Throughout the years, bilingual education has sparked debates and political discussions. For instance, in 1998, it was prohibited in California through a ballot measure. At the moment, the Senate has requested to repeal the decision. It appears bilingual education is more beneficial to the brain than it has been credited for throughout the years. According to recent research, it may slow down the brain's degeneration preserving its capabilities for longer periods.
According to a study published under Annals of Neurology, people do not need to learn another language at a young age. However, if people learn a second or third language later on, they can expect great cognitive benefits for their brain. Throughout the years, there have been countless studies emphasizing the good effects of bilingualism to the brain. According to these studies, it is one of the best exercises for the brain.
In fact, later on, bilingualism is a good deterrent of dementia. However, there are concerns of the trait is really beneficial to the brain given the person is already smart or part of a self-selecting crowd. To rule out those factors, the University of Edinburg in Scotland researchers analyzed 853 people who took part in an intelligence test when they were 11 years old back in 1947. The group was subjected to another test from 2008 to 2010.
"Reflecting the society of its time," the researchers wrote in the study, "the cohort is remarkably homogenous; they are English native speakers, of European origin, born, raised, and living in and around Edinburgh. None was an immigrant."
"Millions of people across the world acquire their second language later in life: in school, university, or work, or through migration or marriage to a member of another linguistic community. Many never reach native-like perfection," the researchers also indicated in the study.
"For this population," they continued, "our results are particularly relevant; bilingualism in its broad definition, even if acquired in adulthood, might have beneficial effects on cognition."
Brushing up on another language may just be an excellent hobby.
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