Brain & Language Learning – Part 1
This series explores what research tells us about language learning, the brain and lifelong learning. It is written especially for adult learners of Norwegian, but anyone interested in languages is welcome.
Why learn Norwegian? Learning a language is a lot like going to the gym. You don't become stronger after one visit. But every session changes you a little. Research increasingly suggests that the same may be true for your brain.
Many people believe that learning a language is mainly about communication. And of course it is. But over the last few decades researchers have also discovered something fascinating: learning another language may be one of the best workouts you can give your brain.
As a Norwegian language teacher, I often hear people say, "I'm too old to learn a language." Research suggests the opposite. While children may learn pronunciation more easily, adults can still make remarkable progress—and their brains continue to adapt throughout life.
Your brain is constantly changing
For much of the twentieth century, many scientists believed that the adult brain changed very little after childhood. Today, decades of research have shown that this picture was incomplete. Although the brain does not change as easily as it does during childhood, it continues to adapt throughout life in response to learning and experience.
Every time we practise something new, connections between brain cells can become stronger, and new connections may also be formed. This ability is known as neuroplasticity.
Learning a language is particularly demanding because it requires many parts of the brain to work together at the same time. We listen, remember vocabulary, recognise grammar, choose words, plan sentences and speak—all within seconds.
That makes language learning a remarkably complex mental activity.
What is cognitive reserve?
One expression you may come across when reading about language learning is cognitive reserve.
Harvard Health Publishing describes cognitive reserve as the brain's ability to adapt and find alternative ways of solving problems. You can think of it as having extra pathways available if one route becomes more difficult. (https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cognitive-reserve). A lifetime of learning, curiosity and mentally stimulating activities appears to help build this reserve.
It's never too late to learn
One of the most encouraging findings is that you don't have to grow up bilingual to benefit.
Research suggests that adults learning a new language later in life can also strengthen the brain through the combination of novelty and practice.
Carley Spence from Cambridge points out that language learning combines two important ingredients for brain health: novelty and repetition. We constantly encounter something new while repeatedly strengthening previous knowledge. That combination appears to be particularly good exercise for the brain. (https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/ )
So, what is the best way to learn?
After reading many articles and research papers on this topic, one message appears again and again: little and often is usually better than just one long session.
That doesn't mean everyone should learn in exactly the same way. We all have different learning styles, different schedules and different preferences.
However, there are a few ideas that many researchers and teachers seem to agree on.
Try to combine input and output in the same study session.
For example:
· watch a short news clip, a part of a TV programme or a YouTube video
· listen to a podcast or music
· read a short article/text
· then write one or two sentences (or more) about what you understood
· or tell someone what you learned
Using the language actively helps strengthen what you have learned.
I also believe that exploring the culture, history and geography connected with the language helps keep motivation alive. Language is much more than grammar and vocabulary lists—it is a way of understanding people.
Keep going
Perhaps the most encouraging message from all this research is that learning itself matters.
Whether you're aiming for fluency or simply learning Norwegian for fun, every lesson gives your brain something meaningful to do.
As I often say in class, language learning is a bit like physical exercise.
You don't become fit after one visit to the gym.
And you don't become fluent after one Norwegian lesson.
But every lesson builds on the last one.
Your understanding grows.
Your confidence grows.
Whether you're 18 or 80, learning another language is one of the most demanding—and rewarding—mental workouts you can give yourself. You may not notice the changes from one lesson to the next, but every new word, every conversation and every mistake gives your brain another opportunity to practise and strengthen important connections.
"Do you know what a foreign accent is? It's a sign of bravery."
— Amy Chua
I'd love to hear from you. Has learning Norwegian changed the way you think, remember or see the world? Feel free to leave a comment or tell me in our next lesson.
About this series
These articles are written for adult learners of Norwegian and are based on current research in language learning, cognitive psychology and neuroscience. My aim is to make complex research accessible and practical for language learners—not to replace scientific papers, but to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning.
Further Reading
If you would like to explore this fascinating topic in more detail, here are some of the sources that inspired this article and may also be used in future posts in this series.
Recommended overview
Bialystok, E. (2021). Bilingualism: Pathway to Cognitive Reserve. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 25(5), 355–364.
If you only read one scientific paper on this topic, I recommend this one. It is an excellent review article that summarises decades of research on bilingualism, cognitive reserve and healthy brain ageing in an accessible way.
Leading researchers
Professor Ellen Bialystok (York University, Canada)
One of the world's leading researchers on bilingualism, cognitive reserve and healthy ageing. Her research has helped shape much of what we know about the cognitive effects of speaking more than one language.
https://lcad.lab.yorku.ca/current-research/
Professor Thomas H. Bak (The University of Edinburgh, UK)
Professor Bak's research focuses on multilingualism, ageing, cognition and lifelong language learning. His public lectures are highly recommended if you would like an accessible introduction to the field.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmrpgXHBpgY
Accessible introductions
Harvard Health Publishing
What is cognitive reserve?
A clear explanation of one of the key concepts discussed in this article.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-cognitive-reserve
Cambridge English
Carley Spence (2022), How learning a language changes your brain.
An excellent introduction written for language learners.
https://www.cambridge.org/elt/blog/2022/04/29/learning-language-changes-your-brain/
Medical News Today
Maria Cohut, PhD (2026), Can speaking more than one language fluently help keep the brain young?
A recent overview of current research with comments from several leading scientists.
Scandinavian perspectives
Aldring og Helse (Norway)
Å beherske to språk kan beskytte mot kognitiv svikt.
Includes comments by Professor Geir Selbæk on lifelong brain health and why it is never too late to keep learning.
https://www.aldringoghelse.no/a-beherske-to-sprak-kan-beskytte-mot-kognitiv-svikt/
Lund University (Sweden)
Language learning makes the brain grow (2012)
One of the best-known MRI studies showing structural brain changes during intensive language learning.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121008082953.htm
Cambridge University Press
White matter microstructure predicts foreign language learning in army interpreters.
An interesting study showing that learners differ and that differences in brain structure may partly explain why people learn languages in different ways and at different speeds.
Language learning websites
Duolingo Blog
How learning a language benefits your brain.
A readable summary with links to scientific research.
https://blog.duolingo.com/how-duolingo-benefits-the-brain/
Babbel Magazine
How learning a language benefits your brain.
Another accessible overview written for adult language learners.
https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/how-learning-a-language-benefits-your-brain
A note about the research
Research into bilingualism and brain health is evolving all the time. While many studies suggest that learning and using more than one language may strengthen cognitive reserve and contribute to healthier brain ageing, scientists continue to investigate how large these effects are and how they interact with other important lifestyle factors such as education, physical activity, social engagement and general health.
Science rarely gives simple yes-or-no answers. Instead, our understanding grows as new evidence emerges. The encouraging message, however, is that lifelong learning—including language learning—is consistently associated with positive effects on brain health and overall wellbeing.
