Does Language affect IQ?

Question

Languages are all structured differently, and are fundamental to how we think. So is there an advantage to being a native speaker of one language over another.

If so which language is the "best"?

Answer 1

Language does not affect IQ. All languages are equally complex, some languages have complexity in word structure with simplicity in sentence structure, other languages have complexity in sentence structure and simplicity in word structure. There is an inverse relationship between the two types of structure. All children require about 12 years to gain basic adult competency in their native language no matter what language their native language is. Dozens and dozens of child language acquisition studies in many languages have proven this point over and over. NO language is the "best" in this regard, all languages are equal. NO language affects IQ.

Answer 2

Inteligence has its genetic acpects, but it is influenced by the activities of the brain and environmental stimuli and using of the language is one of them (and, also, there are many ways and levels of using language).
There is no "best" language. Chinese or Japanese is interesting, because it forces the people to use both hemispheres. The best for your brain is to learn more than one language - your skills are developing through the whole life and every next language is easier and easier.

Answer 3

No, a more complex language may improve your linguistic skills but IQ is down to genetics. As far as I know, Icelandic is the hardest language to learn.

Answer 4

what if you speak two languages that are very different from birth (like one from each parent), i suppose its correct to assume you can think differently

Answer 5

I wouldn't say it affects IQ, but memoriztion. A chinese doctor must know 50,000 charters. That is why chinese people are quick learners.

Answer 6

english is one of the hardest to learn....