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The Power of Language

Multilingualism, Self and Society
Series: Pelican Books
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( 1,055 ratings, 193 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Power of Language by psycholinguist Viorica Marian explores how language shapes our brain and influences our perception of the world. Drawing on cutting-edge research, the book reveals that humans are inherently multilingual, interpreting multiple codes such as spoken languages, poetry, maths, and music. It explains how learning new languages—be it a foreign tongue or a form of symbolic communication—can enhance creativity, cognitive control, and brain health. This insightful work shows how different linguistic systems alter memory, perception, emotions, and decision-making, ultimately transforming how we relate to ourselves and others.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in philosophy, psychology, linguistics, and cognitive science, as well as anyone curious about the profound impact of language on thought and creativity.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An acclaimed psycholinguist reveals how language shapes our brain and moulds the way we look at the world.

Why should we learn more than one language? Can it change the way we think? Does it have the power to transform how we see the world?

You may think you speak only one language. In fact, your mind is interpreting multiple codes of communication. Some people speak Spanish, some Mandarin. Some speak poetry, some are fluent in maths. Humans are built for multilingualism.

Drawing on cutting-edge research and theory, delivered with wit and lucid insight, psycholinguist Viorica Marian explores the ways in which the mind uses multiple languages and how, in doing so, we can open the doors to unique forms of creativity, brain health and cognitive control. Every new language we speak—whether it is coding or musical notes, Hindi or Arabic—shapes how we extract and interpret information. It alters what we remember, how we perceive ourselves and those around us, how we feel, the insights we have, the decisions we make and the actions we take.

The Power of Language lays bare how we use different linguistic codes to think about the world and change our place within it. Empowering and practical, this is the perfect guide for anyone interested in how language really works.

Series: Pelican Books

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    An acclaimed psycholinguist reveals how language shapes our brain - and moulds the way we look at the world. Why should we learn more than one language? Can it change the way we think? Does it have the power to transform how we see the world? You may think you speak only one language. In fact, your mind is interpreting...
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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241626016

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 04 April 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pelican

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 144.0mm

Height: 222.0mm

Weight: 451g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Viorica Marian is the Ralph and Jean Sundin Endowed Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and Professor of Psychology at Northwestern University. She speaks, has studied, or has conducted research in a dozen languages, including English, Romanian, Russian (her primary languages), as well as American Sign Language, Cantonese, Dutch, French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Thai and Ukrainian. Her work has been featured on NPR, PBS, NBC and the BBC.

Also by Viorica Marian

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  • The Power of Language
    An acclaimed psycholinguist reveals how language shapes our brain - and moulds the way we look at the world. Why should we learn more than one language? Can it change the way we think? Does it have the power to transform how we see the world? You may think you speak only one language. In fact, your mind is interpreting...
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