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Neuroplasticity

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Neuroplasticity may account for many of the phenomenon that we see as advantageous stemming from learning a second language. Neural plasticity, like any other mental function, declines with age.
Bilinguals have to exercise the various parts of working memory when using both languages, which may provide those neural circuits more resources, which will ultimately strengthen not only language skills, but will strengthen any skills involving WM. Speaking multiple languages exercises the phonological system to a larger degree than one language would because one has more sounds to recognize and link with words. Because there are multiple grammars and vocabularies, one for each language, the semantic system is also exercised to a greater extent. …show more content…
195). The visuospatial sketchbook must, in turn, also recognize different words, different body languages, cues and expressions used by speakers of different languages. The central executive has to choose which language on which to focus during which times and contexts. Baddeley believes that components of WM are more than just a “slave system used only in the acquisition of language” and calls for more “attempts to investigate its role in the control of action” (Baddeley, 2003, p. 200). In fact, he also continues to say that “working memory span has proved to be a robust predictor of a wide range of complex cognitive skills, ranging from reading comprehension to learning electronics” (Baddeley, 2003, p. 203). Although these systems are constantly being exercised by multiple languages, there are limits to the brain’s neuroplasticity. It is common knowledge that the later one learns a language, the less easily it can be picked up. Thus, it can be deduced that the earlier one learns a language, he bigger the benefits one can reap in terms of exercising and maximizing brain space for working memory. Bilinguals, by virtue of having …show more content…
Although some studies purport to show that the advantage can be seen from mental flexibility to better executive control in general, there is some evidence to the contrary, specifically relating to language itself. There is a subset of research that is much less publicized that purports to show that bilinguals often are less language proficient and display less verbal fluency. In general, bilinguals seem to have smaller vocabularies, a less advanced grasp of such vocabulary, and take longer to produce such vocabulary. All of these effects are hypothesized to be due to the fact that a bilingual speaker has to first access their vocabulary, take that vocabulary and match it with the language they intend to use while monitoring and switching between languages at the same time. Although there might be some mental benefits to being bilingual, there are also costs to diverting mental energy to more than one

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