The Learning Brain Season 1 Episode 11 Language Acquisition

As humans, we have a remarkable ability to acquire and learn languages, yet it remains a mystery how exactly we do it. In episode 11 of The Learning Brain, titled Language Acquisition, we delve into the science behind this complicated process.

We first explore the concept of a critical period, which refers to the time frame during which language acquisition is the most efficient. Research has shown that if a child is not exposed to language during this time, it becomes exponentially harder for them to learn later in life. We meet a woman who wasn't exposed to spoken language until she was 31 years old, and learn about her struggle to learn English despite having a mastery of sign language.

The episode then moves on to discuss the role of different brain regions in language learning. It's been found that infants use different brain regions than adults when learning language, with the left hemisphere of the brain playing a particularly important role. We meet a researcher who uses neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI to study brain activity patterns during language tasks. She explains how her research has helped identify the specific brain regions responsible for language comprehension and production, and how they differ between infants and adults.

Next, we learn about the importance of context in language learning. Children learn best when they can associate new words and phrases with concrete experiences or objects, rather than just memorizing them out of context. We see this in action as a group of preschoolers learn new words by taking a field trip to a zoo and being able to interact with the animals firsthand.

The episode then turns to the subject of bilingualism and how it affects language learning. Research has shown that bilingual children tend to have better executive function skills, or the ability to control their attention and switch between tasks, than monolingual children. We meet a woman who speaks three languages fluently and learn about her experiences growing up and how being bilingual has impacted her life.

Finally, the episode ends by discussing the importance of exposure and practice in language acquisition. We meet a man who learned Vietnamese as an adult and has since become fluent through hours of practice and immersion in the language. We also learn about the concept of second language acquisition and how adult learners can improve their skills through immersion and language classes.

Overall, Language Acquisition provides a fascinating look at the science behind how we learn language. From the role of brain regions to the importance of context and exposure, this episode offers insights into the complex processes that enable us to communicate with one another.