Unveiling the Benefits of Learning the Chinese Language - Deepstash

Explore the World's Best Ideas

Join today and uncover 100+ curated journeys from 50+ topics. Unlock access to our mobile app with extensive features.

The language of the "Middle Earth"

The language of the "Middle Earth"

Learning a new language is a challenging yet rewarding experience that can have many benefits for the brain. The Chinese language, with its unique script and tonal system, is a fascinating language to learn and has been shown to provide specific benefits for the brain.

Chinese is a fascinating and complex language, with a rich history and unique features. It is the most spoken language in the world, with over 1.2 billion speakers worldwide. Mandarin Chinese, also known as Putonghua, is the official language of China, and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

23

435 reads

Characteristics of the Chinese Language

Characteristics of the Chinese Language

One of the most distinct features of Chinese is its writing system, which uses characters instead of letters, those are pictographs that represent words or ideas, and there are thousands of them in the Chinese language. Learning to read and write Chinese can be challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Chinese also has a unique tonal system. This means that the meaning of a word can change depending on the tone in which it is pronounced. Mandarin Chinese has four main tones, as well as a neutral tone, which can make it challenging for non-native speakers to master.

21

383 reads

Brain Benefits

Brain Benefits

One benefit of learning Chinese is that it can improve cognitive function. Studies have shown that learning Chinese can increase the volume and density of grey matter in the brain, particularly in regions involved in language processing and memory.

In addition, learning Chinese has been shown to enhance working memory and attention, which are important cognitive skills for learning and problem-solving.

22

375 reads

Lymph for the Brain

Lymph for the Brain

A study published in the Journal of Neurolinguistics found that Mandarin-speaking adults who learned English as a second language showed increased grey matter volume in the left inferior parietal lobule, a region associated with language processing and working memory. So It's right to think that happens the same for foreign speakers that learn the Chinese Language.

Similarly, a study published in PLOS ONE found that learning Chinese characters increased grey matter density in the left inferior frontal gyrus, a region associated with language processing and cognitive control.

20

333 reads

Expanding one's Business Network

Expanding one's Business Network

Another benefit of learning Chinese is that it can enhance cultural awareness and communication skills. China is a rapidly growing global economic power, and learning Chinese can provide opportunities for individuals to communicate and work with Chinese-speaking individuals and businesses.

Additionally, learning Chinese can provide a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, literature, and history, which can enrich one's personal and professional life.

20

264 reads

Expanded Worldview

Expanded Worldview

For instance, a study published in the Journal of Business Research found that learning Chinese can improve intercultural communication competence and increase cultural empathy among foreign business executives.

Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Language and Social Psychology found that learning Chinese can enhance cross-cultural adaptation among international students studying in China.

20

257 reads

Learning a new Language = Extending Life's Brain

Learning a new Language = Extending Life's Brain

Learning Chinese has been shown to delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

In a study conducted by the University of Edinburgh, it was found that bilingual individuals who spoke Chinese had a later onset of dementia compared to monolingual individuals.

The study suggests that the cognitive benefits of learning Chinese can provide a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline.

22

263 reads

Delaying Cognitive Decline

Delaying Cognitive Decline

Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that bilingual individuals who spoke Mandarin and English showed better cognitive control and memory than monolingual individuals, even after controlling for education and socioeconomic status.

The researchers suggest that learning Chinese may enhance cognitive reserve, which can buffer against the cognitive decline associated with aging.

21

235 reads

Discover the World, improve Yourself

Discover the World, improve Yourself

The Chinese language is a fascinating and important language to learn. Whether you are interested in business, travel, or simply expanding your knowledge of the world, learning Chinese can be a rewarding and enriching experience.

Due to its inherent characteristics, it stimulates our brain to develop new grey matter and improve our empathy and worldview.

20

230 reads

References

References

  • Maguire EA, Gadian DG, Johnsrude IS, Good CD, Ashburner J, Frackowiak RS, Frith CD. Navigation-related structural change in the hippocampi of taxi drivers. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Apr 11;97(8):4398-403.
  • Tan LH, Chen L, Yip V, Chan AH, Yang J, Gao JH, Siok WT. Activity levels in the left hemisphere caudate-fusiform circuit predict how well a second language will be learned. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Sep 6;108(36):14231-6.
  • Bialystok E, Craik FI, Freedman M. Bilingualism as a protection against the onset of symptoms of dementia. Neuropsychologia. 2007 Jan 1;45(2):459-64.

21

154 reads

CURATED BY

growthsarts

Public Speaking, Coaching, Counseling, Mindfulness & Autogenic Training, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Computer Engineering, Osteopathy, Traditional Chinese & Ayurvedic Medicine, Asian Languages and culture, Music & Art Therapy, Nada Yoga, Spiritualism

CURATOR'S NOTE

With over 1.2 billion speakers worldwide, the Chinese language is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Its complex characters and tonal system may seem intimidating at first, but the benefits of learning Chinese are immense. Not only does it open doors to a rich and ancient culture, but it also provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, by improving our cognitive abilities and connecting with a one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

“

More like this

Read & Learn

20x Faster

without
deepstash

with
deepstash

with

deepstash

Access to 200,000+ ideas

—

Access to the mobile app

—

Unlimited idea saving & library

—

—

Unlimited history

—

—

Unlimited listening to ideas

—

—

Downloading & offline access

—

—

Personalized recommendations

—

—

Supercharge your mind with one idea per day

Enter your email and spend 1 minute every day to learn something new.

Email

I agree to receive email updates