Measuring the brains of young recruits at the Swedish Armed Forces Interpreter Academy before and after language training has shown that learning a foreign language enhances brain-growth. Researchers found that the hippocampus, the area of the brain that is involved in learning and spatial navigation, developed in size after intensive language learning. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2012-10-language-brain.html  

A team of software engineers and British Sign Language users has developed a new software application able to translate sign language, almost instantaneously, into text that can be read by individuals who do not understand sign language. This technology is the first of its kind in the world in that the technology allows the sign language to be translated into text and read immediately on a laptop, netbook, Smartphone or any other portable device. http://phys.org/news/2012-10-portable-language-traslator-automated-text.html  

The 11th annual European Day of Languages took place a couple of weeks ago. The day was established in 2002 by the Council of Europe to celebrate and preserve the linguistic diversity across Europe. It is amazing to think that there are currently around 225 indigenous languages in modern Europe. http://www.journalism.co.uk/press-releases/the-european-day-of-languages/s66/a550605/  

and language learning. The FAQ list includes questions such as: “what does ‘multilingualism mean”, “are languages important for business”, and “how good are Europeans at using languages”. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/703&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en  

The word ‘app’ has been added to the 19th edition of Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. Other new phrases that have been added to the Brewer’s Dictionary include “double-dip” and “downsize”. The Brewer’s Dictionary is great for individuals wanting to learn the origin of modern phrases. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/0cf087b8-07c8-11e2-8354-00144feabdc0.html#axzz284XKGdDF