The Benefits of Being Bilingual
Introduction
 Bilingualism is simply defined as the ability to communicate fluently in two
languages. It is estimated that about half of the world’s population speaks two
or more languages (or the dialects) in daily conversations. Present in almost
all parts of the world, it is observed to be common even among children. It is
quite a wonder for experts to ever understand how people can actually make use
of two or more languages at once.
It is estimated that there are a great number of young bilinguals. This is
commonly observed among immigrant families that provide an environment for
acquisition of two languages to take place. Often, children are inclined to use
their home language when they are with family members, and use English, for
example, in school or in the community. Perhaps one reason for doing this is to
keep the culture alive.
Additionally, there is an increasing number of professionals who make use of
their
language skills to communicate with foreign business partners. Consequently,
with their exposure, they discover new cultures and eventually develop new
perspectives about the world as they acquire an understanding and eliminate
language barriers.
Contributing Factors
There is no single factor believed to be the most influential for
bilingualism. There are, however, some circumstances that may help people
acquire two languages at the same time. First, many countries have several
languages. For example, Indonesia has about 720, the Philippines with about 135,
about 415 in India, about 200 in Australia, and so on.
With the diversity of
each group represented by the language they use, contact between them can only
be possible by learning to communicate in one common language. Second, business
and trade relationships have helped foster bilingualism as both sellers and
buyers from different territories of the world must learn a language spoken by a
counterpart. Many employees from countries like Switzerland or Sweden would
speak English at work and the mother tongue when they go home. Some countries
like Canada even have something the Canadians have named The Bilingual Belt.
Canada's Bilingual Belt - 1-English, 2-English and French,
3-French
By Zorion
via Wikimedia Commons
The Bilingual Belt refers to the regions where instead of either French or
English being predominantly spoken, these regions tend to heavily mix the two
languages where some regions speak only French while others only speak English.
And to make matters even more confusing to tourists, there are regions that
speak an almost equal mix of both English and French. Third, the
consistent increase in immigration has caused people to learn the language of
the new place while preserving that of their own. Lastly, many countries have
adapted laws on bilingual education where students must know how to use the
official language of the country and their dialect plus English. In this case,
students even become more technically good at language that is not their mother
tongue.
Advantages of Bilingualism
 In this ever dynamic world, it has become quite a necessity to speak more
than one language. Bilinguals enjoy the privilege to communicate with people
whose language may not be common to the world. This is because they are able to
connect with those who share their native language, their second language, or
even their foreign language. The following are the advantages of being
bilingual:
1) Cognition
Research shows that when given a test on creative or divergent
thinking, bilinguals score higher than monolinguals. This is due to the fact
that they are believed to be able to think more freely, creatively and
elaborately in the same manner they can process their language use. Being able
to process both L1 and L2 brings benefits even outside of the language
functions. A study conducted by Bialystok in 1986 claims that bilingual children
have increased ability in solving problems that involved higher levels of
linguistic processing.
Additionally, it has fostered the ability to develop word
distinctions, sensitivity to language structures, detection of ambiguities and
correction of ungrammatical and mixed
sentences. Keeping the brain active with this mental process is believed to
lower the risk of suffering from Alzheimer’s in old age.
2) Communication
The ability to speak more than one language is deemed helpful
in keeping family relationships stronger. This is especially true to those who
belong to families from different cultures or subculture. When a child from
these unions know languages both parents have as their mother tongue, it is easy
to maintain links with the extended family. In the same light, bilinguals are
also known to be more sensitive to nuances in communication.
They also develop
the awareness as to what language can be used to speak with a specific person in
a certain situation, picking up clues and able to switch from one language to
another.
3) International relations
The ability to understand and use at least two
different languages opens up new opportunities to extend one’s personal ties
with people from different language-based communities. Additionally, it can help
enhance perspectives on the views and values associated with the language the
bilingual speaks.
A research conducted by Panos Athanasopoulos of Newcastle
University suggests that bilinguals see the world in a different way as they
tend to think differently. It was further stated one does not have to be
proficient in the second language; rather, frequent use is all that is needed.
4) Acculturation
Because language acquisition comes with culture orientations,
bilinguals have the opportunities to experience two cultures, or adapt one that
is not their own. With language and its expressions come knowledge of traditions
and customs. Because language is the channel of communication, speakers capture
the ideas and values of the culture using it. It also helps build interactions
with those in their environment.
