Master of one language or Jack of many languages

The many cognitive benefits of learning languages are undeniable. People who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills.

There are two ways of studying multiple languages. One way is sequentially and the other is simultaneous. The methods are right in the names. Doing multiple languages at the same time (simultaneously) saves time because, in a way, you’re multitasking. Instead of getting fluent in one language in 1.5 years, you become fluent in 2 languages in 2 years.

1. Boosts Brain Power

A foreign language is a whole new intricate system of rules, structures, and lexis. Learning a new language means your brain has to cope with complexity as it makes sense of and absorbs new patterns. As our brains work out the meaning, endeavouring to communicate, we develop key learning skills such as cognitive thinking and problem-solving. Highly developed critical thinking skills are a significant benefit both personally and professionally.

2. Improves Memory

Use it or lose it. How many times have you heard that phrase? It is a simple fact – the more the brain is used, the better its functions work. A new language requires not only familiarity with vocabulary and rules, but also being able to recall and apply this knowledge. Learning a language gives your memory a good work out in the brain gym. This means that multilingual people have brains that are more exercised and quick to recall names, directions, facts, and figures.

3. Enhances The Ability To Multi-Task

Multi-tasking is very stressful for those who are not used to it or don’t do it well. According to a study from the Pennsylvania State University, people who are multilingual and proficient at slipping from one language system to another are practised at this very demanding work for the brain. People who have developed the ability to think in different languages and move from one to the other become much better multi-taskers, reducing stress levels.

4. Sharpens The Mind

A study from the Spain’s University of Pompeu Fabra revealed that multilingual people are better at observing their surroundings. They easily spot anything that is irrelevant or deceptive. They’re also better at spotting misleading information. The study was conducted comparing multilingual and monolingual subjects and the former notably had the edge. Is it any surprise that famous, fictional detective characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot are skilled linguists?

5. Keeps The Mind Sharper For Longer

Several studies have been conducted on this topic, and the results are consistent. Language learning keeps your brain healthy. For monolingual adults, the mean age for the first signs of dementia is 71.4. For adults who speak two or more languages, the mean age for those first signs is 75.5. Studies considered factors such as education level, income level, gender, and physical health, but the results were consistent.

6.There are several health benefits linked to being multilingual.

You will discover that there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that multilingualism creates numerous positive impacts on the overall health of your brain. Even speaking one additional language can help you to reduce the onset of dementia. 

1. You might struggle to get along in monolingual societies.

When you can speak multiple languages fluently, then monolingual societies will often group your ability into the overall conversation of immigration. Some people see the effort to speak multiple languages as a desire to create open borders in their country, so they oppose any effort to speak anything other than the first language.

2. There might be a lack of skilled educators in your community.

Thanks to the online resources that are available today that can help anyone become multilingual, this disadvantage is slowly disappearing. If you do not have Internet access at home or your connection is slow, then you might find yourself forced to rely on local instructors who can help you to begin learning a new language. 

3. It requires a complete immersion in the language to be effective.

Children often learn multiple languages quickly because they have not yet had the opportunity to establish a definition of “normal” for their primary language. As people get older, their routines and language habits make it challenging to obtain a complete immersion in a second language. 

4. Studying new languages can shift the focus of a student.

When multilingual schools use different languages for instruction throughout the day, then the priority becomes how fluent students are in each one instead of focusing on their core subject matter. Even when schools create these learning programs for after school activities, you will find some people ignore the other parts of the curriculum to ensure that they are getting the new language down to the best of their ability.

5. Multilingualism can lead to fewer relationships.

People who speak multiple languages are often regarded in a different light by society in general. It is not unusual for people who can speak more than a dozen languages to be placed on a pedestal for this accomplishment.

6. Your parents use the second language to communicate that you are in trouble.

When you grow up in a household that is multilingual, then you will know that you are in trouble because your parents or guardians always use secondary languages to communicate with you. 

You can speak over 100 different languages and still find yourself struggling to communicate when all of the other people speak something other than what you know. There are times when you will offer a new pronunciation or invent a word in your attempts to communicate with this ability.

Even though there are times when having a conversation might feel strange, the ability to communicate on a personal level in multiple cultures is an advantage that can put you on the road to success.

Good luck!

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