From Language Learning to Loss

Evidence is accumulating that bilingualism is good for your mind and brain. This is because bilinguals constantly choose which language they need to use and prevent the non-relevant language from interfering. Inevitably, this “trains” the brain to be more flexible in selecting between alternatives. This process not only causes changes in the structure of the brain, but it generalises to other tasks, and may even prove beneficial in older age. In this talk I will provide an overview of these effects and explain their importance for healthy bilinguals, as well as patients with neurodegeneration.

How do we communicate? What happens when we are unable to say or understand words and sentences? Aphasia is a language impairment caused by brain damage, such as stroke. It provides insight into the ways in which language is processed by the brain, and how this affects our daily interactions. Find out how researchers at the University of Reading are investigating communication and how conversation changes when you cannot rely on language.