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The Perks Of A Bilingual Mind

Why Learn Another Language?

By Lory FarranPublished about a year ago 3 min read
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This subject is very close to my heart, as I am a multilingual myself~

Introduction:

It's obvious that knowing more than one language can make certain things easier - like traveling or watching movies without subtitles.

In a world that is becoming increasingly connected, it's more important than ever to be able to communicate with people from all corners of the globe. That's where being bilingual comes in handy.

Not only does speaking multiple languages make you more marketable in the job market, but it also has a host of other benefits for your mind and body.

Here are just a few of the perks of being bilingual:

1. Connect

Speaking a second or third language will boost confidence and increase self-esteem.

2. Boosts cognitive functions.

A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Bilingualism found that bilingual students tested higher than monolingual students in "cognitive control and problem-solving ability."

3. Enhances Communication Skills

Children who speak multiple languages are exposed to a wider variety of social experiences than monolingual children. 

As a result, multilingual kids frequently learn to consider other people's opinions, which helps them communicate more effectively.

4. Sharpens multitasking skills.

Due to their capacity to transition between languages, multilinguals have proven to be stronger multitaskers.

When a bilingual person routinely speaks two languages, the control network must be used, according to researchers quoted in a US News story, "to prevent interference from the other language and to maintain the dominance of the desired language." 

This gives multilinguals the capacity to multitask as well as the focus and ability to block out distractions while working on a single job.

5. Increases Cultural Awareness.

We start to value other people's ideas and behaviors as we become more accepting of a different culture. 

People who speak multiple languages are consequently better able to see the world from various viewpoints, improving their communication skills in the modern global economy.

6. Enhances creativity.

Creative Multilingualism is a manifesto. 

It conveys the message that multilingualism is essential to the human condition and that we are all multilingual in some capacity, both in terms of our linguistic abilities and in terms of our everyday "language lives."

It also emphasizes the crucial function that languages play as a creative force in our thoughts and feelings, as well as in how we express ourselves and communicate with others, and engage with the outside world.

7. Improves problem-solving skills.

Speaking multiple languages gives you a significant leg up on the competition in many workplaces.

While utilizing their language skills at work, multilingual speakers frequently develop complementary professional competencies such as broader vocabularies, improved problem-solving techniques, listening techniques, and interpersonal competencies.

8. Reduces stress levels.

Your first few lines in a new language will teach you the most crucial lesson: mistakes are helpful! 

Making errors is the fastest way to pick up a language's nuances. 

With its norms and exceptions, grammar becomes more understandable to you.

Because, ultimately, you're smarter after a mistake than you were before the mistake, the subconscious fear of failure will gradually fade without harming your self-esteem.

This type of education helps us understand that success is not dependent on excellence.

9. Improves memory.

Memory greatly influences language learning, and multilingual persons frequently perform better on memory tests than monolingual people. 

Recognizing faces or remembering names are only a couple of the cognitive and social advantages of having a good memory.

10. Navigate the Internet like a native speaker

This one needs no explanation.

11. Boosts employment opportunities.

Conclusion:

The Scandinavian Journal of Psychology notes that "bilingualism creates advantages in terms of cognitive abilities (including memory)."

In addition, bilingualism has been linked to a reduced risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

So if you're considering learning a second language, rest assured that you'll be doing your brain a favor!

Thank You~

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About the Creator

Lory Farran

I am a mother of beautiful twins, a musician, a blog writer, and a video creator.

My artistic side plays an important role in everything I do.

I write about the things that move me.

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