The Bilingual Brain: Benefits and Befuddlement

Photo:wikimediaBy Crabby McSlackerMy latest folly: I'm trying to learn a new language. Spanish! Which among other uses, might come in handy for a pair ofsnowbirds always on the lookout for warmer climates to flee to during winters.But I did not study Spanish in school, or in any other setting ever. I'm starting from absolute scratch. And yeah, I did spend many years in California, where Spanish is widely spoken. But my brain was completely impervious! None of it ever registered. Even the annoying ad campaign for Taco Bell didn't manage to teach me the meaning of "Yo Quiero Taco Bell." How could "Yo" mean "I" anyway? It should meanyou for heaven's sake.So I'm only a couple of months into it, and I'm well aware that the whole "maybe I could learn Spanish" thing is, in many ways, a stupid idea. It could so easily turn into just another temporary diversion I've taken up and then later abandoned when something else new and shiny comes along.Plus: I'm 57. I'm already starting to struggle to find words in myfirst language. Every new Spanish word I try to memorize is just a brand new chance for my brain to sayWTF? Where the hell do you think I'm going to put this?And yet...I'm kinda getting a kick out of it and it may even be good for my brain!Research: Bilingualism Benefits Cognitive Functioning in a Bazillion Ways, and May Even Delay Dementia in Old People!I won't go through it study by study, but by going through the hell of learning a new language, you apparently reshape your bra...
Source: Cranky Fitness - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Source Type: blogs