In this encore episode, Short Wave host Emily Kwong dissects the "critical period hypothesis," a theory which linguists have been debating for decades — with the help of Sarah Frances Phillips, a Ph.D ...

Learning a second language has a variety of benefits, and according to recent studies, it may even stave off dementia.

Lauren: Learning a new language seems like a big challenge in the beginning, and that’s because it is. Many of us started our language learning in the classroom, where we’re taught through ...

A new study suggests that everyday multilingual habits—from chatting with neighbors to revisiting a childhood language—may help preserve memory, attention, and brain flexibility as we age. An ...

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A background in music helps speakers learn a tonal language, such as Mandarin, a new University at Buffalo study suggests. People with musical training — whether instrumental or vocal ...

There are several reasons why you may want to embark on a journey to learn a new language. Maybe you have an international trip on the horizon. It could be because you have non-English speaking family ...

Can the eccentricities of grammar in one’s native language subconsciously affect the way speakers perceive the world? The linguistic relativity hypothesis asserts that this is the case, that the ...

TOKYO — I speak decent Spanish, picked up working several decades ago as a news and sports reporter in Spain, Mexico and Argentina. Now I report from Tokyo. After seven years, I still can’t grasp ...

Post written by François Grosjean. In an earlier post on questions parents may want to consider when deciding to make their child bilingual, I stated that some people still believe that you cannot be ...

OPINION: In 8th grade, my school gave us the option to learn a second language. My teachers explained the practical benefits, such as enhancing college applications, resumes or traveling without ...

Learning French through a language learning app has helped me connect with my friends, enhance my skills, and more. I’ve tried learning different languages throughout my life, and didn’t have much ...

January 22, 2026 - Fausto Lopez finished high school, got an associate degree and applied to attend a four-year college - all while inside juvenile detention. But an in-depth look at the science ...