Sometimes it is hard to find a specific word for a feeling or an
emotion, however, those who speak more than one language can express themselves
in many ways. Because different languages have several words, metaphors, frames
and concepts, those who speak multiple languages extend the past. “Speaking
different languages means you get different frames, different metaphors, and
also you’re learning the culture of the language so you get not only different
words, but different types of words.” Bilingual and trilingual people, or
those who speak more than one language, tend to score better on tests, they are
better at remembering lists and sequences; they are more perceptive of their
surroundings and are better at focusing on important information than
misleading ones. The theory behind this is that there is a psychological
distance when someone speaks a language that is not their mother tongue; there
is a less emotional reaction to the second or third language. Dr. Thomas Bak, a lecturer at the University
of Edinburgh, found out that level of education and intelligence mattered less
than learning a second language when it came to delaying cognitive decline. “It’s
not the good memory that bilinguals have that is delaying cognitive decline,”
Bak told me. “It’s their attention mechanism. Their ability to focus in on the
details of language.” Polyglots are likely to be good at paying attention in a
variety of ways and when multitasking; which is improved by the brain switching
between one’s native and foreign language while learning the second language.
The author of this article, Cody C. Delistraty,
did a very good job and had an excellent structure for his essay. His
introduction had various examples of different words from languages other than English;
he explained how those words could be used if a person spoke more than one
language. During the body of Delistraty’s article, he gives emphasis on the
achievements of people who are bilingual. He also shows that by learning a
different language, people learn about a different culture, therefore, they
become more opened and more accepting of others. Cody’s conclusion was one of
the best conclusions from an article that I ever read. He provided evidence and
examples, quoted Dr. Thomas Bak for support, made a statement (that learning a
new language can delay cognitive decline). He explained how it’s not too late
for anyone; learning a new language helps every brain develop no matter the
age. Showed easy ways of how to start or improve their second language and had
a motivational conclusion. Cody used informal language and the purpose of his
piece was to inform the readers how important a language is and how it can help
an individual. From the beginning until the end Delistraty had the reader’s
attention; he did not elaborate in words or get of topic. This is what good writing
looks like and how an article should be.
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