Professor Monika Schmid discusses multilingualism on longevity podcast

Posted on Thursday 30 October 2025

Professor Monika Schmid from the Department of Language and Linguistic Science was a recent guest on the 'Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights' podcast. In the episode, she joins host Sabrina Oktavelia to explore how multilingualism can promote lifelong brain health, delay cognitive decline, and contribute to a longer, healthier life.

As an internationally recognised expert in language and cognition, Professor Schmid's research studies the intersection of language acquisition, memory, and neuroplasticity. Her work sheds light on how multilingual individuals can develop greater cognitive flexibility and resilience.

During the discussion, Professor Schmid breaks down the concept of cognitive reserve and explains how multilingualism strengthens the brain’s executive control functions. She shares findings from linguistic and cognitive research that show how speaking multiple languages enhances mental flexibility, attention control, and resistance to age-related cognitive decline.

The episode also delves into the differences between bilingualism and multilingualism, the impact of when a language is acquired, and how language switching enhances mental agility. The discussion highlights how multilingualism can act as a protective factor against age-related neurodegeneration.

Listen to the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XKFAcElTe0s

Learn more about Professor Schmid's research on the Language Attrition website: languageattrition.org

View Professor Monika Schmid's staff profile: https://www.york.ac.uk/language/people/monika-schmid/