Bilingualism

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The Hidden Power of a Bilingual Brain | Ariana Rahman | TEDxSouth Delaware Street Youth
TEDx Talks· 2025-09-03 16:25
Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism - Bilingualism rewires the brain, leading to greater cognitive flexibility and inhibition [5][6] - Cognitive flexibility enables shifting perspectives when facing problems [6] - Cognitive inhibition prevents seizing the easiest answer too quickly [6] - Bilingual individuals have an advantage in adapting to social situations [7] Language Loss and its Implications - A native language disappears every two weeks, resulting in the loss of a unique way of thinking [8] - The loss of languages in the Amazon risks losing words for cures and treatments not yet discovered by modern medicine [9] - The protection of languages can protect the survival of all, extending beyond cultural heritage [10] Importance for Global Issues - Patience and creativity are needed for complex research [11] - Conflicting resolutions demand different perspective-taking in diplomacy [11] - No single way of thinking is sufficient for addressing the planet's big issues [11] Call to Action - Step outside of comfort zones and attempt to communicate in other languages, even imperfectly [8] - The ability to find common ground and speak each other's languages is crucial for the 21st century [12]
The power of diverse learning | Doris Yuma Kashiwagi | TEDxAwaji
TEDx Talks· 2025-06-17 16:17
Core Argument - The current education system often forces children to erase aspects of themselves to fit in, hindering their true potential and leading to feelings of inadequacy [1][2][3][17] - Recognizing and celebrating diverse ways of learning is crucial for creating an inclusive education system that allows every child to thrive [18][20][26] - Music, especially for bilingual children, serves as a universal language and a powerful tool for cognitive and emotional development, fostering resilience and adaptability [8][9][10][24] Research Findings - Bilingual musicians demonstrate enhanced cognitive flexibility and memory due to their musical training, enabling them to perceive and process language in a more nuanced way [9] - Bilingual children who engage with music are less afraid of making mistakes, developing resilience and adaptability in unfamiliar situations [10] - Music transcends linguistic barriers, facilitating communication through body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues [8] Call to Action - Encourage children to embrace their unique learning styles and express themselves authentically, recognizing their strengths rather than weaknesses [21][22] - Advocate for an education system that values diverse learning approaches, moving away from a one-size-fits-all model towards an orchestra-like environment where each individual's unique voice is celebrated [18][19][20] - Remind the next generation that they are enough just as they are, and that their unique perspectives and ways of learning are valuable contributions to the world [23]