Speaking more than one languag

Speaking more than one language is actually brilliant for the noggin

Extensive tests have shown that bilingual folks not only have more diverse perspectives, but also manage to stay sane for longer.

Speaking more than one languag

So, as it turns out, being fluent – the operative word here, fluent – in more than one language actually helps your brain fight off mental illnesses like dementia and Alzheimer’s for up to five years longer than a normal brain.

Not only does being bilingual flex the brain muscles, it offers differing perspectives on everyday things. For example, being told something in English and having to interact with a scenario in English has a major effect on how a person interacts with said scenario.

As soon as a different language is introduced, that language’s grammatical traits actually influence the way in which things are perceived. Research suggests that those people who speak more than one language fluently have a higher affinity for understanding different points of view and interacting with their environment on different levels.

So do yourself a favour, take up language as a hobby, your brain be all the better for it.

Image credit: Harriet Russel/ NYTimes