The brain is one of the most difficult parts of the human body to understand so far. What we do know is that when we learn a new language, a series of processes occur in which various elements of the organism are involved, which is why, in today’s article, we will help you to find out if you can learn languages with your eyes.
What happens in the brain when we learn?
The brain performs very important cognitive processes when we set out to learn a new language. This involves cognitive and brain functions that contribute to the retention and recall of learning.
In a more specific sense, some of the most important things that happen in our brains when we learn are the following:
It will be much easier to concentrate
While it is true that the benefits of language learning are not seen overnight, learning makes it much easier to concentrate. The learning mechanisms used to assemble knowledge contribute to brain plasticity, thus improving many of your cognitive functions.
In addition, learning another language makes your brain constantly think in both languages (your native language and the one you learn), so you will have a quicker response to different circumstances.
New patterns of brain connections are created
According to what is known so far, language learning is performed by the left hemisphere of the brain, specifically in the arcuate fasciculus, a series of nerve fibres that connect auditory and motor skills.
This area is different in each person, so the connections develop differently and this will condition the learning process. This means that some people find it easier to expand their vocabulary than others.
Prevents degenerative diseases
It is no secret that learning languages allows you to prevent degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Learning helps you to oxygenate your brain and improve your ability to memorise.
Can you learn languages with your eyes? What does science say?
However, as we told you at the beginning, there are still many things that are not known with certainty about the brain, and there are countless studies and researches. Nonetheless, there is one theory that explains whether you can learn languages with your eyes.
This theory is based on a research study carried out in August 2008. In the following, we will explain the most important points of this study that answer the question of whether you can learn languages with your eyes.
Existence of the Otx2 protein
The existence of a protein called Otx2 has been demonstrated, to which various brain functions have been attributed. In this case, the Otx2 protein allows the brain cells maturation, enabling what is known as ”brain plasticity”.
This is precisely what is needed to make language learning possible. Brain plasticity is what allows the brain to make new brain connections and thus generate solid and meaningful learning.
This protein is released by the retina
To answer the question of whether languages can be learned with the eyes, this group of researchers discovered that the Otx2 protein is released by the retina, one of the fundamental parts of the eye. It is the retina that releases the protein so that it can be directed to the brain.
By releasing the Otx2 protein, the brain is primed for learning. When this protein is not released, the brain must create for itself the scenario that makes new learning possible, so the release of this protein can be interpreted as helping the brain not to overexert itself.
So… can you, or can you not, learn languages with your eyes?
The answer is a little more complex than simply stating that you can learn languages with your eyes. What has been discovered is that the eyes play an indispensable role in the consolidation of cognitive processes, but this does not mean that you can learn simply by seeing, as a number of additional factors are required.
However, there are some people who have a visual learning ability and an excellent photographic memory, in which case they can learn languages with their eyes at a reliable and experienced language school.
