Polyglots and Musical Geniuses

Reading a review for “Babel No More”, a book centered around language acquisition and polyglot linguistics, it became apparent that some of the very same concepts discussed in this book were mirrored in “Guitar Zero”, a book the delves into the process of becoming a musician.  One of the central features of  Gary Marcus’s book “Guitar Zero” is the idea that without practice, you cannot truly become a master of music. He goes on to say that regardless of age, this is true. This very same concept of practice being key at any age, no matter your experience. This is illustrated perfectly by Erard’s (author of “Babel No More”) interviews of several different polyglots. (While the definition of a polyglot varies with whom you ask, the consensus seems to be anyone who speaks over 6 languages fluently). One polyglot explains how he keeps spreadsheets to document exactly how much time is spent on each language. In a little over a year and a half, over 4,000 hours had been spent on language. How does this practice help? According to Marcus, it is all about our attention and a process called chunking.  For attention, practice teaches you what to specifically attend to in order to be successful. Chunking involves our brain breaking down an act into smaller parts, thus making the whole act itself more manageable to learn. This exactly what one is doing anytime we learn something, whether it is how to play an instrument or 6 different languages. Either way, practice refines these cognitive components, and is instrumental in learning. Erard asks the question- are polygot’s brains wired differently than a monoglot’s? Unfortunately, the question isn’t answered in the book review, but using information gleaned in “Guitar Zero,” one can hypothesize that there is an inherent language aptitude, just like there is an inherent musical aptitude. So, genetic predisposition, or a talent for languages will most likely be evident. All in all, the comparisons between language and music are vast and varied, but it is important to remember that these comparisons have limitations.  For example,  language develops from some “hardwired instinct.” Music, however, is learned, with no clear evolutionary advantage. Either way, both these books show that practice is very important, but genes put a cap on how far it can take you. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/books/review/babel-no-more-the-search-for-the-worlds-most-extraordinary-language-learners-by-michael-erard-book-review.html?pagewanted=all