eLearningworld News from Scotland
Research from the University of Edinburgh carried out with students of all ages shows that learning a new language not only develop a new vital skill, it also improves a person’s attention. Already, within a week of study improvements starts to appear and with regular practice the progress will continue. The study includes 33 students aged 18 to 78 students that was taking part in a one-week Scottish Gaelic course and the research continued nine months after the course had ended by comparing those who continued to practice regularly and those who did not. Dr Thomas Bak of the School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences comments: “I think there are three important messages from our study: firstly, it is never too late to start a novel mental activity such as learning a new language. Secondly, even a short intensive course can show beneficial effects on some cognitive functions. Thirdly, this effect can be maintained through practice.” Source: University of Edinburgh