The Power of Language

Sparkles with insight. After reading this book, you will see and hear words differently-and feel a deeper appreciation for the sheer majesty of the human mind. (Bonus: It will also make you want to learn Swedish, Spanish, or Swahili!) Viorica Marian takes her place alongside Steven Pinker and George Lakoff as the author of an essential work about the science of language. -- Daniel H. Pink * #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, When, and The Power of Regret * A uniquely original, fresh, and powerful perspective that promises to shape the scientific study of language and mind well into the future. The focus is not so much on how the mind does language as on what language does for the mind and its user, and crucially, on what the consequences are, for individuals and entire societies, of having more than one language in that mind. -- Gerry Altmann * former editor of Cognition: The International Journal of Cognitive Science, and award-winning author of The Ascent of Babel * A highly engaging and personal journey into the superpower you didn't know you had! -- Morten H. Christiansen * professor of psychology, Cornell University, author of The Language Game * Whether or not you have reflected on language, whether or not you speak or think in several languages, you will learn a lot from this well-researched and well written book. -- Howard Gardner * professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, author of Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences * Beautifully shows all the ways that learning a second language can do so much more than simply add another way of talking; it can fortify your brain to make you sharper, wiser, more creative, and more open-minded. -- Michael J. Spivey * professor of cognitive science, University of California, author of Who You Are and The Continuity of Mind * Viorica Marian marshals her extensive research experience, broad knowledge of science, and a personal and engaging style in telling the story of the one arguably most human cognitive faculty: language. Read it, and you'll be better for it! -- Shimon Edelman * professor of psychology, Cornell University * An absorbing account of how language wires the brain. Some of the most intriguing conclusions are related to bilingualism and multilingualism, which have been shown to delay Alzheimer's, increase the brain's gray matter, and positively impact social cognition in children. Full of delightful insights, this book is thoroughly researched and compulsively readable. * Kirkus *