Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B2-C1

Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

BBC Ideas

1.3M views 3 years ago

Warm-up Questions

What do you think this video will say about how bilingualism affects the brain?
What are some possible benefits of speaking two or more languages?
Do you think learning a second language is easier for children or adults? Why?

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Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

Bilingualism as brain training + dementia delay (00:00 – 02:07)

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1. What was the old belief about being bilingual, especially for children?

It would confuse people or hold them back.
It only helps pronunciation in the first language.
It makes people less creative.

2. According to the video, why does speaking two languages exercise the brain?

Because bilingual people read more books.
Because the brain must suppress one language and switch between languages.
Because bilingual people travel more often.

3. What did the 2007 study suggest about dementia for bilingual people?

They develop dementia about four to four and a half years later than monolingual people.
They never develop dementia.
They develop dementia earlier because of stress.

Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

Cognitive reserve + learning early vs later + brain scanning study (02:07 – 03:49)

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1. What is 'cognitive reserve' in the video?

A special type of memory only children have.
A reserve of money for education.
A reserve of thinking abilities that protects against losses from aging and disease.

2. What is said about learning a language later in life compared to learning as a child?

Later learning does not change the brain at all.
Later learning requires modifying existing networks and can be more challenging, but benefits can be greater.
Later learning always has fewer benefits.

3. In the 2023 study, which group showed the strongest connectivity in a network at rest?

The monolingual group
The later bilingual group
The early bilingual group

Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

Perspective-taking, emotional reactions, and broader benefits (03:49 – 05:35)

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1. What 'lesser known' behavioral effect of bilingualism is mentioned?

The ability to see other people's perspective and understand different points of view
The ability to sleep less
Better singing ability

2. How do people tend to react in their first language compared to their second language, according to recent studies?

More rational in the first language and more emotional in the second
More emotionally in the first language and more rational/abstract in the second
Exactly the same in both languages

3. Beyond the brain, what does the video say learning new languages can do?

Guarantee a higher salary
Open doors to new cultural experiences and life opportunities
Replace the need for education

Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

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1. Which idea best summarizes why bilingualism can improve mental abilities?

It reduces the need to think because you can choose the easier language.
It works only because bilingual people have better eyesight.
It constantly challenges the brain to manage, suppress, and switch between languages.

2. What is the main message about the timing of language learning?

Only early learning benefits the brain.
Language learning after childhood has no neurological effects.
Both early and later learning can benefit the brain, but in different ways.

3. According to the video, bilingualism is valuable not only for individuals but also for societies because it can:

End cultural differences completely
Create more rules for communication
Connect people to new communities and ways of seeing the world

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Why being bilingual is good for your brain | BBC Ideas

Do you agree that speaking two languages is like “going to a gym” for the mind? Why or why not?
What activities besides language learning might help build 'cognitive reserve'?
Have you noticed feeling different (more emotional or more rational) in different languages? What examples can you share?
How can bilingualism benefit a community or a workplace, not just an individual?