It's Been a Minute Make life harder (and better): Learn another language.
Feb 16, 2026
Emily Kwong, co-host of NPR's Short Wave and science journalist, talks about why learning another language matters. They explore adult advantages over the critical period myth. Conversation covers cognitive benefits, translation tech limits, realistic goals, and fun community methods like meetups and game nights.
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Adults Can Still Learn Well
- The critical-period idea is overstated; adults can still learn languages effectively.
- Researchers prefer “sensitive window” because adults keep forming neural connections and can succeed with effort.
Bilingualism Strengthens The Brain
- Bilingual brains keep multiple languages active and must constantly select the correct one.
- That ongoing selection builds cognitive reserve and can delay dementia symptoms years.
Learning 'Ingwer' In A Restaurant
- Nicole Ziegler learned German in drill-based classes but only remembered 'ginger' after a restaurant negotiation.
- The memorable struggle made the word stick where drills did not.