Multilingualism and cursive handwriting

The positive impact on the brain – French language in the previous post – https://muliboo.org/en/2024/05/multilinguisme-et-ecriture-cursive-manuelle/

Cursive handwriting and multilingualism are two intellectual activities that significantly stimulate the brain, each providing distinct but complementary cognitive and neurological benefits. Here’s how these two practices positively influence the brain:

Positive Impact of Cursive Handwriting

1- Development of motor skills: Cursive writing involves fine coordination between the hand and the eyes, improving fine motor skills. This practice strengthens neuronal connections in the areas of the brain responsible for motor skills.

2- Improved memory and learning: Taking notes in cursive writing helps to retain information better and improve comprehension. Writing by hand activates areas of the brain involved in thinking and memory, such as the parietal cortex.

3- Cognitive stimulation: Cursive writing engages different parts of the brain simultaneously, including those responsible for thinking, language and memory, which can improve information processing capacity and creativity.

4- Development of language and reading skills: Learning cursive handwriting has been shown to help children read and write better because letter and word recognition improves with repeated practice.

Positive impact of multilingualism

1- Improved brain plasticity: Learning and using several languages increases the brain’s plasticity, i.e. its ability to reorganise itself and form new neuronal connections. This can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

2- Strengthening executive functions: Multilingualism improves the brain’s executive functions, such as task management, concentration, problem-solving and decision-making. Bilinguals must constantly choose the appropriate language, which strengthens these skills.

3- Better processing capacity and cognitive flexibility: Multilinguals show greater cognitive flexibility and an increased ability to manage complex tasks, thanks to the regular practice of switching from one language to another, which requires selective activation and inhibition of different language systems.

4- Improved working memory: Multilinguals often have a better working memory. They are better able to retain and manipulate information because of the constant memory exercise required to juggle several languages.

Synergy between Cursive Writing and Multilingualism

These two practices can complement and reinforce each other’s positive effects on the brain:

– Increased cognitive stimulation : Practising cursive writing in several languages can amplify the cognitive benefits of each activity, increasing complexity and overall cognitive stimulation.

– Development of language and motor skills: Cursive writing in different languages can enhance linguistic and motor skills simultaneously, improving letterform recognition, handwriting fluency and understanding of varied linguistic structures.

– Cognitive flexibility and creativity: Combining these activities can improve cognitive flexibility and creativity, as the brain is constantly called upon to manage multiple and complex tasks, encouraging more innovative and adaptable thinking.

In conclusion, hand cursive writing and multilingualism are two practices that are beneficial for the brain, each providing unique and complementary benefits in terms of cognitive development, memory, motor skills and mental flexibility. Combining them can lead to even deeper cognitive enrichment and better overall brain health.

https://www.slate.fr/story/266807/ecrire-main-taper-apprentissage-memoire-intelligence In French