It is believed that bilingual societies or even
subcultures are likely to bind with those that share similarities, thus,
overcoming barriers and adapting mutually acceptable behaviors.
5) Tolerance
Though it is yet to be proven scientifically, bilinguals are
believed to be more tolerant than monolinguals. This is because they are open to
diversity and differences as connected with the qualities or structures of the
languages they use. In Britain, a survey suggested that many parents think
raising a bilingual child can help them sustain the rapid changes in society,
making them more tolerant to minorities.
Because learning another language
enhances personality, it is easy to immerse in subcultures where friends in
school or community belong to.
6) Confidence
The ability to speak different languages is known to raise
self-esteem. Depending on territory, bilingualism can be seen as a positive
thing. There are countries where speaking of two languages is deemed necessary
to be competitive in school, or at work in the community. A study done by the
University of Windsor in Canada revealed that bilingual students have higher
self-esteem and social ease.
It was claimed that linguistic proficiency brings
about some psychological advantages to speakers. Being able to communicate with
a diverse group of people we meet every day is proven to boost self-esteem.
7) Academic
achievement
Studies revealed that bilingual school children perform better in school. With
many countries adapting English, for example, as medium of instruction for some
subjects, higher proficiency in this language can result to higher academic
success.
Additionally, when bilinguals are actually immigrants, exposure to the
dominant language in school and in the community increases their fluency in a
short period of time enabling them to keep up with their peers who speak their
second language as the mother tongue. This achievement is linked with their
increased self-confidence,
as well as a wider perspective of the world, and the ability to think
critically.
8) Job Market Competitiveness
Companies seek for people who are able to
communicate with their diverse group of clients. Because bilinguals are in
demand, they have higher chances to find high paying jobs in the media,
marketing or customer service industries. In the US alone, the need for workers
who can speak English and another language has been on a steady rise as global
economy and multinational corporations continue to grow. With globalization
comes the interconnection of economies and companies need people who can
understand what is happening in the world.
A US based company, for example,
seeking to build partnerships with a Japanese corporation, might take the
service of bilingual to decode economic news from Japan before reaching a
decision. Companies shoot down many of the barriers to entering international
markets by employing native language speakers.
Concluding Thoughts
The world is a home to people of different religion, culture and language. With
some parts of the globe becoming melting pots, there is a need for people even
in the dominant culture to learn another language. This necessity is
characterized by the sprouting of language schools offering lessons on the most
popular language of the world. Many institutions of learning also included
foreign languages as part of the curricula. The need to understand the grammar,
structure and
vocabulary
of the language being learned is necessary to achieve bilingual status.
Being bilingual opens opportunities to develop sensitivity, flexibility and
perspectives of the world and its people. It enhances understanding of the
culture and its citizens. Additionally, it can deepen one’s appreciation for the
native tongue. The knowledge of other language and the ability to convey and
understand messages through that medium can boost personal, educational, social
and employment opportunities. Knowing another language improves linguistic and
metalinguistic abilities, enhances cognitive flexibility, reasoning and critical
thinking in general.
The languages you speak are closely related to your identity. It helps shape
how you view the world. In most situations, being bilingual makes you feel at
home at a variety of social contexts, giving you the ability to look at things
from another viewpoint.
Learning
How to Overcome Test Anxiety
15 Incredible Yet Weird Story Lessons About Wisdom
Myths and Realities on Bilingualism
The Benefits of Being Bilingual
Learning Disabilities: Types and Signs
The Role of Listening in Language Learning
Helping Your Child Develop a Love for Writing
How to Teach Your Kids to Read
The Influence of Music on Children’s Learning
Teachers
5 Reasons to Use Norm Referenced Tests in the Classroom
5 Ways to Use Criterion Referenced Test in the Classroom
Photo Memoir: Writing Assignment
Top 5 Things to Know About Your ESL Students’ Backgrounds
Group Work in College ESL Classrooms
How to Teach Business English in ESL Setting
Benefits of Using Graphic Organizers in the Classroom
How to Use Storytelling in Language Teaching
How to Correct Student Essays
The Most Common Problems in ESL Classrooms
Tips on Teaching ESL Students Vocabulary
Praise: A Great Motivator for Student Achievement
Peer Feedback is a Great Tool in Writing Classes
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