LIQUID COURAGE FOR LINGUISTICS

IN GENERAL, too many drinks results in a distinct slurring of one’s speech, making it difficult to be understood. In an ironic twist, a new study suggests that one drink could actually aid in speaking a foreign language. Experts said one drink – either a small glass of wine or pint of beer – makes adults think they are better at speaking a second language. Researchers from the University of Liverpool and Maastricht University tested the effect on 5O Germans who recently moved to Holland. After a low dose of alcohol, they were asked to speak in Dutch for two minutes. They showed better language skills – particularly pronunciation – than a sober group. Dr. Inge Kersbergen, from the University of Liverpool, summed it up saying: “Basically a drink really does give you Dutch courage.”