Brain Sides and New Language Learning | Science

Summary

Neuroscientist Shipra Guranandan explores how the brain processes language, particularly in adults learning new languages. Her study shows that speaking primarily activates the left hemisphere, while comprehension tasks like reading and listening can vary and involve both hemispheres, indicating a more bilateral processing. Guranandan encourages language learning despite its challenges, emphasizing that brain plasticity is not a barrier.

Takeaways

• 📚 Learning a new language as an adult is challenging, with comprehension typically preceding the ability to speak fluently.
• 🧠 The ease of language comprehension might be due to changes in the brain's language processing areas.
• 🌐 Historically, the left hemisphere has been considered essential for language, but recent studies show the right hemisphere can also participate in language tasks after brain injuries.
• 🔍 Neuroscientist Shipra Gurunandan and her team investigated brain activity during language learning by scanning Spanish-speaking volunteers learning Basque or English.
• 🗣️ Speaking a new language primarily activates language regions in the left hemisphere, regardless of proficiency level.
• 👂 In the early stages of learning, both native and new languages activate the same hemisphere for listening comprehension.
• 👀 Reading comprehension also activates the same hemisphere in the brain for both native and new languages in beginners.
• 🔄 Advanced learners show a shift, with reading and listening activating different hemispheres compared to their native language.
• 🔄 The switch from the same to the opposite hemispheres is most pronounced in reading, less so in listening, and not present in speaking.
• 🏗️ Speech may be more constrained to the left hemisphere due to specialized circuits for motor control of speech production.
• 🎓 Comprehension involves both auditory and visual systems, which are more bilaterally represented in the brain, explaining the bilateral activation in comprehension tasks.
• 🚀 Despite the challenges, language learning is achievable for everyone, and maintaining enthusiasm is key to success.

Q & A

What is generally easier for adults when learning a new language, comprehension or speaking?

Comprehension is generally easier for adults when learning a new language compared to speaking.

Who is Shipra Guranandan and what is her field of study?

Shipra Guranandan is a cognitive neuroscientist at the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain, and Language.

What has been known about the left hemisphere of the brain since the 1800s?

It has been known since the 1800s that the left hemisphere of the brain is essential for language.

What recent discovery challenges the idea that language is exclusive to the left hemisphere of the brain?

The discovery that the right hemisphere can take over language tasks when the left hemisphere is injured challenges the idea that language is exclusive to the left hemisphere.

What method did Guranandan and her team use to study brain activity in language learners?

Guranandan and her team scanned the brains of Spanish-speaking volunteers learning Basque or English while they performed language tasks involving reading, listening, and speaking.

What did the researchers find about brain activation during speaking in language learners?

The researchers found that speaking primarily activated language regions in the left side of the brain, regardless of the learner's proficiency level.

How did reading and listening comprehension differ in brain activation compared to speaking?

Reading and listening comprehension showed more variable brain activation, with native and new languages activating the same hemisphere in early learners and different hemispheres in more advanced learners.

Why do researchers believe speech production is more constrained to the left hemisphere?

Researchers believe speech production is more constrained to the left hemisphere because it contains specialized circuits dedicated to motor control of speech production.

How do the auditory and visual systems contribute to comprehension being more bilateral in the brain?

The auditory and visual systems are more bilateral, which likely contributes to comprehension being more bilateral in the brain.

What is Shipra Guranandan's message about learning a new language?

Shipra Guranandan's message is that language learning is challenging but possible for everyone, and it's not due to a lack of brain plasticity. She encourages maintaining a positive attitude and perseverance.