Podcast Summary
Learning a new language as an adult: Overcoming challenges and reaping benefits: Adults can effectively learn new languages due to brain plasticity, leading to deeper family connections, cultural understanding, cognitive advantages, and improved communication skills.
Learning a new language as an adult is possible, despite initial doubts and challenges. Maddie, in the podcast, shares her personal journey of learning Mandarin Chinese as an adult, expressing concerns about being too old and struggling with the new language. However, she emphasizes the importance of trying and the benefits that come with it, such as deeper connections with family and cultural understanding. To provide insights into the science behind language acquisition, the podcast invites neurolinguist Sarah Phillips to discuss the topic. Phillips explains that the brain remains plastic throughout life, allowing adults to learn new languages effectively, even if the process might be different from childhood language learning. The podcast also touches upon the benefits of bilingualism, including cognitive advantages and improved communication skills. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to embrace the challenge of learning a new language, no matter their age.
Learning a new language enhances brain function and cultural understanding: Apple Card rewards users for language learning: 3% on Apple purchases, 2% with Apple Pay, 1% on others; learning a new language boosts brain development and broadens cultural knowledge
Learning a second language not only opens up new communication opportunities but also contributes to brain development. Apple Card users can earn rewards while embarking on this journey, with varying percentages depending on the method of payment. Apple Card holders earn 3% back on Apple purchases, 2% back on transactions made with Apple Pay, and 1% back on all other purchases. This discussion also highlighted the importance of bilingualism and how engaging in the process makes one a developing bilingual. Sarah Phillips, a PhD student in linguistics at New York University, emphasized the significance of language learning and its impact on cognitive abilities. By learning a new language, one is enhancing their brain function and expanding their cultural understanding. So, if you're learning a new language, remember that every effort counts, and you're not just gaining a new skill, but also fostering brain growth.
The Critical Period Hypothesis and Language Learning: The critical period hypothesis suggests that learning a first language is most automatic between ages 2-puberty, but learning a second language after this period is still possible, just more challenging.
The ability to learn a second language fluently changes as we age. The critical period hypothesis suggests that there's an optimal window for learning a first language, typically between the ages of 2 and puberty. This theory is based on research with animals like zebra finches, which have to learn specific calls for communication and survival. If these birds are separated from their community during this critical period, they may not be able to learn these calls properly. Similarly, in humans, children who are denied language before puberty may struggle to learn the grammar of their first language later in life. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that learning a second language after this critical period is impossible. It just might be more challenging. Sarah, who is a scientist and a simultaneous bilingual, explained that I am a developing sequential bilingual, meaning I'm learning a second language after acquiring a first language. While there's debate about the exact age cutoff for the critical period, the key idea is that language learning is most automatic during this period. Despite this theory, it's important to remember that everyone's language learning journey is unique. Some people may find it easier to learn a second language later in life, while others may struggle more. Ultimately, the best time to start learning a new language is now, regardless of your age.
The critical period hypothesis is a misconception: The brain continues to build neural connections beyond puberty, but learning a new language requires more conscious effort as habits form
The critical period hypothesis, which suggests that the best time to learn a second language is during childhood because of a critical window for brain development, is a misconception. The brain continues to build neural connections beyond puberty, and the idea of a critical window should be thought of as a sensitive period where learning is most effective due to the brain's rapid growth during this time. However, past this period, learning a new language will require more conscious effort due to the brain's development of habits. The brain is not just involved in language learning; it also requires the use of eyes to perceive and mouths to produce language. While it may be easier and more optimal to learn a new language during the sensitive period, it is still possible to become fluent with dedication and effort.
Age is not a barrier to learning new languages: Early childhood experiences shape language habits, but adults can still learn new languages through education, exposure, and practice. Fluency is not the only goal, and progress is worth celebrating.
While age can be a factor in language learning, it's not a definitive one. Our early childhood experiences shape our language habits, but as adults, we can still learn new languages, even if it's not as easy as when we were younger. Contemporary research shows that education, exposure, and practice in a community are important factors in language learning. It's essential to remember that fluency is not the only goal, and even learning basic phrases can bring joy and connection. When it comes to pronunciation, childhood speakers have an advantage due to their early exposure to the sound system of their language. However, it's essential not to compare ourselves to an idealized native speaker. Instead, we should focus on our unique experiences and the progress we make in our language learning journey. Sarah reminded us that our lived experiences will be different from those of the person we imagine as our native speaker. So, while it may be challenging to master the tones and sounds of a new language, it's worth the effort for the connections and experiences it brings.
Language is deeply connected to our identity: Focus on understanding rather than perfect pronunciation in language learning, as it's a reflection of our culture and personal experiences
Language is deeply connected to our identity and it's more important to be understood than to sound perfect. This was a theme that emerged during a personal story shared by Christopher Kuang on NPR's Shortwave podcast. He discussed his struggles with learning Mandarin from his grandparents and the pressure he felt to pronounce words correctly. However, he came to realize that being understood was the real goal. This resonated with many listeners, as language learning can be a source of anxiety and insecurity, especially when trying to connect with our heritage or family. The podcast episode was part of a new series at NPR called "Where We Come From," which features stories from immigrant families of color. The series aims to explore the complexities and nuances of identity, heritage, and language. The episode was produced by Thomas Lu, edited by Viet Lai, fact-checked by Indicara, and engineered by Alex Strywenskus. Special thanks were given to sociolinguist Amelia Tsang, Fluent City Language School, Dennis Yue Yeo Lee, Megan Arias, and Christopher's family, especially his father. This conversation reminded me that language is not just a means of communication, but also a reflection of our culture, history, and personal experiences. It's a reminder to focus on the connections we make through language, rather than the perfection of our pronunciation. And it's a reminder that everyone's language journey is unique and worthy of celebration.
Understanding Investor Challenges and Global Capital Markets Solutions with Larry Fink: Larry Fink, BlackRock's CEO, discussed retirement as a major investor concern and the potential role of global capital markets in providing solutions on NPR's The Bid podcast. The collaboration between NPR and BlackRock highlights the importance of staying informed and continuous learning in today's world.
The team behind the podcast "Where We Come From" includes Anjali Sastry, Michael Zamora, Julia Forlan, Diba Motesham, Nicole Werbeck, and Yolani Sanguini. This team produces a daily science podcast for NPR. In a recent episode of The Bid, BlackRock's chairman and CEO, Larry Fink, discussed the challenges investors face, including retirement and the role global capital markets play in finding solutions. Listeners can tune in to The Bid for market insights from BlackRock's thought leaders. The discussion on The Bid highlights the significance of understanding the challenges investors face and the potential role of global capital markets in addressing them. Fink emphasized the importance of retirement as a major concern for investors and how markets can help provide solutions. By tuning into The Bid and other informative podcasts, listeners can stay informed about market trends and gain insights from industry leaders like Fink. Furthermore, the collaboration between NPR and BlackRock through podcasts like The Bid demonstrates the potential for partnerships between media and financial institutions to provide valuable content to audiences. This partnership not only benefits listeners but also showcases the importance of continuous learning and staying informed in today's rapidly changing world.
