8 Benefits Of Being Bilingual
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Thinking of learning a new language this new year? Maybe Spanish? French? Russian? Whatever it may be, being bilingual is an often overlooked skill and can be one of the best things you can do for your career, personal life, and general knowledge. Learning how to speak a second language allows you to connect with people in another way that you couldn't before.
There are so many benefits to being bilingual that it’s hard to believe anyone would not want to learn a second language… or at least try! However, learning a second language does take time, practice, and repetition. No matter your age or where you’re at in life, learning a new language is still possible and worth adding to your skill set in this new year!
Strengthens Your Brain
Workout your brain in a new way! Your brain is a muscle, and learning a new language allows you to exercise it in ways it hasn't before. It helps activate parts of your brain that aren’t normally used, meaning a bilingual brain works a little differently than others. Studies show that for those speaking two languages, it is easier to understand math concepts and problems, increases reading comprehension, heightens focus, memory, and the ability to make decisions quickly. Learning a new language also improves short-term memory and multitasking skills. So, when practicing a new language, you're giving your brain a workout in a unique and useful way!
Increases Job Opportunities
Being bilingual gives you a competitive edge in almost any industry. Having a second language under your belt allows you to speak, understand, and connect with more people, including coworkers, customers, and new clients. As a result, this creates opportunities to work for international companies, leading to potential new career options all over the world. Also, experts say that being bilingual is a skill worth putting on the table when negotiating your salary. It allows you to expand your field of work, such as: translating, customer experience, human resources, teaching, and international business.
Enhance your Travel Experience
Being bilingual enhances your travel experience, especially if you’re able to speak the native language of the country you are visiting. For example, over 450 million people speak Spanish and it is the primary language in over 20 countries—imagine the opportunity and ability to converse with this many people all over the world! You will feel more comfortable speaking to the people you meet when traveling, especially if you're doing it alone. You can order your dinner smoothly, clearly receive and give directions, and connect with locals, all while practicing the language! (On the flip side, if you're lost or need some help, being able to speak the language is undeniably useful.) Altogether, you will feel more confident in all types of situations. It becomes a win-win, especially if you're able to help others simply because you are fluent in the native language of the country you are visiting.
Create a Healthier Mind
Being bilingual, or even trying to learn a new language, is beneficial to your mental health. Studies show that “a multilingual brain is quicker, nimbler, and more resistant to Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.” You are activating your brain in different ways, especially when it is accustomed to a regular schedule or pattern. Preventing routine and changing it up once in a while helps prevent these mental health conditions.
So, switch it up by having another language under your belt! When learning a new language, practice is essential. The four ways to practice a new language are through listening, writing, reading, and speaking. It’s also another way to spend your time in a healthy and smart way! Therefore, through practice and becoming bilingual, not only are you improving your cognitive skills, but leading to a healthier mind, as well.
Immerse Yourself in a New Culture
If you are interested in studying abroad, living abroad, or participating in a cultural immersion program, learning a new language will be beneficial and will make it extremely easier. Being able to speak the native language will be such a plus! Speaking the same language will help you feel more confident and be ahead of the game than others who have not yet practiced the language. It is absolutely fine if you don't speak the language beforehand, but being able to speak it will help you save time and be less stressful when you start to immerse yourself in this new culture. Learning the language is only one part of cultural immersion, but you will feel even more ready to learn and appreciate it!
Improves Academic Performance
Experts say, “Students in dual language programs consistently outperform monolingual peers on state-mandated tests, regardless of demographic.” This goes back to improved cognitive skills and a brain that exercises other “muscles” that remain unused. Studying French, Spanish, Japanese (or whichever language you prefer) can help you focus and become a better student in any of your other classes. It is also said that it easier to learn a new language as a child. So, if you have children and speaking other languages is something you value, it may be an important consideration, as this can aid them while they are still in school and help to improve their academic performance.
Makes it Easier to Learn a Third…Or Fourth
Studies show that if you’re already bilingual, it will be easier to learn a third language! Being able to easily switch between languages trains your brain and keeps the neurons active that are used to understand, learn, and speak languages. For some languages, there is an overlap in words and even grammar. As a result, it makes it a lot easier to add the third language to your skillset. Then, you can proudly call yourself trilingual! Speaking multiple languages is not a wasted skill, especially if you make sure to put it to use!
Build Richer Connections & Relationships
Along with the cognitive advantages, being bilingual offers a personal one by helping you build richer connections and relationships. When speaking the same language as another person, you get to engage in new ways that go deeper than just basic greetings and allow you to have deeper conversations. Speaking the person’s native tongue can even help you console, comfort, and build a lasting friendship. Who knows?! It’s worth a try! Why not use languages to connect with new people you never thought you would in your life?
These are only a few benefits of speaking a second language, but one of the best parts of being bilingual is that it can expand your world. You can start learning a new language by downloading an app, enrolling in a class, or start listening to some language podcasts. Then, through regular practice, you will get the ball rolling to becoming bilingual. Expand your world with this knowledge, through avenues such as career, mental health, cognitive brainpower, and new relationships you could have never imagined.
