This is your brain on bilingualism

The presence of French and English, as well as Indigenous languages and languages from around the globe, has played an important role in shaping Canada’s identity. Bilingualism—or multilingualism—is the norm for many Canadians. But while bilingualism has many of benefits, how exactly does it shape the brain? What is the neuroscience behind bilingualism, and how does language learning improve cognitive ability?

For Official Languages Day, September 12, CIHR-funded researchers are available to discuss their research on…

• Shanna Kousaie and Jasmine Lee can discuss their research on how bilingualism may slow symptoms of dementia. They can also discuss the neuroscience of bilingualism generally.
• Sally Sade can discuss her research into ways that learning a second language can help long-term brain development for babies born prematurely.