Your second language presents a brain shortcutSpeaking in your native language is easy — and it can lull your brain into being less able to process information objectively, says Gallo. When that happens, you're stuck in a mindset Gallo refers to as "hot cognition," also known as "System 1 thinking." "When you are thinking in your second language, you are being very analytical and careful about the surface-level features of information," he explains. Using your second language acts as a quick shortcut into "Spock mode," Gallo says. It can help you avoid false memories and misinformationThe benefits of a second language extend beyond analytical thinking, says Gallo.

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Persons: David Gallo, monolinguals, Gallo, Monolinguals, Boaz Keysar, —, Spock, It's, Rosetta Stone Organizations: University of Chicago, Research, CNBC