What motivates individuals to acquire proficiency in multiple languages? Is it not conceivable to establish a single global language for universal communication? Are there cognitive advantages associated with learning multiple languages? Before we explore these inquiries, let's examine the concept of bilingualism. Bilingualism is characterized as a person's capacity to employ two languages for communication. The study of bilingualism delves into the linguistic behaviours of bilingual speakers, the social and pragmatic aspects of utilizing two languages, language development and acquisition, as well as language loss, among various other topics.
Benefits of learning more than one language
Being bilingual has a huge impact on your psychological, social and economic life, not to mention the increase in your cognitive functions.
Let’s look at a few of the significant benefits:
1. Bilingualism equals multitasking :
In one study, researchers had youngsters complete two tasks: first, they had to match animal noises to the correct animal picture, and then they had to match letters to a musical instrument. Individually, bilingual and monolingual youngsters performed nearly equally well. When they had to execute them simultaneously — as a multitasking activity — the bilingual youngsters performed significantly better.
2. You become empathetic:
Learning more than one language attributes to your emotional capabilities. It helps you assess other peoples’ emotional state in a more efficient manner. Bilingualism makes it easier for people to take a "metalinguistic" viewpoint, that is, to consider a language as just one of several. It's a skill that can be used to Theory of Mind.
3. Broadens perspective:
Learning multiple languages helps you view situations from multiple perspectives. This is because you shape your mind to look at the subtle nuances of language, and not just focus on the very words on a superficial and surface level.
4. It makes you wealthy:
Naturally, learning more than one language increases your opportunities. It opens your prospects and gives you access to global opportunities in various countries.
Conclusion
In a world that is closing in on boundaries, it is essential now more than ever for us to become true global citizens. Learning new languages has tremendous impact on every facet of both, our personal and professional life.
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