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You KNOW that being bilingual is great for your brain…
…but maybe you’re thinking, “I’m too old to learn a new language” or “It’s too late to teach my child.” Well, I’m here to tell you—it’s never too late!
As a mum raising trilingual kids, I’ve seen firsthand just how powerful multilingualism can be for the brain, and today, I want to share those insights with you. I’ll also give you practical tips on how to tap into this brain-boosting superpower, no matter your age, ability, or your child’s current language level.
Whether you’re already on a multilingual journey or just starting, these benefits are for everyone. Let’s dive in!
1. Enhanced Executive Function
Before we jump into the science, let’s picture this.
Imagine your brain is like an air traffic controller at a busy airport, managing flights from different directions. For a bilingual brain, that controller is working double-time, directing two languages.
This constant juggling makes your brain faster and better at handling multiple tasks. That’s what we call enhanced executive function—and it’s a superpower you or your child can develop.
What the research says:
Cognitive scientist Ellen Bialystok found that bilinguals consistently outperform monolinguals in tasks requiring cognitive flexibility and the ability to switch between rules.
Bilingual brains are constantly filtering one language while staying ready to switch to another. This keeps your brain sharp and adaptable.
And here’s the best part—this isn’t just for kids. Adults can also sharpen their executive function by learning and using a new language. The brain’s ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, stays strong throughout life, so it’s never too late to start building these skills!
How to foster this superpower:
If you want to help your child (or yourself) tap into enhanced executive function, encourage learning a second language. You don’t need to be raising a fully bilingual child—just starting language classes or using online resources can make a big difference. For adults, try setting aside 15 minutes a day for language learning. Small, consistent efforts build up over time and create those mental “workouts” that keep your brain flexible.
If your child is already bilingual, start a reading and writing routine to deepen those cognitive benefits. I’ve got a video where I walk through my 15-minute routine—check it out!
2. Delayed Cognitive Decline
Now, let’s move on to the second way multilingualism transforms your brain—delaying cognitive decline.
Let me ask: do you know a loved one who’s suffered from dementia?
It’s heartbreaking to watch someone lose pieces of their memory and personality.
Now, imagine if there was something that could delay that—something with no side effects that might even boost your cognitive ability. Sounds too good to be true, right? Here’s the secret: learning a new language.
What the research says: Studies show that bilingualism can delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s by up to 5 years. Managing two or more languages keeps the brain sharp, switching between vocabularies and grammar rules. This mental workout builds up what’s called cognitive reserve, a protective factor that helps guard against aging.
How to apply this:
If you’re thinking, “I’m too old to start learning a new language,” here’s the good news: it’s never too late! Whether you’re 25 or 65, the brain’s plasticity allows it to adapt and grow. Even learning a few new words or phrases can help.
And it’s never been easier to start! With resources like iTalki (NOT sponsored!) for low-cost 1-on-1 lessons, or Duolingo for beginners, you’ve got everything at your fingertips. You can also try listening to audiobooks in your target language or watching language courses on YouTube for free. No excuses—just dive in!
3. Improved Social and Emotional Intelligence
Here’s something you might not expect: being bilingual can actually improve your social and emotional intelligence!
Let me share a little about my own kids, who’ve been raised trilingual.
When they talk to each other in English, they use their first names—totally normal. But when they’re talking to me about each other, they switch to Mandarin and use terms like “gege” (big brother) or “meimei” (little sister). This might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually showing social and emotional intelligence.
Why? Because they’re adapting their language to fit the social context. In Mandarin, familial titles are a sign of respect and cultural understanding. In English, using first names feels more natural in peer relationships. So, by switching between the two, my kids are learning to adjust based on the social setting—an important part of emotional intelligence.
What the research says:
Bilinguals develop stronger social and emotional intelligence because they’re constantly navigating different cultural norms and perspectives. This ability to adapt between languages helps them become more empathetic and skilled at reading social situations.
How to nurture this:
One great way is to actively explore cultural nuances with your child.
For example, in Chinese, I might ask my son: you don’t call your sister by her first name—why is that?
Discussing these differences helps your child navigate cultural norms.
Another way is to immerse yourself in cultural experiences—watch a movie in the target language or take part in traditional celebrations. Exposure to culture builds emotional intelligence just as much as learning the language itself.
4. Increased Creativity and Divergent Thinking
Time for a little quiz: what do you see here?
C
If you’re a native English speaker, you’d say, “That’s a letter C.”
But for my kids, who are learning Chinese and Russian, it’s not that simple.
In Russian, this letter is pronounced “sss.” In Chinese pinyin, it’s pronounced “ts.”
My kids have to constantly switch between these different meanings, which requires flexible thinking.
What the research says: Multilingual people are better at tasks requiring creativity because they’re used to switching between languages, rules, and meanings. This builds up what we call divergent thinking, the ability to think in more than one way.
It’s a key part of creativity!
How to foster this:
Encourage your child to explore problems from different angles using their different languages. For example, one evening, we were talking about why guinea pigs are called “guinea pigs” in English, “sea pigs” in Russian, and “pig rodents” in Chinese. Each language offered a new perspective on the same animal, sparking creative thinking. This flexibility is what makes multilingualism such a powerful tool for creativity.
5. Greater Cognitive Resilience
Finally, let’s talk about cognitive resilience.
Think of your brain as a muscle—the more you challenge it, the stronger and more adaptable it becomes.
Managing multiple languages is like combining strength training with endurance exercises for your brain. Every time you switch between languages, your brain is lifting mental “weights.” Over time, this makes your brain more adaptable and able to “bounce back” from challenges like injury or cognitive decline.
What the research says:
Bilinguals tend to recover better from brain injuries or cognitive decline because their brains are trained to handle complexity. The cognitive reserves built from managing multiple languages offer a kind of protective shield.
How to build this resilience:
Consistency is key! Just like physical exercise, regular daily practice is far more beneficial than occasional intense sessions. So, make language learning a part of your everyday life. Whether it’s reading a short article, listening to a podcast, or having a quick conversation in your target language, these small, consistent efforts help build cognitive strength and flexibility over time.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it—five powerful ways being bilingual or multilingual can transform your brain! From enhancing executive function to delaying cognitive decline, boosting social intelligence, sparking creativity, and building cognitive resilience, the benefits are endless.
If you found this interesting, I’ve got another video where I dive deeper into the brain benefits of bilingualism, based on a fascinating BBC documentary. Check it out and discover even more reasons why being bilingual is a true superpower!
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