Khaberni - A recent international study has shown that mastery of language, whether spoken or in sign language, plays a crucial role in activating neural circuits linked to the ability to solve complex problems in adults, both deaf and hearing.
The study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, explained that language fluency is not only beneficial for communication, but also extends to improving the connectivity of neural cells within the brain networks responsible for planning and working memory; this contributes to enhancing higher cognitive abilities.
The experiment was conducted under the supervision of a team of neuroscientists and neuropsychologists from Russia and Britain, led by Professor Velia Cardin from University College London.
The study included 44 people, of whom 24 were deaf with congenital or acquired deafness, and 20 people with normal hearing, with consideration for the similarity between the two groups in age, non-verbal intelligence, and visual memory. A clear difference was observed among the deaf in terms of language proficiency levels.
The researchers focused on how language fluency affected the participants' performance in tasks requiring recall and planning, such as arranging geometric shapes or memorizing locations of items on the screen.
The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging technology to monitor the activity of two main brain networks: the goal-directed network, responsible for processing complex problems, and the default mode network that activates during mental idle states.
The results showed that participants who mastered the language better demonstrated greater activity and higher coordination in the goal-directed network; this helped them solve tasks more quickly and accurately.
The study suggests that any form of language, whether spoken or hand signals, can contribute to the development of mental abilities, highlighting the importance of enhancing language skills in deaf children from an early age to promote their cognitive growth.
The researchers confirmed that the study's findings highlight the vital role of language in honing intelligence and analytical thinking, and that acquiring it well not only improves communication but also enhances higher mental functions and increases brain efficiency in dealing with complex challenges.
