Miguel Á. Muñoz presents scientific research on the cognitive costs and benefits of learning a foreign language. June 2014, Cardiff.

Does learning a language make you smarter? (trailer)

Video 1 - What does bilingual mean?

Video 2 - The costs of bilingualism

Video 3 - The benefits of bilingualism

Video 4 - Bilingualism and the brain

Video 4 - Bilingualism and the brain

There are many reasons to learn a language. Cognitive development is often one of the most cited ones. Learning a language is said to improve memory, attention, multitasking performance and mental health. Language learners and teachers can benefit from a deeper understanding of the mental benefits associated with learning a foreign language but this understanding should be based on sound scientific evidence rather than pop psychology. This presentation aims to present a balanced and accessible overview of the latest research published in this area in order to dispel some myths and highlight the real cognitive benefits of learning a foreign language.

About the speaker

Miguel Á. Muñoz (DELTA, M.A. University of Kansas, M.A. UIMP-Instituto Cervantes) has taught English, French and Spanish in Spain, Morocco, Reunion Island and the United States. He currently teaches general English at the Escuela Oficial de Idiomas in Guadalajara.