

Having at least some skills in a second language literally protects your brain from issues like Alzheimer's and dementia.

At least for most of us. There are some exceptions (there are always are, and you can learn about them here).

Why the Bilingual Brain Is Stronger

Chances are you're not one of the exceptions. (That's a good thing!)

And most of those who learn at least one other language get this reserve – or protective power – because the bilingual brain experiences more mental fitness.

That's because language learners exercise "control mechanisms" much more.

What are those?

Attention, focus, concentration and being willing to delay gratification.

"Differential recruitment" is one of the technical terms you'll find in scientific studies like this one.

(Seriously, what entrepreneur doesn't love the word "recruitment?")

In short, being bilingual provides constant brain exercise because regularly juggling two languages leads to improved focus and attention.

"Task Switching" Improves

Now, what I'm about to say is not permission to multi-task.

But... let's call a spade a spade... people who speak more than one language tend to be better at juggling more than one thing at a time.

Frankly, I find the findings a bit confronting the first time I learned about them.

Why?

Because the research challenges some of the ideas I've held for year about how mnemonics work to help me "multi-task" while remembering names at events.

The ability to leap back and forth between new names, Memory Palaces and multiple mnemonic images is definitely multitasking.

But I know longer think the ability to do this comes purely from memory training. Some of it likely comes from having learned more than one language.

After all, most people who demonstrate memory techniques (that I'm aware of), have at least some skill in one additional language. If not more.

Here's one possible reason:

A study by Dr. Viorica Marian and her team demonstrated that some bilinguals are better at filtering out unnecessary words than people who speak only one language.

In the study, participants performed language comprehension tasks. They first listened to words and then identified images related to the words .

For example, imagine hearing the word "candy." Then, in a set of four photos, you see candy, but also a candle.

People who spoke more than one language were better able to ignore the candle image. This repeated word after word, showing how much better the bilingual brain is at filtering out irrelevant, but similar information.

This translates to giving name demonstrations because I have accurately recalled at the same event Chris, Christina, Christian and Chris.

With such a high rate of error amongst non-bilinguals in the study I just cited, I just have to conclude that there's more to my success than memory techniques on their own.

More Grey Matter

Bilinguals also tend to have more grey matter.

This is helpful in making it easier for you to control everything from your physical movements to your emotions.

As a result, old age is simply more delightful.

Not only because you stand a chance at being more mobile.

But you have better memories of your entire life to reflect back on.

And more than one language in which to reflect on those memories.

Instead of the tragic opposite, lost in the cobwebs of memory disorders you could have avoided by spending just a short amount of time per day learning a language in a particular way. (One that does not use apps, which put you at risk of digital dementia.)

If you're an entrepreneur who wants to learn another language, and would like help with the memory skills aspect of becoming bilingual, message me "bilingual."

I've got a special flashcard strategy you can use in combination with the Memory Palace technique for language learning I think you're going to love.

It makes learning a new language feel like playing an exciting game in your mind.

So, what do you say?

Are you excited to put some time into learning a language for the lifelong benefits it will bring to your brain?

Remember, message me "bilingual" for a powerful resource that will make it so much easier using "Magnetic" flashcards.