Forgetting a language: Why it happens and how to avoid it
I picked this article because I've had friends who have claimed that they couldn't remember a word in their native language but could remember in the language that was commonly spoken where they were currently residing. I've also heard about this in other blog posts from people who live in other countries but blog in English. What I found interesting was that one can forget a language as quick as it is obtained. Something like that would never occur to me but it does make sense that if you don't use it, you lose it. I think I agree with this article in a mediocre way because there isn't much passion in this article for me. Parts that I do agree with are staying consistent when trying to memorize a language and not staying with people of the same nationality when in another country if you're trying to learn the language and the culture. I don't think I wanted to learn more about this topic because I feel like it was almost common knowledge but nonetheless useful; I would also just like to experience that for myself. This topic doesn't affect the world as a whole but it does affect those who travel it and fill in the gaps of language and culture across the globe.
The article was interesting, yet, it was a brief overview of how people should follow certain steps to remember their language. The article did not go into deep details, I would have liked to see scientific evidence on why people forget a language. Either way, I agree with you when you mention if people do not use one language they forget it. Our brain has several neurons that connect with other neurons, in certain areas they are cluster together for specific abilities. For example, in our left hemisphere, a part specializes in language, where there are several neurons. People who speak more than one language, the brain scans have shown several neurons their. Yet, if people do not use one language often, the neurons or their dendrites will slowly disappear. So, the phrase, "use it or lose it" is appropriate when describing language loss. We have to use our abilities or we will forget what we learn in school.
ReplyDeleteI used to know a dialect, however, when I return to the US I did not use it, consequently, I forgot the dialect I had learn in Mexico. Your blog was interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.