How Our Brain Learns New Words

Learning a new language changes your brain.

When you hear a new word, your brain does not save it in one place.

It connects the sound to meaning, and it links the word to words you already know.

This happens through a network of cells.

Scientists call this network the mental lexicon.

Every time you use a word, the links in this network become stronger.

That is why practice helps so much.

But there is a catch.

If you only read a word, your brain builds a weak link.

If you say the word aloud and use it in a sentence, the link becomes strong.

Sleep also plays a part.

While you sleep, your brain reviews new words and stores them.

So study a little before bed, and let your brain do the rest.