Researchers from University College London studied the brains of 105 people – 80 of whom were bilingual.

They found learning other languages altered grey matter – the area of the brain which processes information – in the same way exercise builds muscles.

Scientists already know the brain has the ability to change its structure as a result of stimulation – an effect known as plasticity – but this research demonstrates how learning languages develops it.

A similar effect occurs if you learn a musical instrument.

The younger you develop these “extra compartments” in your brain the better so you have to find a way of convincing your children of the multiple and long lasting benefits of learning a foreign language or a mucical instrument.