Language and the Brain

"...everyone can benefit from language learning. It is arguably one of the most complex mental activities you can do. So, it’s a powerful way to exercise your brain." Carley Spence, University Of Cambridge 2022

As a language educator I have had the privilege of working with children, young people, working adults and the busy retired to enable them to progress in language learning and fulfil their goals. I completed an ICF accredited Neurolanguage Coaching® course to complement my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Spanish with French) & CIPD qualification in Learning and Development Practice.

A greater understanding of the brain combined with practical coaching strategies enables me to help learners articulate their previous learning experiences and to define more precisely their learning preferences, motivations, goals, actions and timescales for learning a language.

One strength of learning about the brain and its structures is that it explains and applies the science of learning whilst acknowledging that we all have different life experiences and therefore brains. An individual’s learning experience is more efficient and effective if it is built on who they are and how they tick. Language learning not only expands horizons but can also bring about health benefits due to regular mental stimulation and the social interaction this brings.

During my own personal journey and development as a Language Coach I have been committed to finding and answering the following questions?

How can I help people whose previous learning experiences has damaged their confidence?

Neurolanguage® Coaching is not a form of counselling nor therapy. It is a process that recognises and responds proactively and promptly to emotions that might trigger the brain’s alarm system and possible flight or fight mode in a learner due to previous learning experiences. It responds to these triggers, potential blocks and hindrances and turns these experiences into a positive by responding to and acknowledging them via this person centred language coaching process. This includes the use of brain-friendly language. Neurolanguage coaching recognises that individuals need to be in the “perfect learning state” to learn. The purpose of neurolanguage coaching is to trigger happy electro-chemicals to enhance learning rather than those that inhibit the process.

What about learners for whom the metaphorical gates close at any reference to grammar?

Unlike teaching or tutoring, Neurolanguage® coaching doesn’t rely on a book based approach to learning. Instead, it takes a scaffolding approach to learning based on individual prior language learning experience and a non judgemental collaborative assessment to identify current strengths and potential gaps, This approach encourages coachees to make associations between their Mother tongue and the target language. It acknowledges the need to focus on individual learners’ prior knowledge and understanding of their chosen language, preferred pace and way of learning, building grammar learning around their own interests and motivations.

We all learn differently, but why, and how can we capitalise on that to empower the learner?

We are learning from neuroscience all of the time. However, what scientists now widely acknowledge is that no brain is the same. Our neural pathways are influenced by genetics but more substantially by life experiences. As our brains are wired differently we inevitably learn differently. An integral part of language coaching involves working with individuals to establish their preferred way of learning. I recall a coachee being absolutely adamant that he didn’t want to be “doing role plays”. Language Coaching unpicks this leading often to discovering creative ideas from learners and how they best learn in turn fitting it in a meaningful way into their daily lives. By proactively encouraging a conversation about preferred learning styles we can support the learner to make more efficient and sustainable progress in language learning.

How can I better support busy people who want to improve their language skills, dedicate the time to attend regular sessions but can’t find the time in between to consolidate?

I have coached busy working professionals, including business owners, adults needing to juggle work and family life with language learning. Each individual expresses different reasons for learning: moving abroad for family and/or family purposes, planning to or already setting up a business abroad, travelling for leisure purposes, needing to gain a specific qualification or just simply fulfulling a life long dream to learn or improve language skills. Rather like learning how to ride a bike play an instrument or indeed drive, practise brings improvement and progress. Therefore, an essential aspect of language coaching involves SMART goal setting based on individuals’ motivations and preferred way of learning. By exploring and establishing these with a language coach you can then build a realistic road map for learning.

Is language learning as an adult good for brain health?

Language learning is recognised as being good for brain health due to acting as a mental stimulus in addition to the positive social connections that it can bring. The World Health Organisation specifies that different determinants, including life-long learning and social connection, “influence the way our brains develop, adapt and respond to stress and adversity.” Furthermore, it points out that by “ optimizing brain health" we can improve mental and physical health and in turn create “positive social and economic impacts that contribute to greater well-being and help advance society.”

What evidence can I give to older people to prove that they are not too old to learn?

Initially, researchers believed that neurogenesis, or the creation of new neurons (brain cells), stopped shortly after birth. Thanks to progress in neuroscience, it is now acknowledged that the brain's malleability, or rather neuroplasticity, allows it to reorganize pathways, create new connections, and, in some cases, create new neurons (brain cells) throughout our lives and regardless of age. The brain never stops changing in response to learning and can in turn alterits physical structure. To quote Neuroscientist Dr David Eagleman:

“Just like cities, brains never reach an end point” but instead “incessantly develop”.

For a one-to-one conversation about you, your learning journey and potential for support contact: rebecca@languageforthebrain.com