Some time ago, I read a book by Norman Doidge, called, The Brain That Changes Itself
In the author’s word….
Immigration is hard on the brain…..Each time the plastic brain acquires culture and uses it repeatedly, there is an opportunity cost: the brain loses some neutral structure in the process, because plasticity is competitive.
The book further adds that
Immigration is usually an unending, brutal workout for the adult brain, requiring a massive rewiring of vast amount of our cortical real estate.
When I was reading this, I didn’t think a great deal about this. Now, when I think about that, it makes a lots of sense why some people (atleast people I interact with regularly) are behaving in a particular way. I didn’t mean to offend any one and I’m not in a position to tell that my point is scientifically correct. I always have the question about the sudden changes in the behaviour and personality in some adults of my community once they migrated to Canada and it dawned to me this could be the reason.
On a different note, researchers have found that meditation increases the gray matter in the brain. The research also confirmed that those who meditate regularly has better focus and good control over their emotions. Interesting !!!!
What is your opinion?
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Speak English Like an American
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Traitors Among Us: The Betrayers of Canada
July 21st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I really enjoyed reading your post. It makes lot more sense why people act in a certain way when they move to a different country. I guess that they have to face and overcome many obstacles in order to live a normal respectful life, especially language barriers and cultural doubts. Immigrants are always scared and doubt their own potential and image. They question their ability and talents since the mainstream society do not pay much attention to the new comers. They try so hard to fit in with the rest of the population. Therefore, I’m assuming that their behaviours obviously look completely different and awkward to rest of the people, especially when older people pretend to be teenagers.